R.S. Crawford Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 14 runners for the $125,000 R.S. Crawford Stakes. there are 10 geldings, five mares and a stallion ranging in age from four to nine-years-old. Eight of them are resuming from a spell. Trainer Simon A Miller has four runners and Chris & Michael Gangeni have two runners. Two of the runners had their last start in the Nicopolis Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 17 September and two in the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes over 1200m at Belmont on 24 September, while the rest all came via different races.

The early favourite is Wilchino who hasn’t started for 11 weeks after she was a 2.2 length winner of the Ngawyni Stakes on 30 July. Second favourite is Miss Conteki who has 9 wins from 14 starts including six wins at this track and distance. Third favourite is Stageman who was placed in this race in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Nerodio finished 2nd in the Idyllic Prince last start after winning the Belmont Newmarket. It’sarayday was disappointing last start at Belmont but has good form at Ascot. Amasenus resumes after a 20 week spell and goes well first-up. This’ll Testya resumes after a 26 week break and won both trials, while Indian Pacific won this race in 2020 and resumes here. All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Gemma’s Son (9)

This five-year-old stallion has won seven races, with four of those at this distance and two of those at this track. Finished 1.5 lengths 5th in the Nicopolis Stakes oer 1200m last start. Won’t be far away.

2. Money Matters (11)

One of two runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi. Finished 3rd in the Black Heart Bart and goes well at Ascot.

3. Indian Pacific (12)

Won this race in 2020, Resumes here after 22 weeks and goes well fresh. Has been trialling well and is capable of being in the finish. Respect.

4. Nerodio (3)

Finished 2nd in the Idyllic Prince last start after winning the Belmont Newmarket. Has won 6 from 7 over this distance but has never won at Ascot, with 6 places from 7 starts here. One of the key chances.

5.Hot Zed (13)

Resumes from a 2 month break and  has great form at this track. Might need this run.

6. Stageman (5)

This eight-year-old is a regular in this race.  He finished 2nd in 2019, then 3rd in 2020 and 2021. Having his first run for trainer Adam Durrant and is a good chance again.

7. Mervyn (6)

Ran 2nd in this race behind Indian Pacific in 2020. Looking to others.

8. It’sarayday (8)

This 4YO is the youngest runner in the field and one of 4 runners for Simon A Miller. Was disappointing last start at Belmont but has good form at Ascot.

9. Amasenus (14)

Resumes after a 20 week spell and goes well first-up.

10. Miss Conteki (1)

She has 9 wins from 14 starts including six wins at this track and distance. Won the Listed Summer Scorcher and the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes at this track over the summer. Has won 4 of 5 first-up and ran 2nd in a recent trial. Leading contender.

11. Zoushine (10)

Resumes from a 28 week spell and having her first run for a new trainer. Prefer to see.

12. River Beau (7)

Won last start at Ascot when first up. Place chance.

13. Long Beach (4)

Has had 3 starts this campaign without placing. Prefer others,

14. Panzdown (2)

Resumes after 18 weeks and has an excellent record at this track and distance. Could show up.

15. This’ll Testya (15)

Resumes after a 26 week break and won both trials. Not the worst.

16. Wilchino (16)

Hasn’t started for 11 weeks after she was a 2.2 length winner of the Ngawyni Stakes on 30 July. Has 4 wins from 4 starts at this track and distance. Drawn the outside barrier. No surprise to see her in the finish.

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

Jo’s Tips
10 Miss Conteki
4 Nerodio
6 Stageman
16 Wilchino

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Miss Conteki
2nd	15 This’ll Testya	0.06 length
3rd	4 Nerodio	1.2 lengths
4th	5 Hot Zed	1.5 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.