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.
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