From the Callers Box – February 2024

We’re fresh into 2024, but wheels are already in motion.

The Constellations in July will be upon us in no time.

While many are still catching our breath following the ID23 series, the next big carnival is fast approaching, and plans are starting to take shape.

In particular, the scouting department.

February is an important month because some of the biggest stars in the sport will flex their muscles in Sydney @ Menangle with qualifiers for the Gr.1 Chariots of Fire which is scheduled for March 2.

Then the Miracle Mile follows.

But the Chariots is a crucial event, in particular for Queensland, given that many quality four-year-old’s will then target the Gr.1 Rising Sun @ Albion Park.

As it stands, no pacer has completed the Chariots/Rising Sun double.

The Rising Sun commenced back in 2021, the Chariots winner that year was Expensive Ego who then finished third behind Amazing Dream and Copy That.

And then Better Eclipse won the Chariots in 2022 before finishing as the runner-up behind freakish Victorian mare Ladies In Red.

Last year, Catch A Wave won the Chariots but did not contest the Rising Sun.

Leap To Fame, the best pacer in the country (then & now), won the Rising Sun last year.

So, will 2024 be the year for the Chariots/Rising Sun double?

It looks like Queensland will have several representatives chasing the double headlined by the likes of For Real Life (Trent Dawson), Frankie Ferocious (Crosby – Grimson) plus Aardies Flash and Wisper A Secret (Turpin/McMullen).

All of the above mentioned are high quality performers and could easily claim the double.

But what about the interstate raiders? Who’s leading the charge?

New South Wales Derby winner Better Be The Best is an obvious but so is dual Gr.1 winner Captains Knock, already a winner in 1:50.1 this year.

The Victorians will also have strong reps headlined by the Emma Stewart/Clayton Tonkin stable while Captain Hammerhead, Dangerous and Son Of Mac are likely types.

And the Kiwis will be super strong with Don’t Stop Dreaming, Merlin and Sooner The Bettor all making the trip across the ditch.

Whoever takes the Chariots this year, let’s hope they’re bound for Brisbane later this year.

The 2024 Constellations will be here before you realise.

Will you be ready?

Until next time.