Leon Macdonald Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 12 runners for the $107,250 Leon Macdonald Stakes following the early scratching of Pindaric. There are seven geldings, one stallion and four mares, with 2 five-year-olds, 3 six-year-olds, 4 seven-year-olds and 3 eight-year-olds. Will Clarken is the only trainer with two runners, and only one runner is first-up, two are second-up and the rest of the field have all had at least three runs this preparation.

The early favourite is six-year-old  Dalasan who ran 3rd in this race in 2020. Second favourite is Agreeable who should go well over the 1400m. Third favourite is Just Folk who resumed for 6th in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington on 6 August.

So Say Angel has two wins and a place from her last three starts and has been very consistent.  Zoulah has also won two of her last three starts and handles soft going, while Oh Mo won at this track two starts ago before 3rd at Murray Bridge. The other runners are all over 25 to 1.

1. Just Folk (3)

This six-year-old gelding has two Group 2 wins on his resume including the Ajax Stakes in March. He resumed from an 18 week break for 5.7 lengths 6th in the Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap at Flemington 3 weeks ago. Has never done much second-up, so looking to others.

2. Dalasan (13)

Ran 3rd in this race in 2020. Trained by Leon Macdonald (the man the race is named after) & Andrew Gluyas who won this race with Southern Speed in 2012. He resumes from a 14 week spell and has won first-up in the past. Major contender and would love to see him win for Leon.

3. Grinzinger Star (10)

This seven-year-old gelding has been flying on his home track of Port Augusta. He won by 1.2 lengths over 1867m on 26 June, then by 2.7 lengths in the Port Augusta Cup over 2300m on 10 July. Has had a six week let-up but this is a big drop in distance. Not the worst.

4. Pindaric (12)  – SCRATCHED

5. Extreme Thrill (11)

Trained by Wayne Francis & Glen Kent who won this race with Rocket Commander in 2016. He kept chasing strongly and won by 0.7 lengths over 1200m at Gawler on 9 July, then battled on evenly for 3.5 lengths 6th in he Group 3 Spring Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on 13 August. Prefer over 1200m.

6. Territory Titan (9)

On a six day back-up after 0.5 length 2nd over 1300m at Bordertown on 21 August when resuming from a 25 week spell.Goes well on soft going and could surprise.

7. Master Chum (8)

Only has 4 wins from 31 starts. Looking elsewhere.

8. Oh Mo (4)

Seems to be going well this campaign. He drove through late for a 0.2 length win over 1250m here on 16 July, then came from a clear last to finish 1.4 lengths 3rd over 1400m at Murray Bridge on 6 August. With multiple wins at this track he is in with a chance.

9. Next Dimension (7)

Struck trouble when 3.6 lengths 6th over 1600m at Murray Bridge on 2 July, then was a surprise 1.7 length winner on a heavy track over 1200m at Morphettville on 13 August. Up in journey and could surprise again.

10.Agreeable (5)

One of two runners from the Will Clarken Stable. Clarken won this race with Second Slip last year and jockey Todd Pannell rode that winner. She made late ground for 4.5 lengths 8th in the Spring Stakes and the extra distance should suit. One of the main chances.

11. So Say Angel (2)

She has two wins and a place from her last three starts and has been very consistent. Worked home nicely from well back to finish 1.4 lengths 2nd over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 16 July, then won by 1.3 lengths over 1400m at Murray Bridge on 6 August. Should go well.

12. Zoulah (6)

The second runner for Will Clarrken has also won two of her last three starts and handles soft going. She let down strongly for a 1.4 length win over 1400m at Morphettville Parks on 16 July, then just plugged and struggled on the turn when 10 lengths 11th over 1600m at Moonee Valley on 30 July. Forget that run. Shouldn’t be far away at the finish.

13. Jaamint (1)

Won two races in a row earlier this campaign, but hasn’t finshed off well at ther last two starts. Nicely drawn in barrier 1, but prefer others.

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

Jo’s Tips
10 Agreeable
2 Dalasan
11 So Say Angel
8 Oh Mo

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Dalasan
2nd	1 Just Folk	0.3 lengths
3rd	8 Oh Mo	0.5 lengths
4th	9 Next Dimension	0.8 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 4. Pindaric, 6. Territory Titan.

Protest 2nd vs 1st – DISMISSED