Premiere Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Showers Easing

Twelve runners have accepted for the $1,000,000 Group 2 Premiere Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Godolphin stable, Bjorn Baker stable, and the Joe Pride stable have two runners entered each whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Lost And Running has opened as the early favourite at $2.25. He was fantastic when hitting the line nicely in the Shorts first up behind Nature Strip, cracking the top four in all closing sectionals for the meeting. He ended up being 1.5 lengths off the champion sprinter in a hot contest.

Mazu is on the second line of betting at $4.60. He is coming through the Shorts too and finished off nicely when finishing 2.5 lengths back in fifth. His first-up run was very good and it is expected that he hits another level here second up and up to 1200m.

Overpass is on the third line of betting at $7.00. He went above expectation in the Shorts when he finished 1.4 lengths off Nature Strip in second, whilst being found 2/5 lame post race. With an Everest slot secured, he will be looking for another big race here.

1. Lost And Running (3)

Smashed the line in the Shorts declaring that he is back better than ever. He was able to run some nice sectionals against dome handy sprinters, all whilst racing wide without cover. 1200m poses no issues and he has drawn nicely for the event. Should be hard to beat.

2. Masked Crusader (12)

His run in the Shorts was just as good as his rivals after coming from near last to finish 3.4 lengths off the winner in sixth. His sectionals were superior to those who finished in front of him but he is likely to get a fair way back again from the wide draw.

3. Mazu (1)

Finished off well in the Shorts when 2.5 lengths off them in fifth. He will love the extra 100m and we should see another decent run but I suspect he will be primed for his Grand Final, so from a betting perspective, he should run well.

4. Apache Chase (7)

First up after 112 days. No stranger to contesting big races, this looks tough for him as he isn’t the greatest in the wet.

5. Kementari (10)

Finished a solid one-length fifth in the Theo Marks. He has drawn ordinary here and will need some luck.

6. Overpass (8)

He surprised many after his run in the Shorts, finishing 1.4 lengths off Nature Strip in second, whilst being 2/5 lame. Will prefer the 1200m here and is drawn a touch better also. Expecting a similar run.

7. Private Eye (5)

First up after 112 days. Generally goes well fresh and should be hitting the line nicely whilst looking for further.

8. Athelric (6)

Couldn’t handle last start against similar opposition. Prefer others.

9. Shelby Sixtysix (2)

Third up now but based on his last run, I am not sure what to think of him.

10. Prime Candidate (4)

Ran a big race in the Theo Marks. Drawn ideally and will set the pace. Could run another bold race.

11. Brutality (9)

First up after 148 days. Prefer others.

12. It’s Me (11)

Ran a massive race behind Shades of Rose in a much weaker race. She is on target for her Grand Final also, so I expect her to be hitting the line once again. Place chance at best.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Mazu	1 Lost And Running
1 Lost And Running	6 Overpass
2 Masked Crusader	2 Masked Crusader
6 Overpass	9 Shelby Sixtysix

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Lost And Running
2nd	3 Mazu	0.29 lengths
3rd	2 Masked Crusader	0.42 lengths
4th	5 Kementari	0.57 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

Scratchings: 7. Private Eye, 8. Athelric, 12. It’s Me.