Show County Quality – 2022

Track: Soft 5 – Good 4 Weather: Sunny.

Ten runners have accepted for the $200,000 Group 3 Show County Quality and there have been no early scratchings. Of the ten entries, there are no dual entries, so every trainer has one horse entered each.

King of Sparta has opened up the $2.90 favourite after being rolled as favourite at Flemington in the Aurie’s Star. Prior to this, he was an impressive winner at Caulfield, winning the Bletchingly by a quarter of a length.

Showmanship is on the second line of betting at $3.90 and has James McDonald booked. He hasn’t been seen since May when he finished third in the Wangoom Handicap. He has also entered for Moonee Valley also, and there is a high chance he remains in Melbourne. Embracer rounds out the top three in betting at $8.00. He led them up last start in the Missile Stakes but faded badly to finish last.

1. Special Reward (3)

Ran below par in the Missile Stakes and there were no excuses listed. He drops back in grade and has drawn well but I think he needs another run to be at his best, but that doesn’t mean he can’t run well.

2. King of Sparta (7)

Rolled as favourite at Flemington in the Aurie’s Star. Prior to this, he was an impressive winner at Caulfield, winning the Bletchingly by a quarter of a length. Will give them a start and there doesn’t look to be much pace engaged here. Will need a 10/10 ride by Nash Rawiller.

3. Embracer (10)

He led them up last start in the Missile Stakes but faded badly to finish last. Aside from being a touch awkward out, there were no other reasons for the poor run noted. Likely to head forward from the wide gate and will get his chance once again.

4. Bandipur (6)

Queensland visitor who comes down to Sydney second up following a 1.1 length fifth at Doomben when travelling wide throughout. The run was big and it was his first run since 2020. Drawn well and can run a race if there is no hangover from first-up.

5. Electric Girl (4)

Returning after 149 days. Generally runs well first-up though her better runs have been against her own sex. Drawn well and could get into a nice position behind the leaders. Place chance.

6. Showmanship (1)

Returning after 108 days. He hasn’t been seen since May when he finished third in the Wangoom Handicap. He has also entered for Moonee Valley also, and there is a high chance he remains in Melbourne. If he stays in Sydney, he is a big chance.

7. Chat (5)

Returning after 126 days. Did very little in the Autumn and couldn’t return to the preparation he has in the Spring. Happy to watch him go around.

8. Rocketing By (9)

Can’t have in this race.

9. Prime Candidate (8)

Has been up a while and has yet to win this preparation. Looks like the likely leader/sitting with the leader at what looks to be a slow pace. Gets a nice weight drop and could give some cheek if circumstances permit.

10. Sonnet Star (2)

Looks outclassed.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Showmanship	2 King of Sparta
4 Bandipur	6 Showmanship
2 King of Sparta	5 Electric Girl
9 Prime Candidate	10 Sonnet Star