Australian Guineas – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Showers

There is a full field of 16 + two emergencies for what shapes as a vintage Group 1 Australian Guineas.  The key lead up race is the CS Hayes Stakes.  Six of the last seven winners of this race had their last start in it and eight come through it this year.  The current favourite in a wide open betting race is the Spring Champion Stakes winner Prefondo.  He was originally down to run in Sydney but comes to Melbourne to avoid the wet conditions expected at Randwick.  The resuming Hitotsu is the second favourite.  He could not of been more impressive winning the Victoria Derby and is one of the most exciting gallopers in the country.

Captitvant was third in the CS Hayes last start and finished second in the Caulfield Guineas in the spring.  Pinstriped was the winner of the CS Hayes and is unbeaten.  Forgot You ran the fastest last 200m of the entire meeting first up and strips fitter here.  Lightsaber won his only previous start at Flemington.  Coastwatch and Ranch Hand are prepared by champion trainer Chris Waller, while Pascero was only collared late last start and maps to get a good run.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Hitotsu

One of the most exciting gallopers in the country.  Finished fifth in the Caulfield Guineas before a breath taking win in the Victoria Derby.  Resumes here off one public trial at Cranbourne.  This is going to take a huge effort fresh but Maher & Eustace are the camp to do it.

2. Capitivant

Was second in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.  Resumed with a sixth at Randwick, then improved to finish third in the CS Hayes last start.  Right platform and camp to run well here.

3. Profondo

Resumes.  Star colt in the making.  Won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes by 2.3 lengths at start three then spelled.  Won recent trial impressively on the synthetic in Sydney.  He has the class to win this fresh.  Key player.

4. Forgot You

Hit the line strongly in the CS Hayes first up.  That was a nice pipe opener for this.  Mark Zahra sticks.  Genuine winning chance at the double figure quote.

5. Alegron

Was second in last years Victorian Derby.  Poked through late in the CS Hayes first up.  Damian Oliver goes on.  Consider for multiples at a big price.

6. Coastwatch

One of two Chris Waller runners.  Group 1 placed last prep over 1400m.  Narrow winner of the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield first up.  Gets no favours from the outside gate but does like wet ground.

7. Lightsaber

Not much has gone right this prep.  Missed the start horribly in the CF Orr, then scratched at the gates in the CS Hayes.  Not sure where he is at.

8. Rand Hand

Was a listed winner here in the spring over 1100m and his fourth behind Anamoe last start reads well for this.  First try at the mile is the query.

9. Pinstriped

Unbeaten gelding trained by Enver Jusufovic.  Bolt in in a Moe maiden on debut then tipped out.    Won the Vobis Carrot at the Valley first up, then strong late to win the CS Hayes last start.  Ready to peak here third up for an inform Michael Dee.  Can win.

10. Rhinoceros

Ninth in the CS Hayes last start.  Think he lacks the class to be featuring here.

11. Spirit Of Gaylard

Showed talent in the spring.  Only fair first up but did have a slow recovery rate.  Wouldn’t shock to see him improve.

12. Sharp Response

Was in the wrong section of the track last time but not sure there is much improvement left for him.  Prefer others.

13. Prix De Turn

Finished midfield in the Caulfield Guineas.  Too classy when dropping back to maiden grade last start.  This is harder.

14. Zerelle

Unbeaten this prep.  Latest won a benchmark 70 at Moonee Valley by 1.5 lengths.  Faces a big class rise here.

15. Pascero

Progressive colt still in his first preparation.  Won twice at Sandown, then was a good second in the CS Hayes.  Drawn well with Damian Lane in the saddle.  Roughie with a chance.

16. Bon’s A Pearla

Sole filly in the field.  Can’t make a case for her.

17. Maurice’s Medad – 1st Emergency

Only one win from eleven but he is better than that.  Strung up in traffic in the Hobartville then got going late.  Consider for multiples at a big price.

18. Corona Lad – 2nd Emergency

Had the right run in the CS Hayes and only whacked away to finish midfield.   Think he lacks the class to be winning here.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3. Profondo	9. Pinstriped
2. Captivant	1. Hitotsu
9. Pinstriped	4. Forgot You
15. Pascero	3. Profondo

Group 1 Randwick Guineas 2022 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 1 Canterbury Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1300m)

Group 2 Blamey Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)