Shannon Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft-Heavy   Weather: Partly Cloudy with a shower or two

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $250,000 Group 2 Shannon Stakes and there has been one early scratching. The Chris Waller stable has two runners entered each whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Ellsberg has opened as the early favourite at $2.90. He had no luck first up in the Theo Marks Stakes and had to settle for a 1.25 length sixth when he should have finished a lot closer. He gets his regular rider back and is drawn ideally, so he really is a deserved favourite.

Old Flame is on the second line of betting at $5.50. He was an impressive winner first-up before accepting for and scratching from a feature at Newcastle. The draw isn’t too bad and this will be a challenge up in grade.

Rustic Steel is on the third line of betting at $7.00. His 2.1 length eighth in the Theo Marks was quite good considering he was held up in the straight before hitting the line nicely and coming home quicker than all bar the winner.

1. Mount Popa (13)

First up after 168 days. Two trials in preparation for this but he has drawn poorly and will be looking for further. He should be hitting the line.

2. Ellsberg (1)

He had no luck first up in the Theo Marks Stakes and had to settle for a 1.25 length sixth. Gets Tim Clark back aboard which is a plus, he has drawn ideally and he loves running here at Rosehill. I have no doubts that he will be in the finish here.

3. Kirwin’s Lane (4)

First up after 105 days. Generally, he doesn’t fire first up but he would be a nice place chance if you trust him.

4. Pinarello (8)

First up after 119 days. He came to Australia for one run in the Autumn and it was for a win over 2400m in the Queensland Derby. He has won over shorter before but never first up, so I would say this is a bridging race for something later in the spring.

5. Dr. Drill (11)

First up after 72 days. He generally runs okay first up but he will be looking for further.

6. Bigboyroy (3)

He was ordinary in the Theo Marks Stakes and nothing really came up in the stewards’ report. James McDonald goes on which raises eyebrows and he is also drawn well. Will have one eye on him.

7. Rustic Steel (2)

Ran better than the 2.1-length eighth reads in the form guide during his run in the Theo Marks Stakes. He should improve nicely and is drawn to sit wherever they please. The step up to 1500m suits and he should be hitting the line nicely.

8. Atishu (10)

Finished off well in the Theo Marks Stakes, 1.7 lengths off the winner in seventh. The draw isn’t the worse but it’s been a while since she has shown her best.

9. Pinstriped (9)

SCRATCHED

10. Surf Dancer (5)

First up after 76 days. He will appreciate the 1500m but he may take a run to get into the groove.

11. Old Flame (3)

Solid win first-up in a much weaker grade. Drawn well enough and the Snowden’s generally have a nice second-up record. This is a big step up but a good run won’t surprise.

12. Fourhometwo (12)

First up after 147 days. Can’t have.

13. War Eternal (6)

On the quick backup. Ran a solid second in a benchmark 78 last start. Third up last preparation he almost won a Group 2 at Moonee Valley. Respect.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
10 Surf Dancer	2 Ellsberg
2 Ellsberg	11 Old Flame
11 Old Flame	10 Surf Dancer
4 Pinarello	13 War Eternal

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	10 Surf Dancer
2nd	11 Old Flame	0.71 length
3rd	2 Ellsberg	1.6 lengths
4th	3 Kirwan’s Lane	2.76 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 7.  Rustic Steel, 9. Pinstriped, 13. War Eternal.