The first Group l for the calendar year comes around this Saturday at Sandown, with I’m Thunderstruck and Jacquinot clashing in the CF Orr Stakes (1800m).
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 CF Orr Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the CF Orr Stakes
2023 CF Orr Stakes Speed Map
In recent years there hasn’t been much speed in the CF Orr but I think that will change this Saturday with several go forward types engaged. Tuvalu is first up and is drawn the pole. He’ll likely land box seat, with Gentleman Roy leading. Mr Brightside can go forward but first up, potentially with bigger fish to fry, they will likely drag back for cover. Turaath will hold a forward spot from the gate. Jacquinot, you’d hope, will use the gate to advantage. Stablemate I’m Thunderstruck will be likely last and needing luck.
2023 CF Orr Stakes Runner Preview:
1.I’m Thunderstruck: I’m Thunderstruck looks ready to rock and roll for the Price/Kent team despite eyes are on bigger prizes. He had a fab Spring and was enormous on a number of occasions, notably in the Cox Plate when a fast finishing second to Anamoe. His jumpout/trial work has been as good as he has produced IMO and I do think Sandown will suit him much better than Caulfield. He’s clearly the one to beat.
2.Mr Brightside: He was very good at the start of his Spring prep, but he did contest much weaker races than this. They went forward in early races in the Spring. Fascinating to see where they go from the gate, whether they press forward or drag back, find the back of I’m Thunderstruck and finish off strong. Happy to risk.
3.Tuvalu: Blinkers on first up in a Group l = intent deluxe. Toorak winner who ran a super race in the Champions Mile behind Alligator Blood to end a fab Spring prep. I think he’s well found at around $6 but the intent is there and he maps to get the perfect run. A win wouldn’t shock at all.
4.Callsign Mav: Sir Rupert Clarke winner who had a mixed Spring but did win that Group l and I think that is where he is best suited. He is a handicapper just below the big boys and girls, not a WFA Group l horse. Pass.
5.Western Empire: Western Empire is one I could include in wider multiples. He’s had a couple of runs for John Leek Jr and while he hasn’t quite set the world on fire in those runs, I thought he worked home okay late in the piece two weeks back in the Australia Stakes behind Jigsaw. Love him up to 1400m and getting to the bigger track, I think he can run a much improved race.
6.Aegon: Best version of Aegon would see him go close. Just not sure he can reach the level he was at as a three year old. Last run came at Group l level at Trentham in the Captain Cook and IMO, he was given a 12/10 and wasn’t good enough in a thin race. Can’t see him threatening these.
7.Gentleman Roy: He’s another horse that has the map in his corner because he looks the leader, and potentially sole leader. He led throughout to win the John Dillon on Australia Day and was strong to the line in winning. Lands in front, genuine, hard to run down…class the query maybe? But he’ll give a bold sight.
8.Nugget: He’s an X Factor because we just don’t know how good he is. He beat up average horses in the Summer but did it with ease and with something in hand. The query being a genuine tempo because the wins were in slowly run races. Will he thrive in a fast run race? He could be even better. Watch the market.
9.Turaath: Maddie Raymond trained mare that should lob into a lovely spot from the gate. Resumed with a good second in the Australia Stakes but not sure how strong that form is for this. Happy to let her go through to the keeper.
10.Jacquinot: Jacquinot has the class and brilliance to measure up. He resumed in the Manfred on Australia Day where he looked gone and was whacking halfway down the straight but he picked up and launched late nearer the inside to drive hard late and win in the last stride. He’ll eat up 1400m here and with the run under the belt, weight pull, he appeals big time.
2023 CF Orr Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Keeping it simple. Backing the two best horses IMO with I’m Thunderstruck and Jacquinot, $50 each to win.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3150
Group l Strategy Return: $1613.50
