Spring Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Overcast

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $127,250 Group 3 Spring Stakes with nine geldings and four mares. There are 6 five-year-olds, 4 six-year-olds, 2 seven-year-olds and an eight-year-old. They are all trained in South Australia, and trainers David Jolly and Ryan Balfour both have two runners.

The early favourite is Behemoth who won this race in 2020 and 2021, as although 2nd over the line last year he won on protest in the stewards room. Second favourite is Agreeable who is having her first run for the Will Clarken stable and has trialled well. Third in the market is Pindaric who has won 7 of his 9 starts and resumed for a win over 1100m here on 30 July.

Calypso Reign has won three of his four starts this campaign. Outlaws Revenge was 0.9 lengths 4th in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield last start, while Quietly Discreet has won five of her 15 starts. The other runners are 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Behemoth (8)

Looking for his third successive victory in this race. This seven-year-old All Too Hard gelding has won more prizemoney than the other 12 runners put together. One of two runners for David Jolly who trained him for his two previous wins in this race. This year he will be ridden by Paul Gatt who won this race on Squillani in 2003. Should run well again.

2. Outlaws Revenge (11)

This five-year-old Reward For Effort gelding was 0.9 lengths 4th in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield last start. He has seven wins from 19 starts. This is his best distance. One of two runners for Ryan Balfour and could place.

3. Calypso Reign (9)

The second of the David Jolly runners. He has won three of his four starts this campaign and was 2nd in the SA Sprint Series Final. Rises in grade but could figure in the finish. Will be ridden by Kayla Crowther who won on Behemoth last year.

4. Royal Mile (2)

Has ability but would be better over further. He won the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas over 1800m in 2021 then followed up with a win in the Group 3 SAJC Chairman’s Stakes over 2000m. Could surprise.

5. Pindaric (12)

Outstanding record of seven wins from nine starts and resumed for a win over 1100m here on 30 July. Five wins have been on soft going. Expect to see him in the finish.

6. Extreme Thrill (1)

At eight-years-old he is the oldest runner in the race this year and has drawn perfectly in barrier 1. Last start winner over 1200m at Gawler. Not the worst.

7. Sparkup (13)

First-up after 21 weeks. Finished last campaign with a win over 1200m at Morphettville in a BM 68 Handicap. Has the widest barrier and this is a big rise in grade. Prefer others.

8. Wotuwant (7)

Hasn’t finished worse than 4th at his last 5 runs, but has raced at Morphettville seven times without winning here. On a seven day back-up. Looking to others.

9. Venusian (5)

Has been mainly racing at 1400m and runs on from well back in the field. The shorter distance is not in his favour and I don’t expect to see him in the finish.

10. Agreeable (6)

She is having her first run for the Will Clarken stable who won this race with Mio Dio in 2017. Previously she was with Anthony and Sam Freedman and has trialled well. To be ridden by Todd Pannell who won this race on Mio Dio. Could show up.

11. Pimm’s Party (10)

Won at this track and distance on 30 July and all four wins have been at this track. Trained by Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas who won this race with Dalasan in 2019 and Rebel Raider in 2010 (Leon has also won earlier as a sole trainer). Jason Holder has also won this race with Happy Trails in 2012. I find her hard to follow and won’t be backing her.

12. Quietly Discreet (4)

This Exceed And Excel mare has won five of her 15 starts. Resumed from a 17 week spell for a 1.7 length win over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 23 July then finished 0.2 length 5th in a tight finish over 1000m at Murray Bridge on 6 August. Last run was disappointing but she has ability and could place.

13. Kenyan Wonder (3)

The second runner from the Ryan Balfour stable. Unplaced in all four runs this preparation, Prefer others.

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

Jo’s Tips
1 Behemoth
5 Pindaric
12 Quietly Discreet
10 Agreeable

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	3 Calypso Reign
2nd	5 Pindaric	2.1 lengths
3rd	11 Pimm’s Party	2.4 lengths
4th	8 Wotuwant	2.8 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 9.

Scratchings: –