Luckygray Stakes (Ascot Gold Cup) – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the $125,000 Luckygray Stakes with 11 geldings and two mares. There is one 4YO, four 5YOs, one 6YO, three 7YOs, three 8YOs and one 9YO. Four runners had their last start in the Listed Northam Cup over 1600m on 23 October while the rest all came via different races. Trainer Adam Durrant has four runners.

The early favourite is Buster Bash who has won three of his last four races and is in great form.  Second favourite is Pure Devotion who has won both previous second-up starts. Third favourite is Stafford’s Lad who has won the Boulder Cup and the Kalgoorlie Cup at his last two starts.

Holy Enchantment resumes from a 38 week spell and had two wins and three placings from five starts last campaign. Billy Ray is on a six day back-up after running 4th in the York Cup, while Come Right Back looks suited by the distance. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer including Bad Wolf who was runner-up in 2021 and Utgard Loki who was runner-up in 2020.

1. True Attraction (10)

This 7YO has finished in the back half of the field at all three runs this preparation. Last start he finished 5.2 lengths 6th of 10 in the Northam Cup. Looking to others.

2. Stafford’s Lad (5)

He has won the Listed Boulder Cup (2100m) and the Listed Kalgoorlie Cup (2200m) at his last two starts. Has had a six week let-up and is one of the chances.

3. Utgard Loki (1)

One of four runners for trainer Adam Durrant who won this race with My Thornbird back in 2005. Utgard Loki was runner-up in this race in 2020. He had been trialling well before resuming for 8 lengths 9th in the Northam Cup where he only beat one runner home. Drawn the rails and is in the mix.

4. Black Shadow (8)

Returns from a 15 week break and has won over this distance. Usually doesn’t fire fresh, so prefer others.

5. Buster Bash (12)

Has won three of his last four races and is in great form. Last start he was a 0.3 length winner in a Rating 72+ Handicap on 15 October where he led all the way. This is his first black-type race and he should figure in the finish.

6. Bad Wolf (7)

Runner-up in this race last year. Ran 4th in the Kalgoorlie Cup then 1.5 lengths 3rd over 1600m at Ascot on 22 October. In the mix.

7. Baramagic (6)

Ran 3rd behind Buster Bash over 1800m at Ascot when resuming, then was slowly away and never likely when 7.3 lengths 11th over 1600m at Ascot last start. Prefer others.

8. Billy Ray (3)

He is on a six day back-up after running 4th in the York Cup, and was 1.7 lengths 4th over 1600m at Ascot the start before. Looks a nice type for this and it wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

9. Come Right Back (9)

Finished 7 lengths off the winner in the Northam Cup amd most of his wins have been in the 2000-2400m range. Looks suited up in distance

10. Floyd (2)

This 9YO is the oldest runner in the race this year. Unplaced in all six runs this campaign and gets the blinkers back on. Unlikely.

11. Holy Enchantment (11)

Resumes from a 38 week spell and had two wins and three placings from five starts last campaign. Can place.

12. Lady Chant (4)

This 4YO mare is the youngest runner in the field this year. Finished five lengths back last start at Ascot when first up but she placed at Pinjarra at her only second-up attempt. Not the worst.

13. Pure Devotion (13)

This So You Think mare has won both previous second-up starts. She resumed for 3.1 lengths 7th in the Group 3 Eurythmic Stakes over 1400m where she looked as if she needed more ground. Jockey William Pike won this race last year on Midnight Blue and in 2017 on Gatting.  She should fight out the finish.

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

Jo’s Tips
13 Pure Devotion
5 Buster Bash
2 Stafford’s Lad
11 Holy Enchantment