City Of Marion Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Cloudy

Thirteen runners remain for the John Letts Cup, following the early scratching of Lady Dunmore. There are nine geldings and four mares, with six 4YOs, three 5YOS, three 6YOs and a 9YO. Three runners had their last start in the Gytrash Series Final over 1200m at Morphettville on 16 November and two in the Apache Cat Classic over 1000m at Cranbourne on 12 November, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Chris Bieg and Will Clarken both have two runners.

The early favourite is Manhatten Times who was 4th in the Gytrash Series Final last start and goes well at this track. Second favourite is Keep Reading who won that race. Third favourite is Calla Dream who was a 0.7 length winner at this track and distance last start. Rich Gina finished a close 3rd over 1100m here last start after winning her 2 previous starts. The other runners are currently 12 to 1 or longer, including Outlaws Revenge who won this race last year and Diamonds who ran 3rd last year.

1. Free Of Debt (6)

One of two runners for trainer Chris Bieg. Resumed from a 17 week spell for 8th of 9 in the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint on 15 October. Has had a six week let-up and has 3 wins from 7 starts at Morphettville. Rough claims.

2. Morvada (7)

This nine-year-old gelding trained by Peter Jolly is the oldest runner in the field by a long way. He resumed from an 18 week spell for 6.5 lengths 7th in the Listed W H Wylie Handicap over 1100m at Morphettville on 17 September, then fought hard to the line for 0.7 length 2nd in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes over 1400m at Caulfield on 8 October. Prefer him over 1400m than 1200m but he is capable of placing.

3. Ashford Street (3)

Trained at Warrnambool by Ken Elford. He ran 3.1 lengths 6th in the Listed G H Mumm Century Stakes over 1000m at Flemington on 3 November, then 4.4 lengths 5th in the Apache Cat Classic over 1000m at Cranbourne on 12 November. All his wins have been on soft and heavy going so the track conditions are important for him.

4. He’s A Balter (4)

One of two runners for trainer Will Clarken. He finished worse than midfield last start in the Apache Cat at Cranbourne when resuming but generally improves second-up. Place chance.

5. Outlaws Revenge (1)

Won this race last year. Drawn the inside barrier. Resumes from a 15 week spell and has claims.

6. Second Slip (14)

The 2nd of the Will Clarken runners. Drawn the outside barrier and has finished 7th at both starts this campaign. Others have better chances.

7. Diamonds (11)

Ran 3rd in this race last year. Goes well on soft going and has a win and a place from 3 starts this campaign. In the mix.

8. Manhatten Times (10)

He was 4th in the Gytrash Series Final last start and goes well at this track. One of the main chances.

9. Calla Dream (8)

Was a 0.7 length winner at this track and distance last start on soft going. Rates well in these conditions and should fight out the finish.

10. Lady Dunmore (2)  – SCRATCHED

11. Champagne Dreams (13)

Her two runs this preparation have been below what she is capable of. Looking to others.

12. Keep Reading (5)

Won the Gytrash Series Final last start giving her 2 from 2 at this track and distance combination. One of the key chances.

13. Rich Gina (9)

Finished a close 3rd over 1100m here last start after winning her 2 previous starts, both at this track. A talented mare who can make her presence felt. One for the exotics.

14. Bamyan Buddha (12)

Resumed from a 24 week spell with back-to-back wins over 1200m at this track then drifted back in the field and made some ground but was never likely in a race that was not run to suit. Not the worst.

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

Jo’s Tips
9 Calla Dream
12 Keep Reading
8 Manhatten Times
13 Rich Gina

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Diamonds
2nd	8 Manhatten Times	0.8 length
3rd	2 Morvada	3.1 lengths
4th	13 Rich Gina	3.3 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 10. Lady Dunmore.