Schillaci Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

An intriguing race where many come out of the Moonee Valley meeting a fortnight ago. Paulele wasn’t suited by the on pace bias and found them too sharp. Expect it to improve drastically onto a larger track with a longer straight. Queen Of The Ball was left alone up front and made light work of its opposition last start while Ingratiating has been tricky to catch but returned in excellent fashion and looks a large danger to its stable mate.

1. Paulele (2)

Found them too sharp fresh but it was a night where you had to be on pace to be any kind of chance. Liked the finale of Paulele and this set up looks much better. J-Mac sticks and it should take some holding out in a winnable race.

2. Ingratiating (7)

Has been hard to catch in recent times but resumed in blistering style and can go on with things in this. Zahra sicks and it has a strong record at this track. Barrier 7 will require a little early luck but if he can find some cover it will take some holding out late.

3. Shelby Sixtysix (8)

Has been poor thus far but the trainer was insistent Shelby will take a few runs to find fitness. Expect improvement from last start but still is probably a few runs away from being a force.

4. Zoustyle (5)

Racing very well and has proven it can match it with the big guns. The form around Rothfire reads nicely for this and Oliver has options from the draw. Hard to beat.

5. General Beau (3)

Was consistent last prep and gets the right barrier to figure. Lane has a strong record aboard and General Beau flies fresh. Has a touch of class and this race is within reach.

6. In The Boat (9)

A winning machine that had a bit too much to do fresh. The amount of early speed and days pattern is crucial to its chances in this. Can win.

7. Express Pass (4)

Raced well last prep. Can be hard to catch but has ability and can give this a shake.

8. Oxley Road (1)

Yet to fire this prep but had excuses both starts. Pulled up with issues last run and was caught wide the run prior. Could surprise.

9. Queen Of The Ball (6)

Got things its own way at The Valley a fortnight ago and won well. Had pattern on side but must be respected coming off a strong win and has a suitable racing pattern.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1 Paulele	2 Ingratiating	1 Paulele
2 Ingratiating	1 Paulele	2 Ingratiating
4 Zoustyle	9 Queen Of The Ball	6 In The Boat
8 Oxley Road	6 In The Boat	7 Express Pass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Paulele
2nd	2 Ingratiating	0.75 length
3rd	4 Zoustyle	1.75 lengths
4th	5 General Beau	2.5 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 7. Express Pass, 8. Oxley Road.