Caulfield Village Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Overcast

There are 15 runners in this years race and they are all geldings. There are 2 four-year-olds, 8 five-year-olds and 5 six-year-olds, with 9 runners resuming from a spell. Trainers James Cummings and Ben & JD Hayes both have two runners. Three of the runners had their last start in an 1100m race at Caulfield on 17 September on a heavy 9 track, and two are resuming after running in the Listed Victorian Sprint Series Final over 1200m on 2 July. The rest all came via different races.

The early favourite is Zethus who resumed from a spell for a length win over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 23 September. Second favourite is Gravina who finished 1.6 lengths 4th in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes over 1300m on 25 September. Third favourite is Prince Of Boom from the Robert Heathcote stable who is third-up here.

Triple Missile resumes after a 17 week spell and is very strong resuming, winning three from five of his first-up runs. Curran has placed in four runs from seven this campaign and placed last start at Caulfield. Nicolini Vito returns from a six week let-up and should run well, while Frankie Pinot is back from a 14 week spell and has excellent first-up statistics. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1.  Crosshaven (10)

One of two runners for Ben & JD Hayes. This 5YO resumes from a 22 week spell and comes to hand quickly. Not the worst.

2. Frankie Pinot (12)

Back from a 14 week spell and has excellent first-up statistics. Should run well.

3. Prince Of Boom (13)

This 4YO from the Robert Heathcote stable has won 5 of his 11 starts including both a Group 2 and a Group 3 race. Third-up here and should make his presence felt.

4. Triple Missile (15)

Resumes after a 17 week spell and is very strong resuming, winning three from five of his first-up runs. Has drawn the outside barrier but is in the mix.

5. Wicklow Town (5)

Returns after a long spell of 50 weeks. Prefer to see after such a long break.

6. Amish Boy (9)

He has only one win from 21 starts and hasn’t won in 6 outings to Caulfeild, however I still think he has a rough chance. Jockey James McDonald has won this race before on Brave Song in 2018 and Complicate in 2013.

7. Gravina (7)

One of two runners for James Cummings who has already won this race twice with Haunted in 2019 and Coruscate in 2020. He finished 1.6 lengths 4th in the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes over 1300m on 25 September and can improve on that run. A winning chance.

8.  Superium (2)

Resumes after a 21 week spell. Finished last at his latest trial. Not keen.

9. Ocean Beyond (11)

This 5YO ran 3rd in this race last year. First up after 14 weeks and can run well fresh. A place chance.

10. Pintoff (3)

I rather like this Toorak Toff gelding as he goes well at Caulfield and has 3 wins and a 2nd from 4 runs here, including a win in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes over this distance. Resumes from a spell and has won 2 of 3 first-up runs. Jockey Damien Oliver has won this race before on In Cahoots in 2014 and Coruscate in 2020. One for the multiples.

11. Second Slip (4)

Resumes after a 25 week spell and has won two when first-up. Placed in a recent trial at Balaklava. Not out of it.

12. Curran (8)

Has placed in four runs from seven this campaign and placed last start at Caulfield. Should be competitive.

13. Nicolini Vito (6)

Returns from a six week let-up and should run well.

14. Zethus (14)

From the Godolphin stable and gets Jamie Kah. Resumed from a spell for a length win over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 23 September. Capable of winning this.

15. Crestani (1)

Drawn the inside barrier. Resumes after 14 weeks and could surprise.

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Frankie Pinot	7 Gravina
3 Prince Of Boom	14 Zethus
7 Gravina	2 Frankie Pinot
12 Curran	3 Prince Of Boom

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Gravina
2nd	13 Nicolini Vito	1 length
3rd	14 Zethus	1.4 lengths
4th	4 Triple Missile	1.8 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

There were no scratchings.