Ramornie Handicap – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Mostly Fine

Twenty runners have accepted for the $200,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap with four of them being emergencies and there have been no early scratchings. The Snowden stable and the Les Kelly stable have two runners engaged each, meanwhile, the rest of the trainers just have one entry each.

King of Sparta is the early favourite and he is currently $4.80. He is coming out of a fair run in the W J Healy Stakes at Eagle Farm, where he ran a 2.5 length sixth. Ranges is on the second line of betting at $7.50 and he is also coming out of the W J Healy Stakes, but he ran a much better race, finishing 1.1 lengths off the winner in third place.

Prime Candidate rounds out the top three in betting at $9.00. He is coming off two-second placings with the latest being in the same race as the top two in the market. Southern Lad ($23.00) is looking to defend his crown after taking out the 2021 edition whilst third placing from last year Fender ($23.00) is also back for another crack at the top prize.

1. Gem Song (11)

Has been racing in tougher races up north. Has had a trial in between for fitness which was impressive. Drawn well enough and could be a factor late in the piece.

2. Holyfield (5)

Won the Eye Liner Stakes at Ipswich two back before having a luckless run in the Glasshouse Handicap. Drawn perfectly to get whatever run they want to take as he has nice gate speed. He will appreciate an improving track and he is a good chance to run well.

3. Desert Lord (8)

Ran a bold second in the Eye Liner Stakes behind Holyfield who he meets 1.5kg better off. Decent draw and back to 1200m suits, as does the improving track. Almost a month between runs is the query.

4. Hard Empire (12)

First-up in 165 days. 4/8 first-up which is a nice record, but this is the longest he has had to travel for a first-up run. I prefer others.

5. Prime Candidate (13)

Solid second in the W J Healy Stakes. He will be at peak fitness now but may have to do some work to get into a nice position. He will be somewhere in the finish.

6. Southern Lad (20)

Defending champion who has been poor in the lead-up. Drawn the carpark and will need a lot of luck.

7. Ranges (14)

Third in the W J Healy Stakes. Has been in great form this preparation, winning one and placing the other two. The draw is a touch iffy so he will need a good ride, but if he can get a cruisy passage, he will be in the finish.

8. King of Sparta (10)

Had every chance in the W J Healy Stakes. Drawn to get a similar run should they get the luck but he will need to improve to be a chance.

9. Surreal Step (1)

Been running well enough in recent starts but he would have hoped the rain would have stuck around. Drawn the inside get so he will need luck as he isn’t a pacy type.

10. Fender (18)

Coming back from a mile where he was only fair. Blinkers are coming off here but he will need a lot of luck from the poor draw.

11. Freddie Fox Trot (9)

Been running well in weaker company. Will need to produce his best with luck to win, but could run a sneaky place.

12. Greyworm (17)

Well past his best. Can’t have it here.

13. Gogol (15)

This looks too tough for him here.

14. Sir Rocket (7)

First-up after 109 days. 2/3 first-up but this is the first start for a new stable. Might be beyond reach.

15. At Witz End (6)

Looks outclassed.

16. Pandora Blue (3)

The lone female in the race (excluding emergencies). Drawn well but will need a big effort to win.

17e. Catesby (4)

Unlikely to affect this field.

18e. Riva Del Sol (16)

Stable loves this carnival, but she will need luck from the draw if she gets a run.

19e. Mccormack (2)

Unlikely.

20e. Cassys Sister (19)

Can’t have.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Bryce’s Tips
5 Prime Candidate	4 Hard Empire	2 Holyfield
7 Ranges	8 King Of Sparta	8 King Of Sparta
1 Gem Song	7 Ranges	5 Prime Candidate
3 Desert Lord	6 Southern Lad	7 Ranges