Group 1 racing is almost over in Australia for another year but first, we’re back to Ascot one final time for the Northerly Stakes!
The Northerly Stakes almost always proves to be the most intriguing Group 1 feature in Perth every season, with a host of talented three-year-olds featuring alongside some genuine stars on the honour roll.
I’ve run the rule over every galloper in this year’s field, and you can find my complete 2023 Northerly Stakes Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 5 Units straight out #1 Zaaki
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Northerly Stakes – Winner
There is quite clearly a standout top pick in this year’s Northerly Stakes field in my opinion, and Zaaki is going to take a power of beating on Saturday.
The multiple Group 1 winner is yet to strike in four starts back this season, but he’s been excellent in some of Australasia’s best races, and was last seen finishing fourth in the Champions Stakes.
His record easily trumps anything else in this field, and with James McDonald heading west for the ride, I think the horse wins easily.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Zaaki
Northerly Stakes – 2nd
She finished second in the Railway Stakes a fortnight ago, and I think that Alsephina will finish second again in the Northerly Stakes.
The Star Turn mare has proven to be the real standout for Grant & Alana Williams since their stable shakeup, and she has won nine of her fourteen career starts to date, placing on every other occasion.
She has incredibly finished second at each of three starts back this time, and it that that her late work in the Railway suggested that the 1800m would be ideal this week.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Alsephina
Northerly Stakes – 3rd
I’ve had something on Zipaway a few times this campaign, and he really does look a genuine lightweight chance in the Northerly Stakes.
The three-year-old son of Playing Gold has won three of four starts back this time, peaking with an eye-catching performance and victory in the WA Guineas a fortnight ago.
Plenty of horses have done the Guineas/Northerly double, and jockey Stephen Parnham has interestingly elected to jump off Railway Stakes winner Bustler to instead partner this stablemate.
Suggested Bet: No. 15 Zipaway
Northerly Stakes – 4th
He was a popular winner amongst local racing fans in the Railway Stakes a fortnight ago, so of course Bustler will attempt to make it two in a row in Saturday’s Northerly Stakes.
The Playing God gelding has improved noticeably with each start back this time, and there is absolutely no doubt that he returned a career-best performance here a fortnight ago; it was truly impressive.
He’s hard fit and drawn well, but he does rise in the weights.
Suggested Bet: No. 10 Bustler