JRA Plate – 2022

Track: Soft to Heavy Weather: Mostly Fine.

Twelve runners have accepted for the $160,000 Group 3 JRA Plate and there have been no early scratchings. The Chris Waller and Matthew Smith stable are both saddling up two runners each whilst every other stable have just one entry each.

Icebath has opened the early favourite and she is on the quick back up after running a slashing third in the Queen of the Turf. She has never faced 2000m and will have to do it with the top weight. Polly Grey is on the next line of betting following her close second placing to Mount Popa in the Neville Sellwood over 2000m.

Marroni rounds out the top three in betting and he is coming out of the Neville Sellwood also, where he sat on pace, and he will be much more suited to the improving track and the speed around him.

1. Icebath (5)

Slashing third last weekend. Never run at 2000m but gives the indication it will suit. Should run a bold race.

2. Polly Grey (7)

Will be suited to the soft/heavy conditions, 2000m is ideal, and maps to sit in a nice position throughout. Big chance.

3. Numerian (8)

Plain last start. Up to 2000m suits. Would rather see it.

4. Brutality (1)

Simply outclassed last time out. Back to Group 3 level suits. 2000m still a query. Drawn to get a soft run.

5. Kukeracha (10)

2000m suits. Ran okay first up. I am expecting an improved run.

6. Harmony Rose (11)

Won the Albury Cup. This is tougher.

7. Marroni (6)

Wasn’t disgraced last start. Will improve nicely and is drawn well. Expecting a good run.

8. Maximal (3)

Will need to see.

9. Purple Sector (12)

Can’t have.

10. Esti Feny (9)

Returned a gelding in the Bendigo Guineas. Entered in Melbourne also. Improving track suits if they stay.

11. Pappalino (2)

First-up. Prefer others.

12. Cryptogram (4)

Outclassed.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 Marroni	1 Icebath
2 Polly Grey	2 Polly Grey
1 Icebath	4 Brutality
5 Kukeracha	7 Marroni