MRC Foundation Cup – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

A cracking race for the stayers where plenty of these have claims. Emissary won well last start and can go on with things from the good draw. Smokin’ Romans comes from an astute camp and should give this a shake. Uncle Bryn may need luck from the draw but will be suited to a bigger track while Gold Trip should give this a shake, a classy import with strong credentials.

1. Gold Trip (6)

The stable have a remarkable record over staying trips and Gold Trip is a classy import that looks well placed in this field. An in form Mark Zahra rides and it looks very well suited up to this trip. Quinella hope.

2. Earlswood (15)

Was only fair first up when most expected Earlswood to be the main danger to Mr Brightside. Should be fitter for the run and suited dropping back into an easier class.

3. Grand Promenade (3)

Does enjoy this trip but usually improves with a run under the belt. Keep an eye on any market moves.

4. Sheraz (14)

Returned in excellent fashion when rattling home behind Emissary. That looks the right form for this race and with even luck from the draw Sheraz will be hard to hold out at the business end.

5. Elephant (10)

Interesting move having Elephant over a staying trip. The 2/2 record second up is hard to ignore and would pay to keep Elephant safe.

6. Chapada (9)

Hard to trust with 3 wins from 35 career starts. Should be around the mark but I prefer others.

7. Daqiansweet Junior (7)

Gets along with Jamie Kah extremely well. She has ridden 4 times for a win and a second. Barrier 7 is slightly tricky but Junior is already a winner at the track and has strong claims in this race.

8. Crystal Pegasus (8)

Became a very consistent operator last prep. Craig Williams jumping back aboard is a big tick and the record over the 2000 is outstanding. Big  chance.

9. Midnight Blue (4)

Ran well first up behind Desert Icon. Whether that is the right form for this remains a query but it should be fitter and will appreciate a good draw.

10. Lunar Flare (11)

3 wins from 4 starts 4th up is a compelling stat for Lunar Flare. Hasn’t won from 6 goes at this track but looks well primed to be in the finish against this.

11. Emissary (2)

Superb win last start when looking well in at the weights. Should improve with the run under the belt and drawn to perfection. This race is within reach 2nd up.

12. Aleas (13)  – scratched

13. Smokin’ Romans (12)

Smokin’ Romans ran very well last start. The camp have an outstanding record over staying trips and Ethan Brown is in good form. Goes close.

14. Uncle Bryn (1)

Ran well on a day where it was best to be leading. Suited out to a bigger track but barrier 1 could make things slightly tricky with its running pattern. Needs luck from the draw but can win.

15. The Amazonian (5)

Prefer others.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
8 Crystal Pegasus	14 Uncle Bryn	4 Sheraz
11 Emissary	4 Sheraz	1 Gold Trip
1 Gold Trip	7 Daqiansweet Junior	14 Uncle Bryn
14 Uncle Bryn	5 Elephant	10 Lunar Flare

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	13 Smokin’ Romans
2nd	14 Uncle Bryn	0.75 length
3rd	1 Gold Trip	1.05 lengths
4th	6 Chapada	1.55 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 3, Grand Promenade, 12. Aleas.