JRA Cup – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

With the early scratching of Nonconformist, 10 runners remain for the 2022 JRA Cup. There are 7 geldings, 2 stallions and a mare, with two four-year-olds, one five-year-old, 5 six-year-olds, a seven-year-old and a nine-year-old. Four runners had their last start over 1700m at Flemington on 10 September and two over 2040m at Moonee Valley on 3 September. The rest came through different races. Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Chris Waller and Michael Moroney each have 3 runners.

The early favourite is Great House who resumed for 3rd over 1700m at Flemington and goes well second-up. Second favourite is Makram who won that race at his 2nd start from a spell. Third favourite is Desert Icon who has had 3 runs from a spell and was a good winner over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. Nerve Not Verve only beat one runner home when resuming over 1600m at Moonee Valley but normally needs a run or two to show her best. The other runners are currently 10 to 1 or longer.

1. Nonconformist (7)  – SCRATCHED

2. Grand Promenade (11)

His last race was 16 lengths 7th over 1800m at Sandown on 11 June. That was his first run since 6th in last year’s Melbourne Cup. Has had 14 weeks off since then and expect him to need a run or two to show his best.

3. Persan (3)

Ran 11th at Flemington on a soft track when resuming. Has won at this track and distance and can handle all types of going. Place chance.

4. Great House (10)

Resumed for 3rd over 1700m at Flemington and goes well second-up

5. Sound (6)

This nine-year-old stallion is the oldest runner in the field. Ran a close 2nd in the Group 2 Auckland Cup a the end of last campaign. Resumed for 6. lengths 4th behind Mr Brightside in the Feehan Stakes when resuming. Could show up.

6. Nerve Not Verve (1)

The only mare in the race only beat one runner home when resuming over 1600m at Moonee Valley but normally needs a run or two to show her best.Gets Jamie Kah and could be in the finish.

7. Makram (4)

Won over 1700m at Flemington at his 2nd start from a spell to give him his 6th win from 15 starts. Handles soft going and is one of the main chances.

8. Desert Icon (5)

Has had 3 runs from a spell and was a good winner over 2040m at Moonee Valley last start. Rates highly.

9. Aurora’s Symphony (9)

Won the 2000m Colac Cup then the 2400m Group 3 Launceston Cup last campaign. Has placed at both attempts at t his track and distance, Don’t dismiss.

10. Regal Lion (2)  – SCRATCHED

11. Prix De Turn (8)

Won the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes at this track and distance in the autumn. Ran 4th here behind Desert Icon last start and should be thereabouts again,

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 Makram	8 Desert Icon
4 Great House	7 Makram
8 Desert Icon	6 Nerve Not Verve
6 Nerve Not Verve	3 Persan

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Desert Icon
2nd	6 Nerve Not Verve	3.5 lengths
3rd	3 Persan	4 lengths
4th	7 Makram	6.25 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 1. Nonconformist, 4. Great House, 10. Regal Lion.