Centaurea Stakes – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $107,250 Listed South Australian Derby and there have been no early scratchings. The Dan O’Sullivan stable has two runners entered each for the event whilst every other trainer has just one entry each.

Foxy Frida has opened up as the early favourite following her unlucky run in the Queen of the South Stakes, where she ran second and ultimately should have near won the race. La Chevalee is second in the betting following her win in a benchmark 84 race at Royal Randwick 28 days ago. The form from that race has been solid and she has had a mini-break since as that track was bottomless on the day.

La Dragontea rounds out the top three in the betting who was very bold first-up in the Queen of the South Stakes, where she was wide without cover and still managed to fight on to finish 2.6 lengths back in sixth.

1. Silent Sovereign (12)

Massive run in the Queen of the South Stakes after sustaining a long run. 2000m is no issue and a similar ride will see her in the finish again.

2. La Dragontea (6)

She performed well in her Australian debut in the Queen of the South Stakes when wide the entire race. Drawn much better and is a top chance.

3. Starelle (9)

I thought she had her chance in the Queen of the South Stakes and will need to improve. Place chance.

4. Foxy Frida (4)

Should have probably won the Queen of the South Stakes. Drawn perfectly and she will get her chance here.

5. One More Try (5)

Been racing pretty well in decent company over 2000m in her two runs this preparation. Up to Listed grade but against own sex suits. Place chance

6. Magna Bella (10)

Can’t have, looks outclassed.

7. La Chevalee (7)

Entered for here and Flemington. Drawn better here but it’s less prize money. Providing she goes here, she looks the one to beat.

8. Uniquely (11)

Will appreciate a drying surface over 2000m. Has been up a while. Can’t have.

9. Deny Knowledge (8)

Won well at Caulfield last start but I can’t have her here.

10. Converging (2)

Outclassed.

11. Maid of Iron (3)

2000m suits but she looks outclassed.

12. Comfort Girl (1)

Back in distance to an easier race but I would rather watch her go around.

13. Quebecois (13)

Outclassed.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 La Chevalee	4 Foxy Frida
4 Foxy Frida	7 La Chevalee
1 Silent Sovereign	1 Silent Sovereign
2 La Dragontea	9 Deny Knowledge