Neds Classic – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Overcast

Nine runners have accepted for this years race. There are three colts and six geldings, and four of the runners are still maidens. Two runners had their last start in the Listed Super Impose Stakes over 1800m at Flemington on 1st October.

The early favourite is Mr Maestro who won the Super Impose Stakes last start after winning the Derby Trial the start before. Second favourite is Muramasa who won at Sale on debut then ran 3.9 lengths 7th in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes. Third favourite is Red Sun Sensation who was runner-up in the Super Impose Stakes.

Dream Hour has won two of his three starts. Distrustful Award comes off a 3 length win in a Mildura maiden, while Fearless Knight has three placings from seven starts. The other three runners are currently 40 to 1 or longer.

1. Mr Maestro (9)

Won the Super Impose Stakes (1800m) by 2 lengths last start after winning the Derby Trial (1800m) by 1.8 lengths the start before. The Derby Trial was on a Heavy 10 track.  Looks the standout selection.

2. Red Sun Sensation (2)

Runner-up in the Super Impose Stakes. Has started 4 times for a win and 3 places. In the mix.

3. Fearless Knight (7)

This Lonhro colt has three placings from seven starts. Finished 2.6 lengths 4th over 1600m at Kembla Grange, then was bumped hard in the straight when 0.9 lengths 4th over 1600m at Newcastle on a heavy track. Wouldn’t surprise to see him improve third-up.

4. Dream Hour (6)

Winner of his last two at Pakenham Synthetic and Sale. Can figure in the finish.

5. Muramasa (8)

Won at Sale on debut then ran 3.9 lengths 7th in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes. Trained by Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young who won this race with Albarado in 2020. Don’t write him off.

6. Distrustful Award (4)

Comes off a 3 length win over 2000m in a Mildura maiden at his 3rd start. It was an easy win and I think he can make his presence felt.

7. Maxxi Bon (5)

He’s still a maiden after 5 runs, but has finished 2nd at his last two starts, both at Geelong. Looks as if he will win soon, but I think it will be in an easier race than this.

8. Fierce Legend (1)

Narrowly beaten as favourite last start over 1600m at Goulburn at his 3rd race start. Drawn the rails but looking elsewhere.

9. Hereditary (3)

Trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) won this race last year with Gunstock. Finished 3.5 lengths 2nd in a maiden plate over 1600m at Pakenham Synthetic last start. Looks tested

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1 Mr Maestro	5 Muramasa
6 Distrustful Award	2 Red Sun Sensation
4 Dream Hour	1 Mr Maestro
2 Red Sun Sensation	4 Dream Hour

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Mr Maestro
2nd	5 Muramasa	0.1 length
3rd	6 Distrustful Award	2.1 lengths
4th	3 Fearless Knight	2.3 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

Scratchings: 4.Dream Hour, 9. Hereditary.