Let’s Elope Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

One of the most open races I have ever come across. Where to start! Kissonallforcheeks is racing in good fashion, deserves to be favourite and just needs luck from the draw to go close. Flying Mascot has class and Probabeel form. I Am Bene was outstanding last start from a horrid position. Foxy Frida flies on this track. Daises was super last prep and can hunt along the rail while Yearning comes up enormous odds.

1. Yearning (9)

Enormous fresh last prep on a day where ground could hardly be made. I am a huge fan of Yearning and it can give this a shake and very healthy odds.

2. Glint Of Hope (10)

Super classy galloper that won some big races last prep. Has won fresh but this trip may be short of its best. Respecting any moves.

3. La Dragontea (15)

Going along well, the barrier is tricky but has the top jockey booked. This race is very stacked so I prefer others but worth keeping La Dragontea safe and respecting any moves.

4. Elusive Express (2)

Honest competitor that should be there abouts again from the good draw. May sneak into the top 4.

5. Kissonallforcheeks (14)

Can see why Kissonallforcheeks is well respected in the market here. Outstanding return in a race that has form bound to hold up in this. Zahra will need to produce something special from the draw but if he can it’ll be very hard to hold out.

6. Flying Mascot (5)

A little flat fresh but not much went right. Flying Mascot was enormous second up last prep and brings in the Probabeel form. Should get a good run from the draw and looks a massive chance.

7. Rich Hips (6)

Prefer others.

8. Daisies (1)

Luckless last prep but has a super turn of foot. I can image Brown will need to bide his time and hope the gaps open in the straight. If they do Daises can win.

9. Steinem (13)

By no means out of this race. A horse better suited by looping the field and coming wide so the draw isn’t a disadvantage for Steinem. Needs things to go right with its running pattern but can win.

10. Foxy Frida (8)

Flies at this track with 3 wins and 1 second placing from 4 goes. Unbeaten over the track and trip, I have my queries on the form but based on the track being Flemington, Foxy Frida is in with a big chance.

11. Lady Of Honour (3)

Knows how to win and should be setting the tempo here. Decent step up in grade but hard to knock winning form. Goes close.

12. Fortunate Kiss (7)

Can certainly take this out. 1/1 at Flemington and hasn’t missed the quinella second up. This is a very stacked race but Fortunate Kiss has the turn of foot to win.

13. Tokorangi (11)

Prefer others.

14. I Am Bene (4)

Got the job done from a hopeless spot last prep. Maps well here to sit just off the speed and the ceiling is unknown with this one. Very good chance.

15. Cuban Link (12)

Brilliant return. Cuban Link has a good running pattern, should be plonking on the speed and giving a kick. Overall this race is within reach and Damian Lane retains the ride.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1 Yearning	5 Kissonallforcheeks	5 Kissonallforcheeks
14 I Am Bene	10 Foxy Frida	6 Flying Mascot
5 Kissonallforcheeks	11 Lady Of Honour	10 Foxy Frida
6 Flying Mascot	6 Flying Mascot	15 Cuban Link

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Kissonallforcheeks
2nd	11 Lady Of Honour	0.3 length
3rd	1 Yearning	0.4 length
4th	10 Foxy Frida	0.65 length

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 7. Rich Hips.