Ortensia Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft   Weather: Possible showers

Following the early scratchings of Juan Diva and Tycoonist, 16 runners remain for the $140,000 Ortensia Stakes, with nine geldings, six mares and a stallion. There are 4 four-year-olds, 11 five-year-olds and a six-year-old. Two of the runners had their last start in the Listed Hawkesbury Rush over 1100m on 30 April, two in a BM 94 over 1100m at Randwick, on 23 April while the rest all came through different races. James Cummings and Brad Widdup have two runners each.

The early favourite is four-year-old  Andermatt with five wins from nine starts, but he is a dual acceptor so might not run in this race. Second favourite is Malkovich who was a close 2nd in the Hawkesbury Rush. Third favourite is Roheryn who is first-up after a 17 week break and is fitter for multiple trial runs.

Eleven Eleven is also back from a 17 week spell and placed in a lead-up trial.  Lord Olympus is on a seven day back-up and is proven on soft ground while The Bopper was drawn very wide but has the speed to overcome that.  All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer, including Surreal Step who was runner-up in this race last year..

1. Eleven Eleven (14)

Back from a 17 week spell and placed in a lead-up trial. JockeyHugh Bowman won this race on That’s A Good Idea in 2015. In the mix.

2. Roheryn (10)

One of two runners for James Cummings who won this race with Viridine in 2019. Jockey Jason Collett also won on Viridine. First-up after a 17 week break and is fitter for multiple trial runs.

3. Malkovich (1)

Trained by Bjorn Baker he has drawn the inside barrier. Was a close 2nd in the Hawkesbury Rush and should fight out the finish.

4. Fituese (17)

Didn’t travel well on a heavy track last outing. Looks tested.

5. Vulpine (15)

One of two runners for Brad Widdup. Jockey Jay Ford won on To Excess in 2018. Has good form on heavy going and could get into the money.

6. Lord Olympus (4)

On a seven day back-up and is proven on soft ground. Not out of it.

7. Surreal Step (12)

This Brad Widdup trained gelding was runner-up in this race last year. Handles all type of going. Not the worst.

8. Juan Diva (9)  – SCRATCHED

9. Mo’s Crown (6)

Was a strong winner over 1000m at Muswellbrook on heavy going when resuming. Not the worst.

10. Cassy’s Sister (3)

Not sure she can handle the expected track conditions.  This looks too strong.

11. Just Field (11)

Hasn’t won for a long time. Jockey Kathy O’Hara won on Quatronic in 2017. Hard to get enthused.

12. It’s Me (18)

This five-year-old mare has won 4 of her 7 starts but has drawn the outside barrier. Rough chance.

13. Mr Mosaic (7)

Trained by Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou who won with Albumin last year. Goes very well first-up and could show up.

14. The Bopper (16)

Trainer Kris Lees won this race with Motspur in 2012. Has drawn very wide but has the speed to overcome that.

15. Ranges (5)

Goes well first-up and capable of getting into the money.

16. Mariamia (13)

Appears safely held.

17. Tycoonist (2)  – SCRATCHED

18. Andermatt (8)

Has five wins from nine starts, but he is a dual acceptor so might not run in this race. Good chance if he does.

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

Jo’s Tips
18 Andermatt
3 Malkovich
1 Eleven Eleven
9 Mo’s Crown