Pago Pago Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Mostly Fine with a chance of a shower.

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $175,000 Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes with one early scratching, taking the entries to twelve. The Ryan/Alexiou camp are saddling up two runners whilst every other trainer just has the one entry.

The early favourite is Magic from the Hawkes stables who is coming off a slashing second behind Best of Bordeaux on his debut run. He was definitely an eye catcher out of the race and he is drawn to go one better. Rise of the Masses is second in the betting and he is yet to finish outside of the top 3, with his latest run being a solid second behind Promitto in the Skyline Stakes.

Sweet Ride is the next in the betting and is quite an interesting runner. He was a convincing winner in the Black Opal Preview in Canberra but the field had nothing of note, so the form is questionable.

1. Sweet Ride (2)

Convincing winner in Canberra. Before that he ran very well in Sydney. Wet track seems to be no issue and he is drawn well. Big chance.

2. Rise of the Masses (4)

Thought his run behind Promitto was very good as the inside draw wasn’t ideal for the day. Drawn well here, likely leader and handles all conditions. He is a player.

3. Magic (3)

The eye-catcher last start. Hit the line well and is drawn a lot better here. He is the one to beat.

4. Wealthy Investor (6)

First-up. Ran well on the wet on debut last preparation and ran well since. Could be a bolter.

5. Williamsburg (13)

Brilliant winner at Newcastle whilst running nice sectionals. Drawn a tricky barrier and comes back 100m. Will need a new level.

6. Nipotino (7)

Luckless to start the preparation before sitting prominently at Canterbury and saluting nicely. Wet no issue. Place chance.

7. Cool Amigo (9)

SCRATCHED

8. Nolan (12)

Outclassed.

9. Peace Officer (1)

Blinkers first-time, tongue-tie off. Prefer others.

10. Standing Order (10)

Blinkers off, visor on. Decent first-up but will need to lift.

11. Brosnan (5)

SCRATCHED

12. Kote (8)

Entered for Canterbury Thursday as well. This looks too hard.

13. Custodian (11)

Debut run. Blinkers on. Would rather watch and see.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Rise of the Masses	3 Magic
3 Magic	2 Rise of the Masses
1 Sweet Ride	1 Sweet Ride
4 Wealthy Investor	5 Williamsburg

Group 3 Black Opal Stakes 2022 (Canberra 1200m)

Listed National Sprint 2022 (Canberra 1400m)

Group 1 Coolmore Classic 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 2 Ajax Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 3 Sky High Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 3 Magic Night Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1100m)

Group 1 Newmarket Handicap 2022 (Flemington 12oom)

Group 1 Australian Cup 2022 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 2 Kewney Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 2 VRC Sires Produce 2022 (Flemington 1400m)

Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap 2022 (Flemington 1400m)

Group 3 Matron Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1200m)

Listed Moomba Plate 2022 (Flemington 1100m)