Civic Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft 5 – Good 4 Weather: Mostly Fine.

Seventeen runners have accepted for the $150,000 Listed Civic Stakes with three of them being emergencies and there have been one early scratching. The Chris Waller stable has four runners engaged, the Joe Pride stable has three runners engaged, the Annabel Neasham stable and Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott stable both have two runners to saddle up each meanwhile the rest of the trainers just have one entry each.

Battleton has opened up the favourite despite being the third emergency, on the back of his solid second placing in the Gunsynd Classic behind Kiss Sum. There has been one scratching already, so connections will be sweating on another two to obtain a run. Taksu is the second favourite in the betting following his failure in the BRC Sprint. Prior to this run, he was in terrific form in benchmark 88 grade.

Stablemate to Taksu in Mariamia is on the third line of betting following her bold fourth in the Dane Ripper Stakes. She has run some nice races since changing stables in April.

1. Tamahere (16)

First-up after 245 days. Yet to race in Australia and I suspect they will need the run.

2. Laure Me In (6)

First-up after 140 days. Two lead-up trials. Will probably be giving them a start and will be hitting the line late.

3. Looks Like Elvis (17)

Brilliant run first-up at Flemington, saluting close to the line. Probably should have been near favourite for this race but he drew the widest gate. Will definitely be thereabouts.

4. Carif (2)

First-up after 235 days. Wants a lot further.

5. Dawn Passage (10)

Forgive last start in Group 3 company as he was slow out and wide throughout. Start prior was good at Rockhampton in The Archer. No stranger to these types of races and a big run wouldn’t surprise.

6. Blondeau (4)

SCRATCHED

7. Lightning Jack (5)

Hasn’t shown a lot so far in this preparation. Comes into this third-up from a nice draw. Place chance if he shows up.

8. Oscar Zulu (7)

Solid placing last start at Randwick over the mile. Placed in Listed company prior, drawn well, decent jockey and back to 1400m suits. Big chance.

9. True Detective (8)

Placed last time out at Randwick over the 1300m. Ran 3rd in this race last year. Peaking in fitness now and is a definite place chance.

10. Grove Ferry (12)

First-up after 196 days. Drawn poorly and will likely need the run.

11. Taksu (3)

Freshened up following his failure in Brisbane. This is a lot easier than that race and looks to get the lead to himself. Big chance to break through.

12. Mariamia (1)

Coming back from a solid run up in Brisbane. This is much easier, she drops 1.5kg, has an inform jockey in Sam Clipperton and is drawn to get a dream run throughout. She will be fighting out the finish.

13. Mubariz (15)

First-up after 126 days. Doubtful as he would want further.

14. East Asia (9)

Can’t have on recent form.

15e. All Time Legend (14)

Can’t have on recent form.

16e. Le Gai Soleil (11)

Hit the line well in Brisbane in Listed grade. Peaking in fitness now but will need luck in the run.

17e. Battleton (13)

Placed in all three starts so far this preparation. Unlikely to get a run at this stage, so check back if there are scratchings as he will make the numbers no worries.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
12 Mariamia	17 Battleton
8 Oscar Zulu	12 Mariamia
3 Looks Like Elvis	3 Looks Like Elvis
11 Taksu	11 Taksu