Emancipation Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

A field of eleven mares have accepted for the $200,000 Emancipation Stakes.   There is one 7 year-old, one six year-old, three 5 year-olds and six 4 year-olds in this years race.  The key lead up race is the Group 1 Coolmore which was run at Rosehill on March 13 – five of them had their last start in that race.  The early favourite in the betting is the winner of the Coolmore, Krone.  The Queenslander has won her last three starts and is in career best form.  The second favourite is Nimalee.  She won a benchmark 100 at Rosehill first up by 1.8 lengths.  All Saints’ Eve hit the line strongly in the Coolmore last start and looks set to peak here third up.

Icebath ran second in The Hunter last preparation and gets a 3kg weight swing on the favourite.  Greysful Glamour is a bold front running type who will appreciate getting back onto firmer footing.  Sweet Deal draws a nice barrier and gets Hugh Bowman on.  Rich Hips is capable of a big finish and will be looking for something to cart her into the race, while Quantum Mechanic is having her first run in Sydney.  The remaining runners are $20-1 or longer.

1. Krone

This five year old mare trained by Tony Golan is absolutely airborne.  She has won three in a row which includes the Group 1 Coolmore last start.  She likes to get back in her races so she may need some luck from barrier 2 at a key stage but if she gets it she looks a great chance again.

2. Greysful Glamour

Bold front running type.  She contested the All Star Mile last time but was unsuited by the wet track.  Her best would put her right in this.

3. Oceanex

Finished midfield in last years Melbourne Cup.  This is short of her best distance and is just a pipe opener.

4. Quantum Mechanic

Mare in form.  She has won two of her last three including the Group 2 Sunline Stakes at Moonee Valley last start.  In the mix here.

5. Sweet Deal

This Waterhouse/Bott trained mare won the $1,000,000 The Hunter at Newcastle last preperation.  Has only been fair at her two runs this time in.   Perhaps the booking of Hugh Bowman can help her find the couple of lengths she needs here.

6. Rich Hips

Unleashed a powerful turn of foot to win the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.  Last start she just got too far back in the Coolmore.  Damian Oliver goes aboard here, if the she gets the right race shape she is capable of flying home and being in the finish.

7. Irithea

Irithea has had some time off since finishing last in the Magic Millions Fillies and Mares race on the Gold Coast in January.  Synthetic hoof filler first time indicates she may have some feet issues.  Happy to risk.

8. All Saints’ Eve

Finished third at Rosehill first up, then did not have the best of luck in the Coolmore but I loved the way she hit the line the last bit.  She looks primed to run a big race here third up.  One of the chances.

9. Icebath

Talented mare who ran a narrow second to Collette in last years Golden Eagle at this track/distance.  She is another who comes through the Coolmore where she finished 5th.  Rock hard fit and is in the mix.

10. Nimalee

Lightly raced filly who has won five from eleven.  She bolted in first up at Rosehill by 1.8 lengths in a high rating race.  She has trialed well in between runs and looks a great chance here.

11. Amica

Has had 82 days since finishing fourth on the Gold Coast.  Outclassed here.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Krone	10. Nimalee
10. Nimalee	8.  All Saints Eve
9. Icebath	1. Krone
4. Quantum Mechanic	6. Rich Hips

Group 1 Tancred Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 2400m)

Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 2 Tulloch Stakes 2021 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 3 Easter Cup 2021 (Caulfield 2000m)