H.D.F. McNeil Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Cracking race with the favourite Aft Cabin bringing a mountain of upside and mapping to perfection with Jamie Kah in the saddle. Jacquinot showed plenty of promise last prep and has the ratings to win while Crosswinds is yet to taste defeat and Zamborghini looks a very smart operator. There should be decent speed in the race and little between them.

1. Daumier (9)

Boasts a 4th to Fireburn and that is just about some of the best form going around in Australia. Possibly a little bit of a query on a wet deck and a slightly awkward draw but the form looks right. Even luck from the gate and it can win this.

2. Maximullius (1)

Prefer others.

3. Tijunia (8)

Did well last prep. Hard to get a gauge on the form so respect any late market moves. Has good upside.

4. Crosswinds (12)

Hasn’t done much wrong but will looks Zahra here. Barrier 12 for Crosswinds so I am not sure where it lands too from the draw but can handle soft ground, hasn’t done anything wrong and therefore warrants respect in this.

5. He’s Heaven (5)

Prefer in something easier.

6. Jacquinot (2)

Has to be a major player in the excellent. The form around Lofty Strike reads well, it was quite luckless in the run that day. Little separating Jacquinot and Daumier, a nice draw and Damian Lane are both 2 ticks. I like its chances.

7. Man In The Mirror (7)

Can’t have.

8. Atlantis Tycoon (10)

I’m quite weary of Atlantis Tycoon and it could be hovering around big odds. Started $4.40 in an open race and while disappointing, it was well tried and I know the stable have an opinion of it. Set a task here first up but this could be genius placement. Keep very safe.

9. Lincoln Square (13)

Don’t mind the form it brings to the table however barrier 13 isn’t overly ideal. Shinn is riding well since his return home and overall this race is winnable. Respect any late moves.

10. Zamborghini (11)

A huge chance if things fall into place from the draw. Has more runs on the board than most of these. The horse it beat Foujita San was a little disappointing last weekend however I still believe that is the right form. Can win, just needs luck from the draw.

11. Superset (6)

Prefer others.

12. Aft Cabin (3)

No doubt has a mountain of upside but I think jumping from maiden grade is never an easy task. Yes, a 6 length romp, the perfect draw and Jamie Kah in the saddle. Highly likeable but in no rush to take the $3.00

13. Squad (4)

Prefer i something a bit easier but has ticked off the heavy box which is ideal. Keep an eye on the market.

14. Sir Juggernaut (14)

Nominated for an easier race so if they elect to go here it demands respect. Not an easy task here but certainly has good upside and shot home when the gap came. Some query on the heavy.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
6 Jacquinot	12 Aft Cabin	10 Zamborghini
1 Daumier	4 Crosswinds	12 Aft Cabin
10 Zamborghini	10 Zamborghini	6 Jacquinot
12 Aft Cabin	1 Daumier	1 Daumier

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Jacquinot
2nd	12 Aft Cabin	1.5 lengths
3rd	3 Tijuana	3.25 lengths
4th	5 He’s Heaven	3.45 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 14. Sir Juggernaut.