Adelaide Cup – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Lion’s Share there are 15 runners remaining for the $302,250 Adelaide Cup. Eight of them are seven-year olds, three are four-year-olds, two are five-year-olds and two are six-year-olds. There is only one mare. Three runners had their last start in the Listed Torney Night Cup over 2500m on 18 February, three in the Listed Roy Higgins Quality over 2600m at Flemington on 5 March. three in a 2500m handicap at Murray Bridge on 5 March, two in the Group 3 Lord Reim Stakes over 2600m at Morphettville on 26 February, while the rest came via different lead-up races. Phillip Stokes and Ryan Balfour have two runners each.

The early favourite is four-year-old  Daqiansweet Junior who won four starts in a row before running 2nd in the Torney Night Cup last start. Second favourite is topweight Skelm who won the Torney Night Cup. Third favourite is Tigertiger who finished 2nd in the Roy Higgins Quality last outing.

Aurora’s Symphony won the Colac Cup and the Launceston Cup at his last two starts.  Future Score was 3rd in the Roy Higgins following 5th in the Torney Night Cup. Good Idea won this race last year and finished 2nd in 2020, while Abreed has been runner-up at his last two starts, both over 2500m All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Skelm

This seven-year-old Animal Kingdom gelding won the Torney Night Cup over 2500m last outing by 3 lengths and got stronger as he went to the line. He has won up to 2600m but has never tackled the 3200m before. He looks to be one of the major chances following his last run.

2. Aurora’s Symphony

Drawn the outside barrier, this five-year-old won the Colac Cup over 2000m on 11 February, then was a 1.5 length winner of the Group 3 Launceston Cup over 2400m on 23 February. The form from that race stands up with runner-up Ho Ho Khan running 4th in the Group 1 Australian Cup on Saturday. Hasn’t won past 2400m but looks a place chance here.

3. Future Score

At his last two starts he was 5th in the Torney Night Cup then 3rd in the Roy Higgins and with the winners of both those races running here I don’t think he can win but he will run his usual honest race.

4. Good Idea

One of two runners for Phillip Stokes, he is one of two runners who has won at this distance (the other is Dragon Storm). He won last year after being runner-up in 2020. His lead-up form is not as good this year but he always goes well at Morphettville. Don’t dismiss.

5. Daqiansweet Junior

The other runner for Phillip Stokes, This four-year-old won four races in a row before finishing 2nd to Skelm in the Torney Night Cup last outing. Has won up to 2500m and if he gets the distance he will be in the finish.

6. Tigertiger

Was 2nd in the Roy Higgins last start and won the Listed Bagot Handicap over 2800m at the start of the year. Has won 5 of 12 races this campaign and is one of the key chances.

7. Dragon Storm

Sired by Shocking who won the 2009 Melbourne Cup, this seven-year-old can stay all day and has two wins over this distance. He won the Listed Sandown Cup over this distance in November but only beat one home in the Torney Night Cup at his latest start. Will get the distance but others will probably get there first.

8. Canford

One of two runners for Ryan Balfour. He won the Lord Reims over 2600m last start, which is a traditional lead-up for this race. Has claims.

9. Eperdument

The only mare in the race. She finished 2nd in this race last year. At her latest start she finished 3rd in the Lord Reims which is exactly what she did last year before she went on to be runner-up in this race. Could surprise again.

10. Oath Of Omerta

This four-year-old won over 2500m at Murray Bridge last start for his 3rd win in his last 4 starts. This is a big rise in grade but he’ll run well.

11. Jekyll’n’hyde

He has won his last two starts – both over 3000m. Looks a genuine staying type and I think he’ll be in the first 6 home.

12. Lion’s Share –  SCRATCHED

13. Santelmo Fuego

Has only beat 3 runners home in his last 3 runs. This looks too hard.

14. Abreed

This Dundeel gelding has been runner-up at his last 2 starts.Could place.

15. Busker’s Ballad

The 2nd of the Ryan Balfour runners. Won over 2250m at Morphettville Parks on 19 February, then was 0.5 length 2nd over 2500m at Murray Bridge. Rough hopes.

16. Turf Man

Starting from the inside barrier he has raced at Morphettville 20 times without a win. This is too hard.

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

Jo’s Tips
5 Daqiansweet Junior
6 Tigertiger
1 Skelm
11 Jekyll’n’hyde

Listed Cinderella Stakes 2022 (Morphettville 1050m)

Listed C S Hayes Memorial Cup 2022 (Morphettville 1600m)

Listed Canberra Cup 2022 (Canberra 2000m)

Listed Canberra Guineas 2022 (Canberra 1400m)