George Main Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Ten runners have accepted for the $1,000,000 Group 1 George Main Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Chris Waller stable has two runners entered for the event, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Anamoe has opened up the dominant $2.15 favourite. He was downright dominant in the Winx Stakes, winning by 1.6 lengths whilst also losing a plate in the run. Godolphin has since sent him to the trials and he should be cherry ripe for this contest.

Zaaki is on the next line of betting at $3.10. His run in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes rated similar to Anamoe’s first up run, except Zaaki had to do it on the heavy. It was far from his best run but he does look the likely leader here, so he should get an easy time of it.

Fangirl rounds out the top three in the betting at $9.50. Her run behind Anamoe was fantastic, and she actually ran quicker sectionals home than he did. She has also been to the trials since and should be ready to go here.

1. Zaaki (7)

He rated really well when winning the Group 2 Tramway Stakes in atrocious conditions. Gets the lead by himself which could be vital to his chances of winning this. I think Anamoe is the better prospect, but with the potential map, Zaaki is the one to catch.

2. Maximal (9)

Returning after 98 days. Was tremendous first up in May, albeit over further. Had two trials in preparation for this. Place chance at best.

3. Anamoe (8)

His win in the Winx Stakes was beastly, and he lost a plate in the run also. He has had a trial in between runs, up to a much better distance and James McDonald has picked him over Zaaki. He just needs to remain close enough to Zaaki so that he doesn’t escape after a kind run.

4. Converge (10)

Hated the wet first up, so he will love a much more improved track but this is a tough race and he has drawn the outside gate. Place chance at best.

5. Profondo (2)

He has been good this preparation and just didn’t have the acceleration in the wet last start. I think it was his best chance to beat Zaaki which was when Zaaki was first up and now that it’s gone, I think he can finish no higher than third.

6. Duais (5)

She was a touch plain first up but the target is over further and later in the spring, so I wouldn’t be putting out distress signals yet. Up to the mile is beneficial and she should be hitting the line well.

7. Montefilia (6)

She is returning after 161 days. She generally runs well fresh and should be hitting the line well, but a place chance at best first up.

8. Icebath (4)

Entered for Newcastle on Friday to which should would be more suited. She ran home well in the Tramway Stakes but this is different. They would be silly not to run in a winnable race in Newcastle.

9. Fangirl (3)

Tremendous first up behind Anamoe, ran home quicker than him, mind you, it was from the back of the pack, so logically she should. She has trialled since and will appreciate the mile, but this is a big step. Place chance.

10. Hinged (1)

Her run first up in the Winx Stakes was decent despite not being full tested for the majority of the straight. A trial in between and the blinkers on for the first time should improve her nicely.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Anamoe	3 Anamoe
1 Zaaki	1 Zaaki
9 Fangirl	8 Icebath
10 Hinged	10 Hinged

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Anamoe
2nd	8 Icebath	0.84 length
3rd	10 Hinged	1.3 lengths
4th	7 Montefilia	2.34 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 1. Zaaki.