A.T.A. Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Cloudy

There are 10 runners lining up for the $125,000 A.T.A. Stakes, with 9 geldings and one mare. There are two 5YOs, three 6YOs, three 7YOs and two 8YOs. Seven runners had their last start in the Listed G.A. Towton Cup over 2200m at Ascot on 10 December, while the other 3 ran in a RTG 66+ Handicap over 2100m at Ascot on 3 December. Trainer Adam Durrant has four runners.

The early favourite is Truly Inspired who won 2 in a row before finishing 6th as favourite last outing where he was found to be lame. Second favourite is Neufbosc who won this race in 2020 and was 3rd in the Towton Cup. Third favourite is Coolth who won over 2100m at Ascot last outing, while Pure Devotion finished 2nd in this race last year and was 6th in the Towton Cup. The other runners are currently 10 to 1 or longer.

1. Neufbosc (3)

This 7YO won this race in 2020, At his last 2 starts he was 2nd in the A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m in late November, then 3rd in the Towton Cup. Likes this track and distance and is one of the chances.

2. Stafford’s Lad (1)

He won this race last year. Won the Kalgoorlie Cup over 2200m in October but has finished in the back half of the fiels at his 3 most recent starts. Was 9th in the Towton Cup. Prefer others.

3. Utgard Loki (2)

One of 4 runners for trainer Adam Durrant. He ran 2nd in this race in 2020. Raced wide without cover in the Towton Cup where he finished 5th and is a place chance.

4. Black Shadow (4)

Faded to finish 8th in the Towton Cup. Hasn’t won for some time and looking to others.

5. Cockney Crew (9)

Was the early leader but was no match for the winner in the run to the line and finished 3.2 lengths 2nd in the Towton Cup. Can’t dismiss.

6. Come Right Back (10)

Unplaced in all 5 runs this campaign and finished 7th in the Towton Cup. Does have 4 wins at this distance. Not the worst.

7. Pure Devotion (5)

The only mare in the race, and one of the Durrant runners. She finished 2nd in this race last year and was 6th in the Towton Cup. Gets the blinkers back on and should run well.

8. Coolth (6)

Surprise winner over 2100m at Ascot last outing at big odds. That was his 2nd start in WA and he looked good. Can be in the finish here.

9. Mystery Island (8)

Has won or placed at his last 4 starts. Finished 1.5 lengths 3rd behind Coolth last outing and capable of placing again.

10. Truly Inspired (7)

Won 2 in a row at Ascot (1800m then 2200m) before finishing 6th behind Coolth as favourite last outing where he was found to be lame. Forgive that run and he looks to have strong claims here. William Pike a bonus.

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

Jo’s Tips
10 Truly Inspired
8 Coolth
1 Neufbosc
9 Mystery Island