Belmont Oaks – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Mostly Sunny

Ten runners have accepted for the $125,000 Listed Belmont Oaks and there have been no early scratchings. The David Harrison stable, Darren McAuliffe stable, and Adam Durrant stable all have two entries each, whilst the remaining trainers have just one entry each.

Searchin’ Rocs has opened up the $1.85 favourite for the Belmont Oaks on the back of her consistent displays in Listed grade. The Velvet Queen is on the second line of betting as she looks to break her string of seconds stepping up to 2000m for the first time.

Mystery Moment rounds out the top three in the betting and despite coming from a weak race, she showed that 2000m is right up her alley and isn’t one to be underestimated.

1. Searchin’ Rocs (7)

Was slow out when fourth in the Raconteur Stakes before heading to the Belmont Guineas where she really hit the line well in second. Extra distance suits as she was 2.7 lengths off Regal Power in the Kingston Town Classic last year. One to beat.

2. Pat’s Got Sass (8)

Been disappointing over her last two runs. Will need to improve.

3. The Velvet Queen (5)

Has been the bridesmaid this preparation and with the step up to 2000m, she has a chance to become the bride. She has run into Zephyra in her past two runs, so it’s good form for this. Big chance.

4. Be Optimistic (9)

Forgive last start as she had an elevated heart rate. Prior to that, she was a three-length winner over the mile in a weaker grade. A return to her previous form will see her competitive.

5. My Fury (1)

Been luckless in both runs this preparation and has to step up from 1400m to 2000m for the first time. Looks as though the extra distance will suit, but take with caution.

6. Snippagem (2)

Likely leader of the race. This looks too tough for her.

7. Mystery Moment (6)

Solid win over 2000m in much weaker company at Pinjarra. Jockey/Trainer cannot be underestimated and due to her experience over 2000m, she has to go into the numbers.

8. Salacia Queen (4)

Too hard for her here.

9. Flower In The Wind (10)

Can’t have.

10. Cartanera (3)

Can’t have.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 Searchin’ Rocs	1 Searchin’ Rocs
7 Mystery Moment	3 The Velvet Queen
3 The Velvet Queen	7 Mystery Moment
4 Be Optimistic	10 Cartanera

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Searchin’ Roc’s
2nd	2 Pat’s Got Sass	0.31 length
3rd	4 Be Optimistic	0.33 length
4th	7 Mystery Moment	0.94 length

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: –