Gilgai Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Roch ‘N’ Horse is the leading contender after missing by a nose last run and gets a very suitable weight swing on some of its rivals. Athelric looks nicely placed in this company, goes well fresh and gets the services of Jamie Kah for the first time. Kemalpasa is a honest customer and will be in the finish while Baller and Private Eye also are in the mix.

1. Private Eye (7)

A ripping galloper that knows how to win a race. Drawn in barrier 7 and flies fresh. The 1200 is a trip that suits and it looks a very good chance at odds. Brings in the Stradbroke form and that looks right for this race. Must respect.

2. Baller (12)

Won in a photo finish beating Roch ‘N’ Horse. Now has to cope with a 1.5kg swing on that horse for a nose difference between them. Doesn’t look well in at the weights, prefer others.

3. The Astrologist (6)

Flies 2nd up and enjoys this track and trip. A pass mark fresh but will be strips fitter and has the class to give this race a shake.

4. Sirius Suspect (3)

Loves this track and continues to win. Must be respected launching from a nice draw and gets along well with Ethan Brown.

5. Kemalpasa (11)

Racing in good fashion and has an undeniable record over this track and trip. Maps for a nice run and should be hard to hold out in a winnable race. Keep safe in an open field.

6. Roch ‘N’ Horse (13)

Went painfully close for us when I tipped it a few weeks back. Lost by a nose to Baller and now gets a 1.5 kg swing. Has become genuine and absolutely loves Flemington, at the $10.00 mark I have it on top and it looks extremely suited at the weights. Cracking price.

7. Tycoonist (10)

Prefer others.

8. Athelric (9)

Brings good form to the table and nicely placed in this field with Jamie Kah steering. Big danger to the top pick and the stable are completely airborne at the moment. The $7.00 is solid odds and I expect it to firm.

9. Zoutori (1)

Classy operator that finds a winnable race and should be in the finish with Damian Lane aboard. Flies on this track and should run well. Has a strong 2nd up record and is good odds.

10. Shaquero (4)

Can’t have.

11. Wild Planet (2)

Its best efforts are better than these but the recent record tells the tale. Have it in my chances because it has run 5 times at this track and only missed the quinella once. D-DAY but is big odds in this.

12. It’sourtime (8)

Becoming costly for punters and is overdue for a win. That being said, flies 2nd up and loves this track. Hard to trust but does look well placed and should be in the finish. Respect any moves.

13. Swats That (5)

Went well fresh for the new stable and weighted appealingly here. Has won 2nd up but has a poor record at the track. Classy operator that finds a winnable race. Must be respected.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
6 Roch ‘N’ Horse	6 Roch ‘N’ Horse	13 Swats That
1 Private Eye	5 Kemalpasa	1 Private Eye
11 Wild Planet	2 Baller	6 Roch ‘N’ Horse
8 Athelric	12 It’sourtime	3 The Astrologist

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Private Eye
2nd	6 Roch ‘N’ Horse	2.25 lengths
3rd	2 Baller	2.55 lengths
4th	3 The Astrologist	2.75 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratching: 12. It’sourtime.