Coolmore Classic – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Mostly Fine with a chance of a shower.

Seventeen runners have accepted for the $600,000 Group 1 Coolmore Classic, though there have been three early scratchings, which leaves us with a field fourteen. The Chris Waller stable is saddling up four runners, Waterhouse/Bott with saddle up two runners whilst the rest of the trainers have only one entry each.

Espiona is the early favourite in betting after starting $1.55 and $2.60 respectively over her last two starts finishing second in the Light Fingers followed by a third in the Surround Stakes. She will appreciate the improving track and looks as though she will like the step up in distance. Lighthouse is next in betting and is on the quick back-up after last week’s 1.75 length defeat in the Canterbury Stakes.

Expat rounds out the top three in betting and is coming here on the back to back wins, with her latest in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes, where she controlled race race from start to finish. Krone is looking to defend her title after winning last years edition.

1. Krone (3)

She was a touch under-done first-up in the Millie Fox, but looks ready to defend her title. Definitely not an $18 chance.

2. Polly Grey (1)

On the quick back up after running second to Le Lude in the Aspiration Quality. Will appreciate the sting and the 1500m at Rosehill. Drawn well and over the odds.

3. Vangelic (17)

Stuck on well last start in the Guy Walter, ended up black booking her from that effort. Drawn poorly but will love any track improvements.

4. Lighthouse (6)

On the quick back up and gets the pre-race earmuffs on. Another who will like the improving track. Will need to improve.

5. Shout The Bar (15)

Prefer others.

6. Expat (10)

Going for three in a row. Drawn okay to sit on pace. She will be hoping the rain sticks around to enhance her chances.

7. Wandabaa (7)

Impressive winner of the Newcastle Newmarket last start. Drawn nicely, loves the sting out of the ground but will just need to improve enough to be a chance.

8. Hinged (12)

Surround Stakes winner last start. Doesn’t get a good draw like last start and the track may improve a touch. Prefer others.

9. Atishu (9)

Blinkers off. Stood in the gates first-up. Can’t take her with that risk in case it happens in back-to-back runs.

10. Le Lude (14)

SCRATCHED

11. Mirra Vision (16)

Going to need to go to a new level to be a factor.

12. Promise of Success (13)

Synthetic Hoof Filler on. Entered in Melbourne as well. Hasn’t drawn well but has been running well in preparation for this. Place chance if they run here.

13. Kiku (11)

SCRATCHED

14. Yes Baby Yes (2)

She has been sent north looking for a wet track which she gets. Just a question around her class.

15. Espiona (4)

Improving track suits as does the low weight and draw. Pre-race earmuffs go on. Will look the winner at some point. One to beat.

16. Fangirl (5)

SCRATCHED

17. Cap Estel (8)

In great form but outclassed.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Polly Grey	4  Lighthouse
6 Expat	15 Espiona
1 Krone	6 Expat
3 Vangelic	7 Wandabaa

Group 3 Black Opal Stakes 2022 (Canberra 1200m)

Listed National Sprint 2022 (Canberra 1400m)

Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 2 Ajax Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 3 Sky High Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 3 Magic Night Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1100m)

Group 1 Newmarket Handicap 2022 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 1 Australian Cup 2022 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 2 Kewney Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 2 VRC Sires Produce 2022 (Flemington 1400m)

Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap 2022 (Flemington 1400m)

Group 3 Matron Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1200m)

Listed Moomba Plate 2022 (Flemington 1100m)