Lee Steere Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratching of Aysar, nine runners remain for the $250,000 Lee Steere Stakes with eight geldings and one mare. There are three 5YOs, three 6YOs, one 7YO, one 8YO and one 9YO. Four runners had their last start in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 15 October and two runners had their last start in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 29 October. The other three came via different races. Trainer Chris & Michael Gangemi have two runners.

The early favourite is Resortman who won the Eurythmic last start after winning the Listed Farnley Stakes and the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes at the two previous starts.  Second favourite is 2021 winner Massimo who was a close 2nd behind Resortman when resuming in the Eurythmic after an 18 week spell. Third favourite is Comfort Me who resumed for 4th in the Eurythmic. Karli’s Karma is having her first black-type race and comes off wins at Belmont then Ascot. God Has Chosen resumed for 8th in the Eurythmic and has won 3 from 3 second-up, while Stageman finished 11th in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes and is on a seven day back-up.  The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Stageman (10)

Finished 11th in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes when he was blocked the entire straight. Had no luck last start but he is a talented runner, Clint Johnston-Porter retains the ride and he is on a seven day back-up. Respect.

2. Massimo (9)

He won this race last year and is one of two runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi. He was a close 2nd behind Resortman when resuming in the Eurythmic after an 18 week spell. Last year he place in the Eurythmic before winning this race. Keep safe.

3. Aysar (6)  – SCRATCHED

4. Western Temple (4)

This nine-year-old is the oldest runner in the race this year. Finished 2.4 lengths 4th in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m last start. Always run an honest race but isn’t in my top 3.

5. Resortman (5)

Won the Eurythmic last start after winning the Listed Farnley Stakes and the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes at the two previous starts.  He only just got there last start after being held up, but he keeps winning. My top pick.

6. Comfort Me (1)

Started favourite when resuming and finished 0.45 length 4th in the Eurythmic. Drawn the rails, goes well second-up and will probably be in the finish.

7. Kaptain Kaos (2)

Resumed from an 18 week spell for 15th in the Asian Beau. On a seven day back-up. Prefer others.

8. God Has Chosen (8)

Got too far back when he resumed for 8th in the Eurythmic. Had the best final 400m race sectional and has won 3 from 3 second-up. One of the main chances.

9. Notorious One (3)

Has finished in the back half of the field at his last two starts. Looking elsewhere.

10. Karli’s Karma (7)

The only mare in the race. She is having her first black-type race and comes off a 0.7 length win over 1200m at Belmont on 17 September then a 3.2 length win over 1400m at Ascot on 8 October. Carries 2kg less than the other runners and can make her presence felt.

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

Jo’s Tips
5 Resortman
6 Comfort Me
10 Karli’s Karma
8 God Has Chosen