Epona Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft-Heavy Weather: 80% chance of showers (1-5mm)

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $160,000 Group 3 Epona Stakes and there has been no early scratchings. The Kris Lees stable is saddling up three runners, Chris Waller two runners and the rest of the trainers have only one entry.

Le Lude is the early favourite after her Aspiration Quality demolition, where she led the entire way and saluted by 4.25 lengths. Harmony Rose is second in the betting and she is coming off a sub-par run behind Forbidden Love in the Guy Walter.

Galaxy Belle rounds out the top three in betting and she is coming off a luckless run behind Surefire over the 2000m.

1. Le Lude (13)

Third-up, deserved favourite. Dictated last start but won’t get that here. Loves the conditions and 1900m is no issue.

2. Harmony Rose (1)

Poor first-up, will need to improve majorly to be a chance.

3. Our Intrigue (5)

First-up. Will have a good preparation but I can’t back her here.

4. Monegal (8)

Can run a race on her day but I don’t think this is the race.

5. Nerve Not Verve (6)

Entered for Flemington as well. If she stays here, she isn’t a fan of a wet track.

6. Galaxy Belle (7)

Arguably should have won last start. This is harder but she is in career best form. Big chance.

7. Welsh Legend (12)

First-up. Can’t have.

8. Fill of Fun (4)

Will put more speed in the race but outclassed.

9. Bedford Square (10)

Outclassed.

10. Twice On Sunday (9)

Big step up in grade. Needs to lift.

11. Wild Sheila (2)

Entered for Newcastle Thursday. Prefer others.

12. Azarmin (3)

Won well at Canterbury. Will like the extra distance but looks outclassed.

13. Feel The Rush (11)

No luck first-up. Will love the conditions but is drawn poorly. Place.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Galaxy Belle	1 Le Lude
1 Le Lude	6 Galaxy Belle
3 Our Intrigue	7 Welsh Legend
13 Feel The Rush	10 Twice On Sunday