Luskin Star Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Possible showers

There are 15 runners for the $140,000 Luskin Star Stakes, with 11 geldings, three mares and a stallion. There is a three-year-old, 4 four-year-olds, 7 five-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds and an eight-year-old. Three of the runners had their last start in the Tamworth Cup over 1400m on 22 April and two in a BM 88 ove 1200m at Randwick on 16 April while the rest all came through different races. Chris Waller and Cody Morgan have two runners each.

The early favourite is four-year-old  Andermatt who is a dual acceptor but looks well-suited here. Second favourite is Tycoonist who won the Hawkesbury Rush. Third favourite is Flying Crazy who won the Listed Daybreak Lover over 1400m at Eagle Farm last outing..

Bandersnatch won the Tamworth Cup last start and is fitter now. Edit finished 1.5 lengths 5th in that race. True Detective was runner-up in this race last year, resumes from a 13 week break and goes well first-up, while Acquitted tends to go well on a softer track.  All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Bandersnatch (7)

Won the Tamworth Cup last start and is fitter now. One of the chances.

2. Olmedo (2)

Faded to finish seventh last start at Hawkesbury on a heavy track. Prefer others

3. Tycoonist (1)

One of two runners for Chris Waller. This four-year-old won the Hawkesbury Rush last start and rates highly.

4. Andermatt (14)

Andermatt is a dual acceptor at Scone for this race and the Ortensia Stakes but is more likely to run in this. He has five wins from nine starts He won by over 6 lengths over 1200m at Canterbury on 6 April, then raced away for a 2.8 length in over 1100m at Randwick on 23 April. Both of those runs were on heavy tracks.  Trainer James Cummings won this race with Osborne Bulls in 2018, Trekking in 2019 and Ranier in 2020. Jockey Rachel King also won on Osborne Bulls. Looks hard to beat.

5. Charmmebaby (9)

Resumes from a 16 week spell and placed in last trial at Taree. Not the worst.

6. Wren’s Day (4)

One of two runners for Cody Morgan. Finished 6th in the Tamworth Cup

7. Edit (6)

The 2nd of the Cody Morgan pair. finished 1.5 lengths 5th in the Tamworth Cup

8. Impasse (11)

Normally goes well first-up , so could place.

9. Zorocat (15)

Ran 3rd at Randwick last start but has drawn the widest barrier here. Rough place chance.

10. True Detective (8)

This Chris Waller galloper came 2nd in this race last year. Resumes from a 13 week break and goes well first-up

11. Hightail (3)

Has finished well back in the field both starts this campaign. Gets the blinkers back on. Looking to others.

12. Flying Crazy (10)

Won the Listed Daybreak Lover over 1400m at Eagle Farm last outing, making it 3 wins from 6 starts this campaign. In the mix.

13. Acquitted (5)

Tends to go well on a softer track.

14. Much Much Better (13)

Won over 1200m at Randwick on heavy going last start. Has the speed to overcome an unfavourable draw. Can surprise.

15. Hasstobegood (12)

Has ran 5th at all four starts this campaign. Gets blinkers back on. Prefer others.

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

Jo’s Tips
4 Andermatt
3 Tycoonist
12 Flying Crazy
1 Bandersnatch