Brian Crowley Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft – Heavy   Weather: Shower or two

Eleven runners have accepted for the $200,000 Brian Crowley Stakes and there have been no early scratchings.

This race has been won by some nice horses and it was the race that Mazu announced himself in last year. Spright has been the only filly over the last six outings that have won, which does put over half the field on edge.

Willinga Beast ($3.00) is the early favourite in this race following her defeat by Best of Bordeaux last start, though there is a chance she could end up in Melbourne.

The next two in the market Kote ($4.50) and Insurrection ($5.50) are both coming out of inferior form lines, so you would expect Willinga Beast to stay in Sydney.

1. Thron Bone (2)

First up into this following a 4.3 length fifth to Giga Kick in the Vain Stakes. Back in grade and up to 1200m looks ideal but you just have to question his fitness.

2. Kote (9)

Coming into this race after winning by two lengths in a Midway race. This is a lot tougher, and it’s hard to back him with confidence.

3. Insurrection (6)

Won a benchmark 68 by 1.5 lengths at Warwick Farm around three weeks ago. This is a lot tougher though he could sneak a place.

4. Northern Beaches (11)

Ran a 2.3 length fifth at Sandown in an Open three-year-old race. Has drawn poorly here and will need to be at his best to be any chance here.

5. O’Tycoon (10)

Broke his maiden last time out at Caloundra by 0.7 of a length. This looks tougher and I don’t expect him to feature in the finish.

6. Willinga Beast (7)

She has been consistent this preparation with her latest run being a two-length third behind Best of Bordeaux in the Roman Consul, in a race where the rail was hot and they opted against going to the rail, which cost it many lengths. Looks to be very little pace here and can get a dream run throughout. One to beat.

7. Dashing Legend (4)

Was 8.7 lengths off the winner in third in the Tapp-Craig in atrocious conditions. She has drawn nicely here and should appreciate a slightly better track. Place chance at best.

8. Miss Hellfire (1)

Had a poor recovery post-race after the How Now Stakes. Prior to that, she ran well in a benchmark 72. Back to 1200m suits and she is drawn ideally, but she will need to be at her best.

9. Spicy Hotpot (5)

Finished a distant fifth in a much weaker race. Hard to have.

10. Cholante (3)

Despite finishing twelfth in a fourteen-horse field, she was only 3.2 lengths off the winner of the Thoroughbred Club Stakes.  She will need to be better to win this but there is no doubting her talent.

11. Sammiballerina (8)

Can’t back her on recent form.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Insurrection	6 Willinga Beast
8 Miss Hellfire	3 Insurrection
2 Kote	2 Kote
4 Northern Beaches	7 Dashing Legend

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Kote
2nd	1 Thron Bone	1.45 lengths
3rd	7 Dashing Legend	1.88 lengths
4th	3 Insurrection	5.73 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 5. O’tycoon, 6. Willinga Beast, 9. Spicy Hotpot.