Rubiton Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Eight, including three 3 year olds have accepted for the $300,000 Group 2 Rubiton Stakes.  Anthony & Sam Freedman have two runners and six of the eight are first up.  The early favourite in an open betting market is one of the Freedman runners, Artorius.  He won the Blue Diamond here last year and was Group 1 placed in the Caulfield Guineas and Coolmore in the spring.  Next in the betting is Marine One.  He has a fitness edge on most of his rivals and just 54kg on his back.

Oxley Road was third in the Caulfield Sprint in October and should be able to hold the lead with a clean jump from barrier one.  Ingratiating flew down the outside to win the Vain Stakes first up at this track & trip last campaign.  Mileva loves the 1100m distance.  Mr Mozart has two wins from his seven starts.  Extreme Flight has jumped out well, while Sword Of Mercy is capable of sprinting well fresh.

1. Oxley Road

Lightly raced four year old son of Exceed and Excel.  He was third behind Group 1 sprinter Masked Crusader this track & trip in August and two of his three wins have come at Caulfield.  One of the chances here.

2. Artorius

Won the Blue Diamond here last year.  First up last campaign got back and savaged the line over the 1200m to just miss.  Is clearly the best horse in the field its just whether he can give them a start and beat them over 1100m.

3. Mileva

Was fourth in the Standish at Flemington last start.  Back to 1100m where she has a very strong record (three from five) and should get every chance from barrier four with Brett Prebble in the saddle.

4. Ingratiating

Was impressive winning this track and trip first up in the spring, then was Group 1 placed at Moonee Valley.  Oli has had eight rides on him for three wins and four placings.  Will have fans.

5. Sword Of Mercy

Resumes.  Has six wins and 11 placings from her 25 starts.  Likes to get back and run on in her races.  Place chance.

6. Extreme Flight

First up.  Was impressive winning three in a row in the spring before failing when dropping back to 1200m in the Group 1 Coolmore.  Have loved his recent jump outs at Cranbourne.  Draws well.  Roughie with a chance.

7. Mr Mozart

Resuming colt trained by Team Hawkes.    Defeated Artorius over 1400m in the Exford Plate last preparation.  Won’t be too far away in the run.

8. Marine One

Saved from the Manfred Stakes last week to run here.  Was a good second behind In The Boat here on January.  Strong claims with just 54kg on his back and Jamie Kah in the saddle.

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

Group 1 C F Orr Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1400m)

Group 2 Autumn Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1400m)

Group 3 Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1200m)