R A Lee Stakes – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $152,250 Group 3 R A Lee Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Ben and Jd Hayes stable and the Travis Doudle stable have two runners entered each for the event whilst every other trainer has just one entry each.

Dalasan has opened the early favourite in the event following a Group 1 campaign in Sydney, where he was good without finishing in the top 3. Excelida is on the second line of betting following her one-length defeat in the Anniversary Vase at Sandown where she finished third. She is going to appreciate the drying surface here and the step up to a mile.

So Si Bon rounds out the top three in the betting despite being entered for Flemington also. He was very good second-up at Caulfield in a set weights and penalties race where he was a narrow second to Imperial Lad.

1. So Si Bon (11)

Entered for Flemington also. He was very good second-up and looks a live winning chance if he heads to this race.

2. Cherry Tortoni (2)

Also entered for Flemington. He was okay last start when two lengths back in fifth. Will need to improve to be winning this.

3. Junipal (1)

Also entered for Flemington. Another horse who was good behind Imperial Lad last start when finishing third. Will improve nicely and could run a bold race here.

4. Royal Mile (3)

Ordinary last start but start prior over the mile he ran second in the Listed C S Hayes Memorial Cup. Needs to return to that form to be a chance.

5. Struck By (4)

Bold in the City of Adelaide Handicap when finishing third. 1600m suits and could run a race from an ideal draw.

6.One More Jack (6)

Will need to improve majorly to be a chance.

7. Dalasan (10)

Easiest race for him since September last year. Been running in Group 1’s in Sydney. A return to his best can be good enough.

8. Countofmontecristo (13)

Can’t have here.

9. Farooq (8)

2000m back to 1600m looks okay and is fighting fit. Solid place chance.

10. Ritratto (5)

Can’t have it on recent form.

11. My Mate Sonny (14)

Looks Outclassed.

12. Danish Fortune (9)

Will need to improve to trouble some of these.

13. Belle Plaisir (12)

Entered for Flemington also. Was very good in the Queen of the South Stakes. Big chance to run a big race if they stay here.

14. Excelida (7)

1600m looks ideal for her and fitness is no issue as she has been up a while. Jamie Kah is on and an ideal draw sees her go close.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
14 Excelida	14 Excelida
7 Dalasan	7 Dalasan
3 Junipal	2 Cherry Tortoni
2 Cherry Tortoni	1 So Si Bon