Millie Fox Stakes – 2022

Track: Good – Soft Weather: Likely Cloudy.

Eight mares have accepted for the $200,000 Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes.  Bjorn Baker has two runners accepted for the event and four of the eight are first up.  The early favourite in an open betting market is Mark Newnham trained Expat.  She is coming off a victory in the Gosford Belle of the Turf.  Next in the betting is a three-way go between Krone, Rocha Clock, and Belluci Babe.  Krone is coming off a decent run at the Gold Coast in that hot Fillies and Mares race won by Snapdancer, Rocha Clock is first-up since running a close second in the Hot Danish last November and Belluci Babe is on the quick back-up from last weekend’s Triscay Stakes.

Of the remaining runners, Matchmaker is coming off a forgetful run in the Toy Show Quality where she bled which is an automatic three-month ban from racing. Bring The Ransom has been in some consistent form as she steps up to her hardest assignment in her career, Le Lude is first-up after her 2.8 length defeat in the Matriarch at Flemington. Nicci’s Fling is first-up also after some consistent runs in much weaker company.

Speed Map:

1. Krone (4)

Coming into this race on the back of a fair effort in the Fillies and Mares Magic Millions race on the Gold Coast. Tony Gollan doesn’t bring them down that often, and if she can run similar figures to what she did in Sydney last preparation, she wins this.

2. Rocha Clock (2)

First-up after an okay preparation. Has had two trials in preparation for her return, though her first-up record suggests she will need this run. Expect her to be running on, maybe a place chance.

3. Expat (8)

Huge win last start in the Belle of the Turf at Gosford where she was able to control the race and run nice figures. She drops back to 1300m but Mark Newnham puts the blinkers back on her (Has won 8/19 at 42% in the last 12 months when adding blinkers again) and looks to get a soft lead from the wide gate. Had one trial to top her off. Despite her best figures being on tracks with the sting out of it, she is the one to beat.

4. Matchmaker (5)

Bled at the end of last preparation and has since had two trials in preparation for today. I don’t like her going to 1300m first-up personally but this is Chris Waller we are talking about. Place chance.

5. Bring The Ransom (7)

On the quick back-up from her 3.5 length defeat to Le Gai Soleil. Drawn awkwardly and will need some luck.

6. Belluci Babe (3)

On the quick back-up from her 3.9 length defeat behind Snapdancer in the Triscay Stakes. At her best, she can measure up to these from a favourable draw and she won’t be left out of my numbers. Respect.

7. Le Lude (1)

First-up after 105 days off. She has had two trials in preparation for this. She will be looking for further and might find these a bit too sharp.

8. Nicci’s Fling (6)

First-up from some okay runs in much weaker company. I think she is just making up the numbers.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1000m)

Group 2 Hobartville Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1400m)

Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1100m)