Furphy Sprint (Begonia Belle Stakes) – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

All eyes on Asfoora who looks the bet of the day. Was beyond luckless at Moonee Valley before winning with a leg in the air last start. Looks like a matter of jump, run and win. Zapateo has class and can give this a shake coming from the other side of the track with Tim Clark in the saddle. Isotope has been trialling well and should give a good sight from the Tony Gollan yard while Belluci Babe is yet to strike form but its best goes close in this field.

1. Seradess (20)

Prefer others.

2. Asfoora (2)

Should be winning. I was red hot on its chances 2 back in a luckless run at The Valley. The win last start was simply breathtaking, winning a Group 2 with utter ease. I think there is a lot more to come from Asfoora. A clean jump and fair run in transit and I expect it to be winning. The only possible downfall may be the inside lane being off on the day or just a stack of pace and pressure put on Asfoora in the lead. All things equal, I expect it to win this and go onto bigger things. The $3.00 appeals and its the best bet of the weekend.

3. Zapateo (17)

Can trouble the favourite in this. Buick does the riding and the camp are simply unstoppable at the moment. Zapateo has become a strong force this year and has to be respected.

4. Belluci Babe (7)

Not penning Belluci Babe. Yet to hit form this prep but a capable group one performer when on song. Monitor any market moves, if they back it in I’d certainly be considering.

5. Fituese  (19)

Can’t have.

6. Juan Diva (11)

Capable galloper but doesn’t want soft footing and those conditions look likely. Can’t have with the current forecast.

7. Written Beauty (16)

Finds James Mcdonald and comes out of a solid form race where the winner was well backed on resuming. Can give this a solid shake and looks a top 4 chance.

8. Najmaty (12)

Flies fresh and has a big turn of foot but doesn’t want the track to be soft and that looks likely. Suspect it will be scratched.

9. A Very Fine Red (15)

Won well last start and it was good to see it find some drier ground. Conditions vital to its chances here and also sees a rise in depth. Top 4 chance.

10. Isotope (10)

Looks a solid hope in this but wants a dry track. I was taken by the trials of Isotope and it is more than good enough to give this race a shake. Keep an eye on the market, when Gollan runners are backed in they are usually going close.

11. Enchanted Heart (14)

Is a talented galloper but hard to catch. Not convinced Oliver is in form and would want the track to be bottomless. Top 4 chance if its very heavy.

12. Apres La Mer (6)

Can’t have.

13. Diamonds (1)

Prefer others.

14. Rose Quartz (4)

Flies on this track and has beaten The Garden which is  strong formline. Loves the 1100 and demands plenty of respect launching from the nice draw.

15. Sneaky Paige (5)

Going along okay but does look a little out of depth here. Place chance from the nice draw but prefer others.

16. Veranskova (9)

Not hopeless here and likes Flemington and the 1100. Moor steers for the first time but with clean air it does look a real danger to the favourite. Top 2 chance.

17. Shalstar (18)

Pipped on the line by A Very Fine Red last run. On the up after a good return win however this is a decent rise in grade. Place chance.

18. Jal Lei (3)

Prefer others.

19. Viviane (8)

Prefer others.

20. Libiamo (13)

Can’t have.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2 Asfoora	2 Asfoora	3 Zapateo
3 Zapateo	8 Najmaty	2 Asfoora
16 Veranskova ( best roughie )	7 Written Beauty	14 Rose Quartz
4 Belluci Babe	6 Juan Diva	16 Veranskova