Epsom Handicap – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Showers Easing

Twelve runners have accepted for the $1,500,000 Group 1 Epsom Handicap and there has been no early scratchings. Chris Waller Stable has three runners entered for the event, the Waterhouse/Bott team has two entered for the event whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Icebath has opened as the early favourite at $3.50. She has been in tremendous form without winning after back-to-back placings in the Tramway Stakes behind Zaaki and George Main Stakes behind Anamoe. Can she finally step up to the plate?

Top Ranked is on the second line of betting at $4.50. He is an import who has three starts in Australia in here different preparations but has not disappointed at all. His last start win in the Bill Ritchie all but declared himself as a top-class horse and he is well within this field.

Hinged is on the third line of betting at $6.00. She finished third behind Anamoe and Icebath in the George Main Stakes after leading the field up throughout. She will perform admirably again with that extra run under her belt.

1. Top Ranked (4)

Tremendous win in the Bill Ritchie, and he is a classy runner who always performs well fresh. He stamped his authority with a 1.4-length win and connections are bullish about how good this bloke is. He has drawn well and has a big stage rider aboard, so I am confident he will run well.

2. Converge (1)

Just hasn’t shown up in two runs this preparation and he is crying out for a dry track. He is out to a nice distance, but on his recent form, you can’t back him with confidence.

3. Ellsberg (3)

On the quick backup following an acceptable display in the Shannon Stakes. I am sure he will run another bold race but this looks too tough for him.

4. Nimalee (10)

Another on the quick back up after her impressive win in the Golden Pendant. I am sure she will run another bold race but she is really unproven against the boys at this level.

5. Icebath (7)

Smashed the line in both the Tramway Stakes behind Zaaki and George Main Stakes behind Anamoe. With the rain around and the step up to the mile, she is well in this race and she can almost taste that Group 1 glory that has alluded her. James McDonald is jumping aboard which will trim her price even more, and a repeat of her previous two will see her go close once again.

6. Fangirl (5)

This is her first go on the handicap at this level following an average display last start in the George Main Stakes. She will need to be better to be a chance.

7. Kiku (12)

Was mighty impressive in the Theo Marks Stakes when coming from last up the outside. She has run okay at Group 1 level before but I think she will be fighting out for a place at best.

8. Hinged (9)

Led them up in the George Main Stakes and wasn’t disgraced when finishing 1.4 lengths back in third. She hasn’t drawn kindly and will need some luck throughout but if she runs top four, I won’t be surprised.

9. Cross Talk (6)

Sat outside of O’President in the Bill Ritchie as they went like the wind, but he was tough to the finish compared to the latter. He has drawn well to lead them a merry dance but this is as tough as anything he has faced thus far.

10. Character (11)

He ran a solid race in the Cameron Handicap before being scratched from the Bill Ritchie. He will appreciate the mile and the lack of weight but he has a job to do from the car park draw.

11. Pippali (8)

Big run in the Golden Pendant but this is too tough for her.

12. War Eternal (2)

Can’t have him here.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 Top Ranked	5 Icebath
5 Icebath	1 Top Ranked
9 Cross Talk	4 Nimalee
8 Hinged	3 Ellsberg

Result	Horse	Margin
=1st	Ellsberg
=1st	Top Ranked
3rd	Hinged	0.34 length
4th	Icebath	5.3 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 2. Converge, 10. Character.