Bunbury Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 15 runners for the 2024 TABtouch Bunbury Stakes with 13 geldings and 2 mares. There are two 4YOs, seven 5YOs, three 6YOs, two 7YOs and one 8YO. Thirteen runners had their last start in the Pinjarra Classic over 1300m at Pinjarra Scarpside on 25th February 2024 (won by River Rubicon), while the other 2 came via different races. Two runners are sired by Awesome Rock and two by Oratorio. Trainers Grant & Alana Williams have 2 runners.

The betting is very open. Early favouritism is shared between Mojo Rhythm who resumed after 11 weeks for 1.3 lengths 4th in the Pinjarra Classic coming from 14th with the best closing splits, and Red Fifty Three who blundered near the 200m in that race after winning at Ascot the start before. Next is the betting  is River Rubicon who was the winner of that race. Searchin’ Roc’s ran a huge race in the Pinjarra Classic to finish a close runner-up. Multinational was a last start winner over 1400m at Pinjarra on 17th February, while Aztec Ruler started favourite in the Pinjarra Classic when first-up after 21 weeks but was unable to finish it off. The other runners are currently $10 or longer.

1. Trix Of The Trade (13)

Resumed for 3.3 lengths 10th in the Pinjarra Classic over 1300m at Pinjarra Scarpside on 25th February 2024 (won by River Rubicon). He has a big weight and a wide barrier but can still make his presence felt.

2. Hot Zed (5)

Ran 3rd in this race in 2022. Lost a plate in the Pinjarra Classic where he finished 1.7 lengths 6th. In the mix.

3. Karli’s Karma (14)

Returns from a 12 week let-up and has drawn wide. Prefer others.

4. Searchin’ Roc’s (15)

She ran a huge race in the Pinjarra Classic to finish a close runner-up. Drawn the outside barrier but still looks a major chance.

5. River Rubicon (7)

He was the winner of the Pinjarra Classic when resuming from a let-up. That was an impressive return and he can be in the finish again.

6. Mojo Rhythm (11)

Resumed after 11 weeks for 1.3 lengths 4th in the Pinjarra Classic coming from 14th with the best closing splits. Like his chances.

7. Aztec Ruler (3)

Started favourite in the Pinjarra Classic when first-up after 21 weeks but was unable to finish it off and ran 9th. Has won 5 of his 11 starts so expect him to improve.

8. Cheval De Vaga (9)

This 8YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. Faded to finish 8th in the Pinjarra Classic. Prefer others.

9. Cold Shizzle (2)

One of two runner sired by Awesome Rock (the other is Searchin’ Roc’s). Finished 0.4 length 4th in the Pinjarra Classic. Place chance.

10. Crescent City (4)

One of 2 runners for Grant & Alana Williams (the other is Red Fifty Three). Ran 13th when resuming in the Pinjarra Classic. Has placed at both previous runs at this track.

11. Mood Swings (1)

Drawn perfectly. Struck interference in the Pinjarra Classic and only beat one home. Not keen.

12. Multinational (8)

Last start winner in a Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1400m at Pinjarra on 17th February. Place chance.

13. Red Fifty Three (10)

Blundered near the 200m in the Pinjarra Classic after winning at Ascot the start before. Not the worst.

14. Saintorio (12)

One of 2 runners sired by Oratorio (the other is Weaponson). Was last in the Pinjarra Classic and has struggled to find form this campaign.

15. Weaponson (6)

Has been up for a long time and hasn’t won for a while. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
4 Searchin’ Roc’s
6 Mojo Rhythm
5 River Rubicon
12 Multinational

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Aztec Ruler
2nd	13 Red Fifty Three	0.3 length
3rd	11 Mood Swings	1.3 lengths
4th	15 Weaponson	2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 3. Karli’s Karma.