W J McKell Cup – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

There are nine runners for the $150,000 W J McKell Cup, including one mare. Two of the runners had their last start in a BM 94 Handicap over 1800m at Rosehill on 4 June, while the rest came through different races. Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have two runners, while Chris Waller has three. Two of the runners are sired by Camelot.

The early favourite is Surf Dancer who won over 1800m at Rosehill a fortnight ago. Second favouritism is shared between Dr Drill who finished 0.5 length 2nd in the Scone Cup last outing, and Skyman who finished 1.4 lengths 3rd to Surf Dancer last start. Youth Spirit is a British import having his first start in Australia and his first run for a new trainer after a 43 week spell.

1. Southern France (5)

This seven-year-old Galileo gelding trained by Matthew Smith resumes from a long spell of almost a year. This will his first run for his new trainer and although he has been trialling well he has never won first-up before and I don’t expect that to change here. Looking to others.

2. Berdibek (7)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. Followed 11th in the Scone Cup on 13 May with 5th in the Lord Mayors Cup over 1800m on 28 May. Prefer others.

3. Dr Drill (3)

Came from well back in the field to finish 0.5 length 2nd in the Scone Cup last outing. The rise in distance should suit and he should be in the finish. Can win.

4. Spirit Ridge (9)

He has been unplaced in all five runs this preparation and comes back in distance. Has the outside barrier. Needs to show improvement.

5. Surf Dancer (6)

One of two runners for Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott who won this race with Hush Writer in 2019. Gai Waterhouse has also won it a couple of times as a sole trainer. This five-year-old won over 1800m at Rosehill a fortnight ago after leading all the way. One of the main chances.

6. The Frontman (8)

One of three runners for Chris Waller. He ran 0.4 length 2nd in the Lord Mayors Cup at this track and distance two starts back, then was well beaten when 7.9 lengths 7th over 1600m at Randwick on 11 June. On a seven day back-up and in the mix.

7. Youth Spirit (1)

A British import having his first start in Australia and his first run for a new trainer (Waterhouse & Bott) after a 43 week spell.  Sired by Camelot as is Welsh Legend. Prefer to see.

8. Skyman (2)

This Waller runner finished 1.4 lengths 3rd to Surf Dancer last start. Has an excellent record over 2000m and should at least place.

9. Welsh Legend (4)

The only mare in the race and part of the Waller team. She has a win and a place from three starts at this track and distance combination and can make her presence felt. One for the exotics.

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

Jo’s Tips	Josh’s Tips
3 Dr Drill	5 Surf Dancer
5 Surf Dancer	8 Skyman
8 Skyman	3 Dr Drill
9 Welsh Legend	2 Berdibek