Track: Soft 5 Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Cleveland there are 11 runners for the 2024 Motorama Tattersall’s Cup. They are all geldings with one 3YO, three 4YOs, two 5YOs, one 6YO, one 7YO and two 8YOs. Six runners had their last start in the Group 2 Q22 over 2200m at Eagle Farm on 15th June (won by Fawkner Park) and two in the Listed Ipswich Cup over 2150m on 22nd June (won by Red Wave), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Tavistock. Danny O’Brien and Annabel Neasham have 2 runners each.

The early favourite is Knight’s Choice who ran 2nd in the Q22 after being wide throughout. Second favourite is Young Werther who who was 6th in that race and was also wide throughout. He was 3rd in this race last year. Third favourite is the beautifully-bred stayer Serpentine who likes this track and has won at the distance. Spirit Ridge was 7th in the Q22 and carries less weight here. He was runner-up in this race last year. 2019 Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare was 4th in the Q22 and always runs an honest race. Naval College faded to finish 14th in the Q22 but handles soft going well, while Almairac has won 3 of 4 starts this campaign in much easier races. All other runners are currently over $14.

1. Vow And Declare (8)

Finished 4th in the Group 2 Q22 over 2200m at Eagle Farm on 15th June and always runs an honest race

2. Cleveland (10)

SCRATCHED

3. Tapildoodledo (3)

Looks tested here.

4. Serpentine (12)

Beautifully-bred stayer who likes this track and has won at the distance. Has won 2 of his last 4 starts. Chance.

5. Spirit Ridge (4)

Runner-up in this race last year. was 7th in the Q22 and carries less weight here. One of the main chances.

6. Naval College (7)

Faded to finish 14th in the Q22 but handles soft going well. Hasn’t really fired so far this campaign.

7. Knight’s Choice (2)

Ran 2nd in the Q22 after being wide throughout. Main chance.

8. London Banker (6)

Won this race in 2022. Close 2nd in the Listed Ipswich Cup over 2150m on 22nd June. Don’t dismiss.

9. Young Werther (5)

Finished 3rd in this race last year. Ran 6th in the Q22 after being wide throughout. Place chance.

10. El Bodegon (1)

Has finished well back at all 3 runs this preparation. Looking elsewhere.

11. Almairac (11)

Has won 3 of 4 starts this campaign in much easier races. Could surprise.

12. Encoder (9)

This 3YO was 1.2 lengths 3rd in the Ipswich Cup last start.Place chance.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Knight’s Choice
5 Spirit Ridge
4 Serpentine
1 Vow And Declare

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Vow And Declare
2nd	9 Young Werther	0.23 length
3rd	7 Knight’s Choice	1.01 lengths
4th	4 Serpentine	2.41 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 2. Cleveland, 6. Naval College.