Balaklava Cup – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a maximum of 16 runners for the $107,250 Balaklava Cup. There were 19 acceptors and following the early scratchings of My Boy Birmingham and Night Passage,there is still one emergency. There are 13 geldings and four mares, with 3 five-year-olds, 8 six-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds, 3 eight-year-olds and a nine-year-old. Will Clarken has five runners, while Tony & Calvin McEvoy, John Hickmott & Carrina Riggs and Michael Hickmott all have two runners each (even though the two early scratchings were both from the McEvoy stable). Five runners had their last start in the Leon Macdonald Stakes on 27 August.

The early favourite is five-year-old mare Agreeable who will be ridden by Jamie Kah. Second favouritism is shared between No Name Lane who has won three of his last 4 races, and Yuri Royale who has won his last two starts.

Oh Mo has placed at his last two starts and has been very consistent this preparation.  Not Usual Glorious comes off three wins in a row. Coolth has been racing well in Melbourne while Unlaced won over this distance at Morphettville last start. The other runners are all over 12 to 1.

1. Not Usual Glorious (15)

This six-year-old Fiorente gelding has won his last three races in a row at Casterton, Caulfield and Moonee Valley. He’s had a six week let-up and is one of the main chances, despite his wide draw.

2. Winning Partner (17)

The only horse to ever win back-to-back Balaklava Cups, having won in 2020 and 2021. Tony & Calvin also won this race in 2019 with Brown Ben. Chasing history here and gets the winkers back on. Don’t dismiss.

3. Grinzinger Star (3)

This seven-year-old gelding has been flying on his home track of Port Augusta but has only beat one runner home at his last two starts in Adelaide. Prefer others.

4. My Boy Birmingham (11)  – SCRATCHED

5. Noname Lane (18)

One of five runners for Will Clarken, he has drawn the outside barrier. Has won three from six this campaign and loves this distance. In the mix.

6. Agreeable (16)

Another Clarken runner and has also drawn wide. She ran 2.8 lengths 7th in the Leon Macdonald where she peaked in the final 100m. The booking of Jamie Kah is a big plus but she hasn’t won beyond 1400m and I feel she could fade at the end. One of the chances.

7. Night Passage (19)  – SCRATCHED

8. Extreme Thrill (2)

This eight-year-old worked home solidly for 2.5 lengths  6th in the Leon Macdonald. Has drawn nicely and is a rough place chance.

9. Classy Joe (10)

He ran 3rd in this race last year. One of two runners for John Hickmott and Carrina Riggs (the other is emergency France’s Boy). Hasn’t been going very well this campaign. Prefer others.

10.Unlaced (14)

This six-year-old mare is one of two runners for Michael Hickmott. She ran 2nd three times in a row before winning over 1600m at Morphettville on 3 September. She fought gamely for that win and is capable of upsetting the favourite here.

11. Hidden Legend (12)

Another of the Clarken team. He was a 2.7 length winner over 1300m at Morphettville Parks on 10 September and is on a back-up of four days. Genuine contender.

12. Oh Mo (8)

He has two 3rds over 1400m from his last two starts and I think the extra 200m will suit. Expecting him to go well.

13. So Say Angel (5)

Trained by Ryan Balfour who won this race with Balf”s Choice in 2017, and ridden by Jason Holder who won this race on Little Akie in 2016 and Longshoreman in 2014, She’s had two wins this campaign and can make her presence felt.

14. Zoulah (9)

Finished 1.2 lengths 5th in the Leon Macdonald. Could surprise.

15. Lake’s Folly (4)

Ran 2nd at Murray Bridge on 20 August, then 4th over 1300m at Morphettville Parks on 10 September which was her fifth 4th placing in six starts this campaign. On a four day back-up but looking to others.

16. Yuri Royale (6)

Has won two in a row over 1600m at Murray Bridge and has excellent statistics at this distance. Capable of being in the finish.

17. Coolth (1)

Nicely drawn in barrier 1. Has been racing well over further in Melbourne, but prefer others.

18. He’s Exclusive (7)

Placed over 1600m at Morphettville last start but is hard to follow. Looking elsewhere.

19. France’s Boy (13)

Currently an emergency runner. Not the worst.

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

Jo’s Tips
12 Oh Mo
10 Unlaced
6 Agreeable
1 Not Usual Glorious

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Noname Lane
2nd	14 Zoulah	0.5 length
3rd	12 Oh Mo	0.9 length
4th	10 Unlaced	1.1 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 4. My Boy Birmingham, 7. Night Passage, 19. France’s Boy.