Moonga Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Wide open affair with Ayrton on top of the market. It will need luck bouncing from barrier 17 but is unbeaten from 3 goes over the track and trip and has only missed the quinella once with Kah in the saddle. Old Flame was a run no one missed last weekend and will be looking to bounce back after that. Lady Of Honour has the right running pattern to be worth thought while Open Minded and Aegon are both hovering around large odds and can take this out at a price.

1. Lightsaber (15)

Need to see more.

2. Ayrton (17)

Ayrton ticks all the boxes bar the draw. 3/3 over the track and trip, 6 times in the quinella from 7 goes. It does have the class on this field and is unbeaten from 4 runs on this track. The ride is crucial. If it finds cover early or can get to outside leader it should be winning. If caught deep, it will need to special and dig very deep. Hard to beat but also risky to back given the draw and map.

3. Regalo Di Gaetano (13)

Can’t have.

4. Sinawann (2)

Hasn’t done much this prep but not willing to sack. Likes this track and trip and always runs well third up, chance at odds and especially with the nice map.

5. Bandersnatch (14)

Like the form of Bandersnatch. It goes well second up and has some nice NSW form from last prep. First look at the track and Mcneil will need a tow into the race at the right time but it strikes a winnable race here. Hard to beat.

6. More Than Exceed (3)

Can’t have.

7. Open Minded (1)

On top. Maps to lead them up, absolutely loves this track and trip and loves wet ground. From barrier 1 Thornton can be aggressive early and Open Minded can punch this race. Looks priced on its last run when it pulled up lame. The $41.00 is huge.

8. Ironclad (8)

Good chance in this. Should sit midfield and let rip. Ironclad has a nice turn of foot, goes well fresh and goes very well for Todd Pannell who is 3 steers for 2 wins. This race is well and truly within reach.

9. Streets Of Avalon (16)

Won this race in 2019. No wins from 15 goes on wet tracks, can’t have it unless we get dry conditions.

10. Shaquero (11)

Can’t have.

11. Aegon (12)

Don’t mind Aegon here at odds. It has won twice over the trip and has won second up in the past. Has been off the boil since its enormous Hobartville win however its last run on this track was a 4th behind Behemouth and that form can get away with this. Big respect at $35.00.

12. Wild Planet (6)

Won this race last year. Its best efforts win this but we haven’t seen that for a long time. Respect any market moves.

13. Catalyst (9)

Wasn’t far off Ayrton last run and looks suited up in trip where it has never missed the quinella. Zahra sticks and it maps better than most of its rivals, huge chance with a few things in its corner.

14. Riddle Me That (5)

Hasn’t got a great record on this track or second up but does go well for Stackhouse. Has been mixing form lately. Prefer others.

15. Old Flame (7)

Shuffled back and caught in a really bad spot last run. Should clearly improve here but I thought Old Flame was only fair to the line once clear. It by all means can win but looks very over priced off that last run and looks under the odds in early markets. I had it marked $12.00.

16. Lady Of Honour (10)

Having a super prep thus far and has the right running pattern. Lands on the speed and gives a kick. If Lady Of Honour is left alone up front it will take plenty of holding out and it is unbeaten over this track and trip. Major player.

17. Poland (4)

Has a strong third up record but has done nothing for quite some time. Needs to lift but has class on its day.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
7 Open Minded	15 Old Flame	11 Aegon
8 Ironclad	5 Bandersnatch	5 Bandersnatch
11 Aegon	16 Lady Of Honour	13 Catalyst
2 Ayrton	13 Catalyst	15 Old Flame