Bob Charley AO Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Much Much Better and On The Lead, nine runners remain for the $150,000 Bob Charley AO Stakes, with one filly, one mare and seven geldings. There are 2 three-year-olds, 2 four-year-olds, 3 five-year-olds a seven-year-old and an eight-year-old. Two of the runners had their last start in the Listed Ortensia Stakes over 1100m at Scone on 14 May and two in the At Sea Handicap over 1100m at Randwick on 28 May. Trainers Joseph Pride and Brad Widdup have two runners each.

The betting is very open and the early favourite is Dragonstone who has finished 2nd at his last three starts. Second favouritism is shared between Surreal Step who won the At Sea Handicap last outing, and The Bopper who finished well back in the Ortensia Stakes and is better suited by a firmer surface. Mr Mosaic finished 2nd in that race.

1. Prime Candidate (10)

This seven-year-old Denman gelding trained by Bjorn Baker has finished in the back half of the field in both starts this campaign. Has a good record at this distance but has been to Randwick eight times without winning. Will start from the outside barrier. Looking to others.

2. Mr Mosaic (7)

This five-year-old has six wins and three places from 14 starts, which is the highest winning strike rate of any runner in the race. Last start he chased hard to find the front but was nailed on the line for 0.1 length 2nd in the Listed Ortensia Stakes at Scone. Should fight out the finish.

3. Inn Keeper (3)

The oldest horse in the field is one of two runners for Joe Pride. He finished 0.5 length 2nd in the Listed Wangoom Handicap over 1200m on a Heavy 10 at Warrnambool on 4 May, and could run a place.

4. Surreal Step (1)

One of two runners for Brad Widdup. Finished 2.4 lengths 6th in the Ortensia Stakes after being slowly away and held up, then was a narrow winner of the At Sea Handicap on 28 May. One of the main chances.

5. The Bopper (5)

This four-year-old Nicconi gelding trained by Kris Lees has four wins and two places from 13 starts. He finished well back in the Ortensia Stakes last outing and is better suited by a firmer surface. In the mix.

6. Dragonstone (4)

This three-year-old gelding has three wins and seven places from 11 starts and has finished 2nd at his last three starts. The last two runs were 2.8 lengths 2nd over 1100m at Randwick on 23 April and 1.2 lengths 2nd over 1100m at Flemington on 4 June. On a seven day back-up and should finish in the trifecta again.

7. Mamaragan (6)

Resumed from a 23 week spell for 4th in the Bat Out Of Hell over 900m at Gold Coast on 7 May, then ran 3.6 lengths 6th in the At Sea Handicap on 28 May. Not the worst.

8. Much Much Better (11)  – SCRATCHED

9. On The Lead (9)  – SCRATCHED

10. Snippy Fox (8)

This mare is the 2nd of the Joe Pride runners. Resumes here after 23 weeks. May need the run.

11. Authentic Jewel (2)

A three-year-old I Am Invincible filly from the Brad Widdup stable. Has placed in two runs from three this campaign and is a rough place chance.

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

Jo’s Tips
2 Mr Mosaic
4 Surreal Step
6 Dragonstone
1 Prime Candidate