Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a field of 11 runners for the $125,000 Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic and 3 of them had their last start in the Group 2 WA Guineas over 1600m at Ascot on 19 November while the rest came via different races. There are 5 geldings, 1 colt and 5 fillies. Two are sired by Playing God. Trainer Neville Parnham has two runners.

The early favourite is Saintorio who is on a seven day back-up after 3rd in the WA Guineas and has 2 wins and 4 places from 6 starts this campaign. Second favourite is All The King’s Men who was 3rd in the WA Guineas after a close 2nd in the Listed Fairetha Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 5 November. Third favourite is Vampi At Play who finished 6th in the Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes after being held up. Man Crush ran 6th in the Fairetha, while Swear To God ran 6th in the WA Guineas. The other runners are currently 12 to 1 or longer.

1. Man Crush (10)

Ran 6th in the Listed Fairetha Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 5 November after a terrific effort for 0.2 length 2nd behind Amelia’s Jewel in the Listed Belgravia Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 22 October. Place chance.

2. Saintorio (4)

On a seven day back-up after 3rd in the WA Guineas and has 2 wins and 4 places from 6 starts this campaign. Should race on the speed and is one of the main chances.

3. All The King’s Men (9)

Was 3rd in the WA Guineas after a close 2nd in the Listed Fairetha Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 5 November. He was wide throughout last start and the drop back in distance suits. Should fight out the finish.

4. Swear To God (5)

This Playing God colt ran 6th in the WA Guineas. Has raced here 6 times for 3 wins and a place. Rough chance.

5. Kosta’s Crown (11)

Finished 4.6 lengths 5th in the Listed Placid Ark Stakes last outing. Two starts before that he won a 1200m maiden race here by nearly 3 lengths. This looks too hard.

6. China Spirit (1)

Interesting runner who had his first start last Sunday at Belmont where he was a 1.3 length winner of a 1300m maiden. He over-raced early and will take improvement from that run. Could surprise.

7. Vampi At Play (8)

One of two runners for trainer Neville Parnham. Finished 6th in the Group 3 WA Champion Fillies Stakes after being held up. Place chance.

8. Diamond Command (2)

The other runner for trainers Neville Parnham. Has a win and 4 places from 5 starts. Always runs an honest race. Rough place chance.

9. Aiyza (6)

Has placed twice at this track and distance combination. Looking elsewhere.

10. Nunes (7)

Started favourite and finished 4 lengths 3rd over 1200m at Ascot last start. Prefer others.

11. Madame Magic (3)

She has only had 2 starts. Was a good maiden winner over 1200m at Ascot then finished 0.2 length 2nd over 1400m at Northan on 16 November after racing greenly. Has upside.

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

Jo’s Tips
2 Saintorio
3 All The King’s Men
1 Man Crush
6 China Spirit

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2 Saintorio
2nd	3 All The King’s Men	0.15 length
3rd	9 Aiyza	0.39 length
4th	10 Nunes	1.76 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 8. Diamond Command.