R J Peters Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 13 runners for the $150,000 R.J. Peters Stakes with 9 geldings and 4 mares. There are three 4YOs, three 5YOs, two 6YOs, four 7YOs and one 8YO. Seven runners had their last start in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 29 October, two in a 1400m race at Ascot on 5 November  while the rest all came via different races. Trainer Neville Parnham has two runners.

The early favourite is 4YO Devoted who is the most lightly raced runner with 4 wins from 9 starts. However he has started at Ascot 5 times before without a win.  Second favourite is Playing Marika who charged home from near the tail of the field for a very close 2nd last start, and is on a seven day back-up. Third favourite is Searchin’ Roc’s who goes well at the track and goes well second-up.

Last Of The Line blundered at the start and ran 16th in the Asian Beau, but has a great record at this track. Eeyore Wayz wound up steadily for 0.5 length 2nd in the Northam Cup after running 2nd over 1400m at Ascot. Dom to Shoot resumed for 1.7 lengths 8th in the Asian Beau and generally improves second-up, while Let’s Galahvant won three races in a row before 1.9 lengths 9th in the Asian Beau.The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Last Of The Line (3)

Blundered at the start, became unbalanced and the jockey lost a stirrup briefly when he ran 16th in the Asian Beau. Forget that as he has a great record at this track with 5 wins and 2 places from 10 starts. In the mix.

2. Jadavi (12)

This 8YO mare is the oldest runner this year. She resumed after 23 weeks for 2.6 lengths 7th over 1400m a Ascot on 8 October. Can improve second-up.

3. Neufbosc (9)

One of two runners for Neville Parnham. This gelding ran 5th in this race last year. Resumed for 3.8 lengths 14th in the Asian Beau, and generally takes a couple of runs to show his best.

4. Platoon (7)

This Neville Parnham runner ran 2nd in this race in 2019. Resumed from a spell for 10th in the Eurythmic Stakes, then was 11th in the Asian Beau. Prefer others.

5. Eeyore Wayz (4)

Wound up steadily for 0.5 length 2nd in the Northam Cup after running 2nd over 1400m at Ascot. Wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish.

6. Dom To Shoot (1)

Resumed for 1.7 lengths 8th in the Asian Beau and generally improves second-up. Has drawn the rails. Not the worst.

7. Let’s Galahvant (13)

This 4YO has 8 wins from 16 starts and won three races in a row before 1.9 lengths 9th in the Asian Beau. Has drawn the outside barrier but still think he is a place chance.

8. Chili Is Hot (5)

On a seven day back-up after 8th over 1400m at Ascot on 5 November. Prefer others.

9. Cockney Crew (10)

Ran 3rd in this race last year. Has got off to a poor start this preparation with last of 12 then 10th of 13. Looking elsewhere.

10. Devoted (11)

The most lightly raced runner with 4 wins from 9 starts.  He ran on from near the back of the field and was blocked for most of the straight when 1.6 lengths 7th in the Asian Beau. He has talent but has started at Ascot 5 times before without a win which is a worry. One of the key players and gets William Pike riding.

11. Playing Marika (2)

This 7YO Playing God mare charged home from near the tail of the field for a very close 2nd last start over 1400m at Ascot. She is on a seven day back-up and should feature in the finish.

12. Searchin’ Roc’s (6)

She has 6 wins and 3 places from 13 starts and goes well at the track She resumed after 17 weeks for 3.7 lengths 13th in the Asian Beau and goes well second-up. One of the main chances.

13. Speed Dream (8)

Has placed at his last two starts both over 1600m at Ascot. Having his first black-type race. Rough place chance.

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

Jo’s Tips
11 Playing Marika
10 Devoted
12 Searchin’ Roc’s
5 Eeyore Wayz

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Searchin’ Roc’s
2nd	7 Let’s Galahvant	0.29 length
3rd	10 Devoted	1.47 lengths
4th	1 Last Of The Line	1.48 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.