Track: Heavy Weather: Cloudy with a chance of showers.

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $600,000 Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes.  Chris Waller has entered three runners, Team Hawkes has two runners whilst the rest have one entry, and there are five runners coming into this race first-up.  The early favourite in the betting market is the Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant.  She is coming off an ordinary run by her standard in the Apollo Stakes, where she finished 4.5 lengths back in seventh. She is defending her crown in this race as she ran 1 – 2 with Colette last year. Next in the betting is Colette, who finished 2.8 lengths back in second in the same race and will no doubt go to another level with a run under her belt. 

Think It Over was the winner coming out of that race and has opened up the third favourite. He has really found his own and will no doubt be handy throughout and the one to beat. The highly fancied Top Ranked will be looking to keep the good first-up record going as the stable eye off some big races.

Speed Map:

1. Think It Over (8)

Ran a career-best rating first-up but was assisted by the pick up of pace between the 800m – 600m, which made the task hard for those at the back. Will appreciate the extra distance and again maps well. Would probably prefer less rain. One to beat.

2. Kolding (7)

Ordinary first-up behind Think It Over. Best ratings come with a dry track. Prefer others.

3. Top Ranked (3)

Won 5/6 first-up with his one placing being his Australian debut in The Hunter. Past form suggests that the dryer the better but not hopeless on the wet. Expecting a bold run with big ambitions in mind.

4. Mount Popa (13)

First-up here. Performs okay fresh and he will love the rain being around. He will need a super effort to be a chance.

5. Angel of Truth (12)

First-up here. Record is usually fair first-up and would prefer it a bit firmer. Looks outclassed.

6. Stockman (11)

First-up here. Loves the rain-affected going but this looks too tough.

7. Maximal (1)

Drawn nicely , blinkers off. Overdid it last time behind Think It Over. Would need to majorly improve.

8. Verry Elleegant (4)

Last start was her worst run ratings-wise since before the start of 2020. We should see a much more improved run going up to a mile and the sting out of the ground. You can’t rule a champion out but she is going to need to improve at least five lengths from her last start performance.

9. Colette (3)

She ran the best race of the beaten brigade behind Think It Over last start. She is drawn ideally, will stalk the speed and Tim Clark won’t let Think It Over out of his sights throughout the race, cause she will appreciate the ground more than him and will love the step up to the mile. She is in this up to her ears.

10. Montefilia (5)

First-up. She will need the run.

11. Hungry Heart (10)

Ran tremendously well first-up. She will appreciate the step up in distance but would like the ground a bit dryer.

12. She’s Ideel (12)

Blinkers again. She was slow out first-up and wasn’t suited by the pace. She will need to majorly improve to be a factor.

13. Duais (2)

Big run first-up. Ran the quickest last 600m of the race, and second quickest last 200m of the race. She will like the step up in distance and the sting out of the ground. Definite place chance.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
9 Colette	9 Colette
1 Think It Over	8 Verry Elleegant
8 Verry Elleegant	1 Think It Over
3 Top Ranked	5 Angel Of Truth

Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1200m)

Group 1 Oakleigh Plate 2022 (Caulfield 1100m)

Group 1 Futurity Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1400m)

Group 1 Surround Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1400m)