Ethereal Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Overcast

A field of 14 fillies have accepted for this years race. Three of them are sired by Pierro, and two by American Pharoah. Four runners had their last start in the Oaks Trial over 1800m at Flemington on 18 September, two in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on 1 October, two in the Group 1 Flight Stakes over 1600m at Randwick and two in a 3YO BM 64 over 1600m at Moonee Valley on 30 September. The other four runners came via different races. Six runners are still maidens. Trainers Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young and Mark & Levi Kavanagh both have two runners.

The early favourite is Foxy Cleopatra who won at 1600m race at Moonee Valley by over 3 lengths at her 2nd start. Second favourite is Moko who has four places from her seven starts. Third favouritism is shared by Pavitra who has two wins from five starts and Renaissance Woman who has one win from five starts.

Whakamana ran on strongly out wide for 2nd in the Oaks Trial. Cabaca is a last start winner on a Heavy 10, while Whispering Lady is a maiden who gets blinkers on for the first time. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Moko (3)

Trained by Anthony & Sam Freedman who won this race with Chica Fuerte in 2020. She has four places from her seven starts and her latest run was 5.2 lengths 7th in the Edward Manifold. Place chance.

2. Uncorked (9)

Her only win from 8 starts was in a Fillies & Mares Maiden Plate over 1600m at Sale with only 4 runners. Her breeding suggests she will stay. Ran 6.7 lengths 6th in the Oaks Trial. Could surprise.

3. Pavitra (11)

She won over 1860m at Newcastle then 1500m at Kembla Grange. After that she took a massive leap in grade where she ran a creditable 5th in the Group 1 Flight Stakes. Can figure in the finish.

4. Born Hustler (8)

Hasn’t raced beyond 1600m yet. Prefer to see.

5. Renaissance Woman (5)

Was 6th in the Tea Rose Stakes over 1400m then 7th in the Flight Stakes. Rough hope.

6. Cabaca (7)

Took over at 150m and went clear for a 1.3 length win in a Canterbury Maiden over 1580m on a Heavy 10. Untested at the distance but looks a genuine contender.

7. Foxy Cleopatra (14)

Ran 0.4 length 3rd at Sandown Hillside on debut, then won a 1600m race at Moonee Valley by over 3 lengths at her 2nd start. Looks keen for the 2000m and is one of the key chances.

8. Whakamana (13)

Ran on strongly out wide for 2nd in the Oaks Trial and has run well on heavy tracks. Can at least place.

9. Let’sbefrankbaby (2)

Has a win and two places from three starts. Ran 3rd in the Oaks Trial and is capable of placing.

10. Makrana (12)

One of two runners for Mark & Levi Kavanagh. Both starts have been away from the city. Not the worst.

Trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) who won this race with Daisies last year. Chased hard for 0.5 length 2nd at Cranbourne. Outide hope.

12. Grey Northern (6)

Unplaced in three starts. This looks too hard.

13. Aunt Roberta (10)

has had two rces at provincial tracks without placing. Looking to others,

14. Whispering Lady (4)

Maiden who gets blinkers on for the first time. Was slowly away when 9th in the Edward Manifold. Not the worst.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
7 Foxy Cleopatra	5 Renaissance Woman
8 Whakamana	7 Foxy Cleopatra
3 Pavitra	3 Pavitra
9 Let’sbefrankbaby	14 Whispering Lady