As the sun sets on the Australian racing calendar for 2023, punters face a heart-stopping challenge in the final Group 2 race of the year: the Ted Van Heemst Stakes at Ascot Racecourse in WA. Buckle up, fans, for this Saturday’s showdown in Perth promises a nail-biting finish.
Zoumon is narrow favourite to salute in Perth’s Ted Van Heemst Stakes 2023 on Saturday in WA. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Six formidable steeds converge on the 2100m track, all primed to claim the coveted $300,000 prize. With most runners boasting single-figure odds, predicting the victor is no easy feat.
Zoumon, a five-year-old son of Zoustar five-year-old trained by the powerhouse duo of Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, currently takes pole position as the top elect at $3.10 through Ladbrokes.
This Grafton Cup and Caloundra Cup double champion might be searching for his first win this preparation, but his class and recent form, including a runner-up finish in the lucrative Five Diamonds and a credible performance in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, speak volumes. With Rachel King in the saddle from barrier six, Zoumon boasts an additional edge.
But don’t discount veteran Numerian, the $3.50 second favourite trained by Annabel Neasham.
While this eight-year-old hasn’t graced the winner’s circle since June last year, his pedigree and past achievements, including a fifth in the Caulfield Cup and a Melbourne Cup appearance, speak for themselves.
His recent Group 1 placings in the Australian Cup and Doomben Cup earlier in the year solidify his credentials.
For local pride, keep an eye on Casino Seventeen ($4.40) from the stables of Grant & Alana Williams, and the Lou Luciani-trained Marocchino ($4.60).
Darren McAulliffe’s The Velvet Queen ($8.50) might be an outsider, but her rails draw could change the game.
With such tight odds and experienced campaigners ready to battle, the 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes promises a thrilling finale to the Perth Summer Racing Carnival.
Will Zoumon reign supreme, or will a seasoned contender snatch the crown? Tune in at 3:43 pm AWST on Saturday to find out!
2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field & Barriers
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 426256×947 | NUMERIAN (IRE) | Annabel Neasham | Clint Johnston-Porter | 2 | 59kg | 109 | |
| 2 | 5x2111x029 | ZOUMON | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Ms Rachel King | 6 | 59kg | 108 | |
| 3 | 1x10x01787 | MAROCCHINO | Lou Luciani | Troy Turner | 3 | 59kg | 110 | |
| 4 | 5912×80907 | STARTRADE | Daniel Morton | Brad Parnham | 5 | 59kg | 99 | |
| 5 | 12311×3420 | CASINO SEVENTEEN | Grant & Alana Williams | Jarrad Noske | 4 | 59kg | 97 | |
| 6 | 1211x2x690 | THE VELVET QUEEN | Darren McAuliffe | Patrick Carbery | 1 | 57kg | 98 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.
The post Perth Cup Hopefuls Clash in 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field of Six appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.
