Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are fifteen acceptors for the $200,000 Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap.  Six are first up while four others had their last start in the Elms Handicap.  The early favourite in a competitive betting race is the Western Australian mare Kissonallfourcheeks.  She finished third in the Group 1 Kingston Town and Railway Stakes at Ascot last year.

Chaillot is a first up specialist who loves the track and distance.  Fourhometwo is having his first run in Australia.  Junipal was an eye catcher in the Elms Handicap first up.  Our Playboy resumes.  Morvada was another good run in the Elms and will take catching again here.  Ain’tnodeeldun is first up off a lengthy spell.  Groundswell likes to race up on speed.  Cherry Tortoni races well here, while Crosshaven jumped out well last week.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Junipal

Trialed up well before an excellent first up run in the Elms which was his first run for eleven months.  Was making good ground with some quality horses such as Elephant & Mr Brightside in that.  Drawn a good alley here.  Stable flying.  Each way chance.

2. Groundswell

Raced outside lead in the Elms and whacked away.  Thought he was entitled to do more.

3. Kissonallforcheeks

Four year old mare across from WA.  Was third in both the Group 1 Railway and Kingston Town at the end of last year.  Then had a little break before running second in the Cyril Flower over 1200m on February 12.   Right in this.

4. Rock

Talented six year old gelding.  Got back and ran home solidly in the Southern Cross first up.  Wouldn’t shock to see him go close at a big price.

5. Crosshaven

Has been given a six week freshen after finishing seventh in the Listed John Dillon Stakes at Caulfield.  Jump out here on March 4 was very nice.  Good place chance.

6. Milton Park

Resumes.  Won his last two before spelling.  Tough ask in this class first up.

7. Rich Hips

Won the HKJ Club Stakes here last prep.  Finished last in the Mannerism first up.  Nash goes back on here.  Look for her steaming home late.

8. Aim

Safely held at her last three starts.  Prefer others.

9. Chaillot

Is a perfect four from four first up and three from four at the track and distance.  She has trialed solidly and must be respected here.

10. Cherry Tortoni

Good second in the Tontonan here last prep.  Was well supported first up in the Elms Handicap.  Just an even effort in that finishing midfield.  Will improve off that.

11. Fourhometwo

European import trained by Annabel Neasham.  Has three wins and three placings from eight career starts.  Was a last start Listed winner at the Curragh in Ireland on June 26.  Quiet Flemington jump out on March 4.  Market the best guide here.

12. Our Playboy

First up.  Likes to get back and fly home in his races.  Recent trial was good and gets Jamie Kah for the first time.

13. Holbien

Interesting runner.  Comes back to 1400m after running over 1800m last start.  Hard to recommend especially with this jockey.

14. Morvada

Lead and offered a good kick in the Elms Handicap.  Beat all bar Corner Pocket home who would be short odds in this.  Placed six of nine at the track & trip.  Can see him running well again.

15. Ain’tnodeeldun

Freedman galloper who has been off the scene for a while.  Had his last start in November 2020 when he won at listed level over 1800m here.  He has jumped out really well leading in but might just find these a bit sharp first up off the long break.  Look for him steaming home from the back.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3. Kissonallforcheeks	1. Junipal
11. Fourhometoo	14. Morvada
15. Ain’tnodeeldun	3. Kissonallforcheeks
10. Cherry Tortoni	5. Crosshaven

Group 3 Black Opal Stakes 2022 (Canberra 1200m)

Listed National Sprint 2022 (Canberra 1400m)

Group 1 Australian Cup 2022 (Flemington 2000m)

Group 1 Newmarket Handicap 2022 (Flemington 1200m)

Group 2 Sires Produce Stakes Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1400m)

Group 2 Kewney Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Matron Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1200m)

Listed Moomba Plate 2022 (Flemington 1100m)

Group 1 Coolmore Classic 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 2 Ajax Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1500m)

Group 3 Sky High Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 2000m)

Group 3 Magic Night Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1200m)

Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes 2022 (Rosehill 1100m)