Raconteur Stakes – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Eleven runners have accepted for the $125,000 Listed Raconteur Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Simon Miller stable will saddle up four runners in this contest, whilst the David Harrison stable and the Daniel/Ben Pearce stable will saddle up two runners in the event whilst every other trainer has just one entry each.

Devoted has opened up the early favourite following his 2.7 length win at this track and distance last time out. He has previously run well in this grade but will need some luck with a wide draw here. Rokanori is another last start winner, resuming after almost a year off to salute on the line over 1200m. The run will do him a world of good and should make his presence known.

Searchin Rocs rounds out the top three in the betting following her narrow third placing behind Rokanori. She is another who will improve from the one and has performed well in this grade previously.

1. Rokanori (3)

Hit the line well and won first-up in a Benchmark 72 race. Goes up 2.5kg from that run. Will need some luck from the draw but with Chris Parnham aboard, you can’t discount.

2. Above The Peg (11)

Aiming for four wins in a row. Drawn the widest here and will need plenty of luck tackling his first stakes race.

3. Liwa (6)

Drifted back with the blinkers off last start and was very plain. Up to 1400m suits but will need to improve to be a factor.

4. Searchin Rocs (7)

Was very bold behind rival Rokanori last start and meets him 5kg better off for that run. Drawn well, second-up, maps well and could be hard to run down over 1400m.

5. Devoted (9)

Big win first-up saluting by 2.75 lengths but he does cop a 2kg penalty for that win. Has run well in this grade previously but has drawn awkwardly. Place chance

6. Pats Got Sass (8)

Can’t have it on recent form.

7. Stay Safe (10)

Distant second behind Devoted last start but he does get a 4kg swing from that run. Should be much fitter for the run and is a legitimate place chance.

8. Black Fantasy (5)

First-up after 56 days. Can’t have.

9. Outspoken Lad (2)

First-up after 56 days. Will be hitting the line wanting further.

10. Kaymay (4)

In some good form but this is a tough test for her. Would rather see her.

11. Hardly Ever (1)

Form has been okay but she will need a peak performance to win this.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
4 Searchin Rocs	5 Devoted
5 Devoted	1 Rokanori
1 Rokanori	4 Searchin’ Roc’s
11 Hardly Ever	2 Above The Peg