Empire Rose – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

The Kiwi mare La Crique who was an impressive last start Group 1 winner in New Zealand is a dominate favourite at around the 5/2 mark in early betting.  The lone three year old in this years field She’s Licketysplit is on the next line of betting.  She was Group 1 placed in the Thousand Guineas last start.  The remaining runners are $10-1 or longer.

1 Icebath (Nz)

If you can be forgiving of her last two, her form over the last 12 months is very strong.   Won The Invitation, was second in last years Cantala, third in a Doncaster and finished second to Anamoe in the George Main.  Chance.

2 Nimalee

Won the Golden Pendant first up and was only narrowly defeated in The Invitation last start.  Will be on the pace.  Each way chance.

3 Kissonallforcheeks

Has been disappointing at her last two but the key could be getting back to Flemington where she is two from two.  Like the draw for her.

4 Kiku

Beaten close to 10 lengths as a $21 chance in the Epsom last start.  Gets McNeil but needs to improve.

5 Excelida

Winkers off Blinkers on.  Won the Blazer Stakes here two starts ago, then was sixth in the Tristarc.  Doubt she is good enough to be beating these.

6 Mirra Vision

Blinkers first time.  Ran well in this race last year and also ran a big race at a big price in the Coolmore in the Autumn.  Gate 18 makes it a challenge.

7 Palaisipan

Consistent mare who is never far away.  Could end up with a lovely sit in behind the speed here with Damian Lane going aboard.  Can run a place.

8 Chaillot

Was fourth in this race two years ago and ran the fastest last 200m sectional in the Ladies Day Vase at her last start.  Set for this.  Can do something here at $50-1.

9 Belle Plaisir (Nz)

Has gone to a new level this prep.  Loved the way she found the line in last weeks Invitation, after getting shuffled back in the run.  Genuine top 3 chance if the track stays in the soft range.

10 Hinged – SCR

11 Fangirl – SCR

12 Yearning

Was a cracking run here first up, then not beaten far second up where she didn’t have the best of luck.  Another who has been set for this.

13 Daisies

Another of these with blinkers on for the first time.  She struggled last time in the heavy ground, but was good winning the Stock Stakes at her start prior.  Roughie with a chance.

14 La Crique (Nz)

Kiwi mare who bolted in, in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate at Matamata last start.  A repeat of that should see her hard to beat here with James McDonald in the saddle.

15 Elusive Express (Nz)

Thought her run in the Stocks Stakes two back was terrific.  It was a big advantage to be on the rails that night.  Is a place chance here at a price.

16 She’s Licketysplit (Nz)

Three year old who gets in with just 49kg.  Won the Manifold here, then was third in the Thousand Guineas on a heavy surface which didn’t suit.  Could end up with the run of the race from barrier 8.

17e My Whisper

Was well backed at Moonee Valley last week and got the cash.  Liked that win but looks likely to have to get a long way from the draw here.

18e Atishu (Nz)

It’s been a while since she has won but I thought her run last start was quite good.  One at odds who can surprise.

19e Pride Of Jenni

Not much has gone right at her last two.  Bombed the start at Flemington, then over raced at Caulfield.  If she find the front and can settle she has a first four chance.

20e Cliff’s Art (Ire)

Not here.

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
9 Belle Plaisir	14 La Crique
14 La Crique	16 She’sLicketysplit
8 Chaillot	2 Nimalee
1 Icebath	3 Kissonallforcheeks