Dulcify Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Showers Easing

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $250,000 Listed Dulcify Stakes and there has been one early scratching. The Chris Waller stable and the Annabel Neasham stable have two runners entered each whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Williamsburg, Flag of Honour, and Communist are joint early favourites at $4.40.

Williamsburg came from the rear of the field in the Ming Dynasty to finish 4.75 lengths off the winner Golden Mile. He had to drop back from the wide get which isn’t ideal for him yet once again he has drawn a wide gate, so this will have similar challenges.

Flag Of Honour is coming out of the same race and a very similar run. He dropped back to tenth throughout before storming home for a 4.2 length fourth. he is going to love this step up to the mile and with Bowman back aboard and a nice draw, he will be thereabouts.

Communist brings a different form line following his 3.5 length win in a Benchmark 68 win over the mile at Newcastle. This looks a lot harder and the draw is ordinary, but he maps to get his chance.

1. Williamsburg (14)

Ran fifth in the Ming Dynasty when coming from the rear of the field. The mile definitely suits, as does the drop back in grade. Unfortunately he has drawn wide again and will need some luck.

2. Flag of Honour (1)

Came with a similar run to Williamsburg in the Ming Dynasty, except finished half a length closer in fourth. Mile suits him as well and he has drawn the inside which isn’t ideal but it means they can sit closer if they begin well. Bowman back on is a massive tick. Should run well.

3. Owen County (12)

Just hasn’t shown his best this preparation though his 4.3 length third behind Quality Time might be an okay formline for this despite it being in midweek grade. Will need some luck from the draw/map.

4. Communist (10)

He is coming off a 3.5-length win in a much weaker grade. This is a lot tougher and I think the market has overreacted.

5. Atmosphere (6)

He is coming off a win in a Class 1 at Kembla Grange. This looks a lot tougher though he is drawn to get a nice run and the mile will suit.

6. Conqueror (8)

Has promised the world and delivered an atlas this preparation. Drawn to make an impact here, but I can’t trust him yet.

7. Linderman (7)

His two placings in weaker grade are decent, with the latest behind Savoury at Warwick Farm. This is a big step but he has drawn nicely.

8. Scientist (9)

Coming out midweek maiden grade after a solid win. Has trialled since and will likely head forward from the draw. Place chance.

9. Extreme Freedom (3)

Won a maiden race at Kembla over 1500m prior to this. It rated okay but this is a big step.

10. Ain’t He Grand (2)

Winner of a midweek maiden at Canterbury where he was too good for his opposition. The race itself rates well and he is drawn ideally here. Chance.

11. Makalu (5)

Won a maiden race at Newcastle last start over 1400m. Entered for a race at Flemington also. Hard to have.

12. Stroke of Luck (13)

Not up to these.

13. Bring The Boom (4)

Can’t Have.

14. Pavitra (11)

Scratched.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Flag of Honour	4 Communist
1 Williamsburg	5 Atmosphere
5 Atmosphere	2 Flag of Honour
4 Communist	8 Scientist

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Williamsburg
2nd	4 Communist	0.71 length
3rd	12 Stroke Of Luck	2.03 lengths
4th	2 Flag Of Honour	2.63 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8

Scratchings: 11. Makalu, 13. Bring The Boom,14. Pavitra.