Ladies Day Cup – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Partly Cloudy

Nine runners have accepted for the $160,000 Ladies Day Cup and there have been no early scratchings.

Kirwin’s Lane ($2.45) has opened the early favourite following a couple of fourths in the Big Dance Wildcard race and the Group 2 Shannon Stakes. He definitely brings the best form lines to this race but does have to give weight to his opposition.

Lord Ardmore ($3.10) is on the second line of betting after having an unlucky run in the Diamond Prelude, where he was stuck wide without cover. His form prior has him competitive here and I would say that is why he is the price he is.

The Frontman ($9.00) rounds out the top three in the betting after he was eased out of the Diamond Prelude late in the race after being slow out early.

1. Kirwin’s Lane (5)

Ran fourth in the Big Dance Wildcard and in the Shannon Stakes so far this preparation. He is proven over the mile and won at this track at this level last preparation. Deserved favourite.

2. Lord Ardmore (1)

Finished well back in the Diamond Prelude after racing wide without cover throughout. Prior to that, he ran third in the Premier’s Cup and fourth in the Wyong Cup which is terrific form for this. His best wins this and it’s his best chance of some black type before heading to the paddock.

3. Torrens (3)

First up after 234 days. He goes okay first up but this looks a little out of reach.

4. Soldier of Love (8)

Ran solidly first up in a weaker grade before doing very little in the Sydney Stakes. I think this race was an afterthought after drawing wide and being scratched from Goulburn on Sunday.

5. The Frontman (7)

Ran fourth first up in a weak Cameron Handicap at Newcastle before being eased out of the race late last time out. Will need a new peak rating to be competitive, and is a place chance at best.

6. Palmetto (4)

Listed winner in New Zealand before coming over here and failing in the conditions. They went away for a break and had two trials before running fairly first up. Will be better for the run. Place chance.

7. Flambeur (6)

I can’t have him here.

8. Notions (9)

On the quick backup from Saturday where he went into my BlackBook. I thought it was a terrific return, finishing 1.8 lengths behind horses with runs under their belts, especially getting that close to Waterford. Draw here is poor but he is a solid each-way chance after what I saw Saturday.

9. Momack (2)

Winner of a benchmark 72 has been his highest achievement thus far. Might sneak a place with the right run and some luck.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Lord Ardmore	1 Kirwan’s Lane
8 Notions	8 Notions
1 Kirwan’s Lane	2 Lord Ardmore
5 The Frontman	5 The Frontman