Birthday Card Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft-Heavy Weather: 80% chance of showers (1-5mm)

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $160,000 Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Godolphin Team trained by James Cummings have three runners entered, Gary Portelli has two runners, whilst the remaining trainers have just the one entry.

This is a wide-open race with the favourites in betting being $5.50 a piece. Steinem and Mallory are the joint favourites with contrasting form lines. Steinem is coming into this race first-up after a solid preparation in Melbourne in the Spring. Meanwhile Mallory is coming into this race third-up on the back of her 1.13 length second placing to Mazu in the Fireball Stakes.

Right behind them in the betting is Katalin who is entered for Moonee Valley on Friday night and It’s Me who is back from Melbourne after a solid run up the straight at Flemington. Seasons who is at big odds won last year’s edition.

1. Steinem (12)

First-up off one trial. Better form over longer. She is classy but this looks too short for her.

2. Marboosha (11)

Ran a solid race in the Wenona Girl second-up. Look for improvement. Place chance.

3. It’s Me (5)

Was a good eighth last start. I don’t think the conditions will worry her, Bowman on, drawn well. Could run a cheeky race.

4. Seasons (10)

Defending champion. Will need to improve.

5. Ruby Tuesday(1)

First-up. Can’t have.

6. Samoot (13)

Big win at Canterbury in much weaker grade. She is up to this quality and looks over the odds.

7. Emanate (2)

Third-up after a solid run in a benchmark 94 behind Rule of Law. Has had a trial since and is another who is drawn well and over the odds. Probably wants an improving track though.

8. Katalin (9)

First-up. Entered for an easier race at Moonee Valley. Place chance if she runs here.

9. Mallory (6)

The real Mallory showed up last start behind Mazu. Will appreciate the conditions, is third-up and back to fillies and mares grade. Big chance.

10. Robodira (14)

First-up. Synthetic hoof filler on, Blinkers again and winkers off. Classy horse but probably won’t like the conditions. Place chance.

11. Geist (3)

Ran okay first-up, will improve nicely but I can’t have.

12. Invincible Kiss (7)

Going well but outclassed.

13. Nicci’s Fling (8)

Poor first-up with excuses. Expect a better run.

14. Hasstobegood (4)

Can’t Have

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Samoot	3 It’s Me
7 Emanate	9 Mallory
3 It’s Me	6 Samoot
2 Marboosha	12 Invincible Kiss