Mona Lisa Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Expecting them to go like the wind in this with a stack of speed. Expat is one that likes to land on the bunny and should be able to lead these up from barrier 4 and usual rider Tom Sherry aboard. Boomnova continues to race well and will also land on the speed. Katalin will need luck from the draw but gets the services of J-Mac and loves good footing. Sur La Mer is a model of consistency and deserves thought while Sunrise Ruby may not run but can give this a shake if connections elect to have it here. Tempo will be red hot.

1. Yes Baby Yes (2)

Prefer others.

2. Expat (4)

Expat is a very handy galloper who is tough and has a great running pattern. Sherry knows the horse well, he can take it to the front and the tight track should suit. Right in this race.

3. Boomnova (12)

Flying and I have no queries around the form however I am a bit concerned about where Boomnova will get to in the run. With Expat going forward it may have to sit outside the leader or be trapped wide. The map makes it tricky but it certainly has claims with even luck in running.

4. More Prophets (8)

Won this race last year. 1/1 over the track and trip and loves racing here. More Prophets has been a little tricky to catch over its career but can rattle home and with a fast pace on up front it can certainly take this out at odds. Keep very safe.

5. Katalin (17)

Katalin is going to need a James Mcdonald special from the draw however it is massively suited by the dry ground and strikes a winnable race. I probably couldn’t take the $3.90 given how much luck in running will be needed but it still holds large appeal in this field.

6. Wonderful Riri (6)

Can improve and absolutely flies over this trip and with Thompson in the saddle. I thought the first up run was just fair and Riri doesn’t have an amazing second up record but it is suited by the 1350 and dry ground. Some hope.

7. Pandora Blue (11)

Can’t have.

8. Meg (14)

Returned really well and Bowman is an eye catching booking. Already a 2nd up winner and suited by the good ground, has a case at the $41.00.

9. Sur La Mer (7)

Sur La Mer has hit its straps this prep and has not missed the quinella. An ultra consistent galloper that maps better than most of it rivals, massive chance with Pike doing the steering.

10. Snippy Fox (5)

Dual acceptor who maps well and can give a good kick in this field. Keep an eye on where it goes and keep safe.

11. Dalchini (10)

Stuck on the one career win and prefer in something easier.

12. Larkspur Run (15)

Needs luck from the draw and doesn’t have the greatest strike rate however I thought the return run was solid enough. Keep safe and monitor any market moves.

13. Riduna (13)

Should plonk on the speed and is suited by the Wyong track. Frumos and Hope In Your Heart ran the quinella last Saturday and both had little luck behind Riduna. That looks the right kind of form. Should be going close here.

14. Miss Redoble (16)

Can’t have.

15. Flandersrain (1)

Good galloper on its day but is off the boil lately.

16. Sonnet Star (3)

Mixing form but a good draw and Tim Clark is both positives. Not hopeless at odds.

17. Sunrise Ruby (9)

Likely to be scratched.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
9 Sur La Mer	5 Katalin
13 Riduna	9 Sur La Mer
2 Expat	13 Riduna
3 Boomnova	2 Expat

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	8 Meg
2nd	5 Katalin	0.16 length
3rd	12 Larkspur Run	0.88 length
4th	11 Dalchini	1.38 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 10. Snippy Fox.