Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 9 mares lining up for the $125,000 Starstruck Classic. There are four 4YOs, two 5YOs, two 6YOs and one 7YO. Three runners had their last start in the Listed Jungle Dawn Classic over 1400m at Ascot on 3 December, two in a RTG 72+ Handicap over 1600m at Ascot on 10 December, while the other 4 came via different races. One is first-up from a spell and there are 3 last-start winners. Trainer Neville Parnham has two runners.

The early favourite is Alsephina who is on a seven day back-up after winning her 4th consecutive race last outing. Second favourite is Treasured Star who was 2.7 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes last outing. Third favourite is Buzzoom who won the Jungle Dawn Classic last outing. Ginger Flyer resumed for 9th in the Jungle Dawn Classic but has 4 wins at this track and should improve second-up, while Playing Marika finished 2nd in this race last year. The other runners are currently 15 to 1 or longer.

1. Treasured Star (6)

This 4YO mare has 4 wins from 9 starts and has raced at Group 1 level at her last 2 starts. She won the Group 2 Asian Beau Stakes before 6th in the G1 Railway Stakes then 2.7 lengths 7th in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes last outing. One of the main chances.

2. Buzzoom (8)

Won the Jungle Dawn Classic last outing for her 6th win at Ascot. Has hit form at the right time and is a key player.

3. Ginger Flyer (2)

Resumed for 9th in the Jungle Dawn Classic but has 4 wins at this track and should improve second-up. Goes well over 1600m and is a rough place chance.

4. Sentimental Queen (1)

Resumes after 32 weeks and has good first-up statistics. Has drawn the inside barrier. Respect.

5. Playing Marika (5)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. Peaked late when 2 lengths 7th to Alsephina last outing. Prefer others.

6. Alsephina (4)

This 4YO is on a seven day back-up after winning her 4th consecutive race last outing. Her career record is 7 wins and 2 places from 9 starts. She has won 4 from 4 at this track amd looks the top pick.

7. Gunmetal Grey (7)

Ran on strongly for a length 2nd in the Jungle Dawn Classic. Hasn’t won at Ascot in 11 outings here and is untested at 1600m. Others have better chances.

8. Piccola Signora (9)

Has disappointed in both runs this campaign. Looking elsewhere.

9. Vitalize (3)

She has won her last 3 starts over 1400m at Northam on 16 November, 1400m at Belmont on 23 November and 1600m at Ascot on 10 December. Outside hope.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips
6 Alsephina
2 Buzzoom
1 Treasured Star
9 Vitalize