George Ryder – 2022

Track: Soft-Heavy Weather: 80% chance of showers (1-5mm)

Twelve runners have accepted for the $1,000,000 Group 1 George Ryder, though there have been one early scratching, which leaves us with a field of eleven. The Chris Waller stable and Annabel Neasham stable is saddling up two runners apiece, whilst every other trainer has just one entry.

Forbidden Love has come up the early favourite after back-to-back wins in the Guy Walter and Canterbury Stakes. History shows that fillies and mares haven’t had a good record in this race prior to Winx, and she will be looking to shake that tradition here. Mo’unga is second in the betting following his very good second behind Sierra Sue in the Futurity Stakes.

Colette is third in the betting after injuring herself in the Chipping Norton. She will appreciate the conditions at hand as she looks to build back her confidence.

1. Kolding (5)

Was no match last start against similar opposition. Looks to be making up the numbers again.

2. Mo’unga(4)

Ran a very good rating first-up, should improve nicely and is drawn ideally. Will run a big race.

3. Private Eye (1)

He was a black-booker for me after last start, I expect him to run another big race and heading to his next start a big favourite.

4. Dalasan (12)

Poor last start against similar opposition. Can’t have.

5. Riodini (9)

Didn’t handle the track conditions at Newcastle last start. Probably a run short from running a big race.

6. Bankers Choice (8)

Could be the surprise at big odds, Ran okay first-up in Melbourne. Conditions suit being from New Zealand, the more rain the better.

7. Laws of Indicies (11)

Hasn’t had a good campaign. Was decent first-up but was lame last start. Take him on trust, but I would want to see it first.

8. Colette (3)

Coming into this on the back of an injury last start. She will love the distance and conditions, and she is drawn perfectly.

9. Forbidden Love (2)

She is a mare in form. She is drawn perfectly and maps to get a nice run. She is the one to beat again.

10. Hungry Heart (7)

She has been good but she really wants a dry surface.

11. Converge (10)

SCRATCHED

12. Hilal (6)

The only three-year-old. Distance no worries but would want it to dry out.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
9 Forbidden Love	2 Mo’unga
2 Mo’unga	9 Forbidden Love
3 Private Eye	8 Colette
8 Colette	12 Hilal