Idyllic Prince Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 11 runners for the $125,000 Idyllic Prince Stakes and eight of them had their last start in the Listed Belmont Newmarket on 13 August. They are all geldings with 2 six-year-olds, 3 seven-year-olds, 5 nine-year-olds and a ten-year-old. Trainer Peter Fernie has two runners.

The early favourite is Nerodio who won the Belmont Newmarket by 1.7 lengths last start and goes well at this track.  Second favourite is Resortman who won the Listed H.G. Bolton Sprint on 27 July then struggled in the heavy going in the Belmont Newmarket. Third favourite is 10YO Great Again who won this race in 2019 and finished 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket last outing.

Staralign resumed for 3.9 lengths 7th in the Belmont Newmarket and goes well second-up.  Western Temple ran 4th in the Belmont Newmarket, while Floyd resumed for 5th. All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Western Temple (10)

One of two runners for trainer Peter Fernie. He resumed for 4th in the Listed H G Bolton Sprint over 1200m on 27 July then ran 4th in the Belmont Newmarket. Jockey Paul Harvey won this race on Belle Bizarre in 2006 and Corporate James in 2000. Winkers come off for the first time. Could place.

2. Outrageous (9)

Finished 7 lengths 10th in the Bolton Sprint when resuming, which was his first run at this track. Generally improves second-up. Jockey Lucy Warwick won on Wink And A Nod in 2015. Prefer others.

3. Great Again (8)

At 10 he’s the oldest horse in the race this year. He won this race in 2019 and finished 2nd in the Belmont Newmarket last outing. Loves this track and distance and should be in the finish.

4. Carocapo (6)

This 9YO has finished last at both outings this campaign and needs a good track to show his best. He is trained by Jim Taylor at Bullsbrook, who trained Idyllic Prince (the horse this race is named after) to win in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011. He also trained 2014 winner Barakey. Jockey Jason Brown won this race on Idyllic Prince for three of his wins, as well as Barakey and also on Tribula back on 2003. Put him in the exotics if the track is good.

5. Nerodio (2)

This seven-year-old is a son of Playing God, who finished 2nd behind Idyllic Prince in this race in 2011. Nerodio won the Listed Beaufine Stakes over 1000m on 9 July, ran 3rd in the HG Bolton on 27 July then was a 1.7 length winner of the Belmont Newmarket on 13 August. He’s won 11 of his 18 starts at this track and is one of the key chances. The only possible query is that he has never won beyond 1200m, but his last run suggests he will have no trouble with an extra 100m.

6. Jericho Missile (4)

Trainer David Harrison has won this race before with Settle Strada in 2013 and Blevvo in 2004. This horse ran 4th in the Ngawyni Stakes on 30 July, then 3rd in the Belmont Newmarket. Has never won on soft or heavy, but if the track is firm he has a place chance.

7. Lorentinio (1)

Resumes after a 26 week spell and having his first start for trainer Murray Wallace. Nicely drawn in barrier 1, but prefer to see.

8. Floyd (11)

Trained by Chris & Michael Gangemi (Chris won with Rock Magic in 2016). He resumed for 5th in the Belmont Newmarket and generally goes well second-up. Could surprise.

9. Resortman (7)

He won the Listed H.G. Bolton Sprint on 27 July then struggled in the heavy going in the Belmont Newmarket. Trainer Michael Lane won this race with Free Trade in 2020. I really like him here and expect to see him in the finish.

10. Yeah Dardy (3)

First-up after 13 weeks and has been trialling strongly. Watch the market.

11. Staralign (5)

Resumed for 3.9 lengths 7th in the Belmont Newmarket and goes well second-up. Place chance.

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

Jo’s Tips
9 Resortman
5 Nerodio
3 Great Again
11 Staralign

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	9 Resortman
2nd	5 Nerodio	1.96 lengths
3rd	11 Staralign	3.58 lengths
4th	1 Western Temple	3.65 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 3. Great Again.