Bill Ritchie Handicap – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Ten runners have accepted for the $200,000 Group 3 Bill Ritchie Stakes and there has been one early scratching. The Chris Waller stable has three runners entered for the event, James Cummings has two runners entered, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Cross Talk has opened up the early favourite at $2.80. He has had a freshen up following his 1.3 length third in the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury. Prior to that, he was a good winner in the Winter Challenge by two lengths.

O’President is on the second line of betting at $3.40. Has had two trials for his new stable in Bjorn Baker, which were both big eye-catchers and he will be looking to improve on what he achieved last preparation with the Chris Waller stable.

Top Ranked rounds out the top 3 at $6.00. He had just the one start in the Autumn, finishing fifth in the Chipping Norton behind Verry Elleegant. He was only 1.3 lengths off them and was found to be 3/5 lame, so he should have a good preparation this time in.

1. Top Ranked (2)

Returning after 203 days. He had just the one start in the Autumn, finishing fifth in the Chipping Norton behind Verry Elleegant. He was only 1.3 lengths off them and was found to be 3/5 lame. Two trials this time in and should run a bold race.

2. Purple Sector (4)

Entered for Newcastle on Friday. Resumed last start with a nice second behind Old Flamein a benchmark 100. He can make his presence known here but I think he is a place chance at best.

3. Blaze A Trail (10)

SCRATCHED

4. Paternal (9)

Returning after 112 days. Finished last preparation with a tight second in the Queensland Derby. He has had two trials in preparation for this, has drawn poorly and will be looking for further. Place chance at best.

5. Cross Talk (5)

Continuing his preparation following a let-up of 29 days. He finished a 1.3 length third in the Rowley Mile at Hawkesbury and Prior to that, he was a good winner in the Winter Challenge by two lengths. He is also entered for Newcastle but he has drawn much better here.

6. Character (1)

Entered for Newcastle also. He was just fair first up in the Tramway Stakes but far from his best. Blinkers go back on which is ideal and wasn’t far away from Mr Mozart last preparation when third in the Phar Lap Stakes. I am expecting a bold run.

7. O’President (3)

Returning after 133 days. Changed to the Bjorn Baker stable from Chris Waller. Has had two trials which were the definition of eye-catchers. Drawn well and maps well, could be tough to beat.

8. Ranch Hand (8)

Ran poorly at Moonee Valley last start. He will need to go to a new level to win this.

9. Lackeen (7)

Won nicely two back at Moonee Valley before running second at the same track in an open 1500m race. He has had a nice tick-over trial, but he will need his best to be a factor here.

10. The Frontman (6)

Returning after 90 days. Also entered for Newcastle.  He generally performs well fresh and had two trials in preparation for this. Place chance at best.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 O’President	5 Cross Talk
5 Cross Talk	7 O’President
1 Top Ranked	2 Purple Sector
9 Lackeen	4 Paternal

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Top Ranked
2nd	2 Purple Sector	1.33 lengths
3rd	5 Cross Talk	2.1 lengths
4th	9 Lackeen	2.25 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 3. Blaze A Trail, 6. Character, 10. The Frontman.