Farnley Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 10 runners for the $125,000 Farnley Stakes and five of them had their last start in the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes on 27 August. There is one mare and nine geldings with 2 five-year-olds, 2 six-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds, 3 nine-year-olds and a ten-year-old. Trainers Peter Fernie and Chris & Michael Gangemi have two runners each.

The early favourite is Resortman who won the Idyllic Prince Stakes by 2 lengths last start in a superb win.  Second favourite is Phanta with three wins from four attempts this campaign, including two at this track and distance. Third favourite is Staralign who was 3rd in the Idyllic Prince and has a great record at this distance.

Great Again ran 2nd inthe Belmont Newmarket last start and has won a recent trial, while Western Temple ran 4th in the Belmont Newmarket then 4th in the Idyllic Prince. All other runners are currently 15 to 1 or longer.

1. True Attraction (2)

This seven-year-old More Than Ready gelding is having his first start for trainer Hayden Ballantyne, and is first-up after a 22 week spell. Has run well a this track in the past, but prefer to see. Jockey Paul Harvey has won this race before on Classy Nugget in 2008 and Master Park in 2002.

2. Resortman (8)

Really loved the way he powered home to win the Idyllic Stakes here last start. Before that he won the Listed H.G. Bolton Sprint on 27 July then struggled in the heavy 10 in the Belmont Newmarket on 13 August. I really like him here and expect to see him in the finish.

3. Great Again (1)

At 10 he’s the oldest horse in the race this year. He ran 5th in the H.G. Bolton Sprint on 27 July, then finished 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket last outing. Loves this track and has won a trial since his last race. Drawn the inside barrier and can be in the finish.

4. Western Temple (10)

One of two runners for trainer Peter Fernie. He resumed for 4th in the Listed H G Bolton Sprint over 1200m on 27 July then ran 4th in the Belmont Newmarket on 13 August, then was 4th in the Idyllic Prince Stakes last start. Drawn the outside barrier and is a place chance.

5. Eeyore Wayz (3)

This six-year-old is hard to follow, but ran on strongly to finish 2.2 lengths 4th over 1300m at Belmont on 3 September after being slowly away and held up in the straight. He had the best closing 400m of the race and it wouldn’t surprise to see him run well here. Jockey Craig Staples won this race on Corporate Bruce back in 2001, when Northerly ran 2nd.

6. Floyd (6)

One of two runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi (Chris won this race with Rock Magic in 2014). He resumed for 5th in the Belmont Newmarket then ran last most of the way before picking off the stragglers for 8.5 lengths 7th in he Idyllic Prince, Prefer others.

7. Phanta (4)

The other Gangemi runner.Won three races in a row here this campaign before 3.3 lengths 4th in the Blue Spec Stakes over 1600m on 20 August where he looked to struggle in the last 200m. Back to the 1400m he is capable of giving this a shake and should be in the finish.

8. Staralign (9)

One of the Peter Fernie runners. Resumed for 3.9 lengths 7th in the Belmont Newmarket then was 3.6 lengths 3rd in the Idyllic Prince. Jockey Clint Johnstone-Porter won this race on Massimo in 2020. Staralign should be fitter after two runs. Rough chance.

9. Vane Tempest (7)

The only mare in the race. She has won two from seven this campaign and appreciates the cut in the ground. She fought on gamely for 0.8 length 4th over 1400m at Belmont on 20 August, then ran clear in the final 100m for a 1.5 length win over 1300m at Belmont on 27 August. She will be ridden by Jade McNaught who has a special connection with this race. Jade won on Neurological in 2019 as a mature-age apprentice and it was the first black-type win for her, the horse, and trainer Martin Allan. It was an especially memorable day for Jade as she won six of the nine races on Belle Of Liberty, Amillionite, Cockney Crew, Bunker Buster, Neurological and Stageman, becoming the first apprentice jockey to boot home six winners at a WA metropolitan meeting. Not the worst.

10. Yeah Dardy (5)

Came 2nd in this race in 2020 behind Massimo. Resumed from a 13 week break for 4.2 lengths 5th in the Idyllic Prince. Watch the market.

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

Jo’s Tips
9 Resortman
5 Nerodio
3 Great Again
11 Staralign

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Resortman
2nd	4 Western Temple	0.36 length
3rd	5 Eeyore Wayz	0.9 length
4th	9 Vane Tempest	1.37 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

No scratchings.