Cameron Handicap – 2022

Track: Soft – Heavy Weather: Shower or two.

Twelve runners have accepted for the $200,000 Group 3 Cameron Handicap and there have been no early scratchings. The Kris Lees stable and Sam Kavanagh stable have two runners entered for the event each, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Cross Talk has opened up the early favourite at $2.40. 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.

Old Flame is on the second line of betting at $3.90. He resumed last start following three months off and despite racing wide with no cover, he was able to salute in a benchmark 100.

Purple Sector and Special Reward round out the top three in the betting at $7.00. Purple Sector resumed last start in the same race that Old Flame resumed in, and despite leading for the entire race, he wasn’t in front where it mattered. Special Reward ran fifth in the Show County and has since trialled once in preparation for this.

1. Special Reward (6)

Ran fifth in the Show County and has since trialled once in preparation for this. Generally runs well in this grade and it isn’t a deep Group 3. Stable loves this meeting and I expect him to be cherry ripe.

2. Dashing Willoughby (9)

Returning after 125 days. Can’t have him on his Australian form.

3. Purple Sector (3)

Resumed last start with a nice second behind Old Flame in a benchmark 100. He can make his presence known here but I think he is a place chance at best.

4. Cross Talk (10)

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 entered for Randwick as well, so watch this space, but should run another good race.

5. Laure Me In (8)

Hasn’t been at his best for a while. Prefer others.

6. Character (5)

Entered for Randwick 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. Luncies (2)

Resuming after 125 days. I can’t have him here today, but I am expecting him to be hitting the line well if he wants to make an impact in the features during the spring.

8. The Frontman (1)

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

9. Old Flame (12)

Ran some nice sectionals first up when winning whilst being wide without cover. The draw isn’t kind for him here, but Clipperton has a 24% win strike rate when riding for the Snowdens and the stable goes well second-up. He will need some luck from the draw, and if he gets it, I see no reason why he couldn’t win this.

10. Wild Chap (7)

Toughest test to date but he is in some nice form. Can’t have him here.

11. Air to Air (4)

Entered for Randwick and the Tibbie Stakes. Likes to miss the kick and this looks too hard for her.

12. Super (11)

Making up the numbers.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Character	6 Character
8 The Frontman	7 Luncies
7 Luncies	8 The Frontman
10 Wild Chap	10 Wild Chap

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Wild Chap
2nd	7 Luncies	0.14 length
3rd	6 Character	0.83 length
4th	8 The Frontman	1.7 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 1. Special Reward, 3. Purple Sector, 4. Cross Talk, 5. Laure Me In, 9. Old Flame, 11. Air To Air.