Standish Handicap – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Twelve sprinters have accepted for the time honoured $250,000 Group 3 Standish Handicap.  Two last ran in the Kensington Stakes, two ran in the Christmas Stakes and two others ran in a benchmark 78 here on New Years Day.  Five are first up.  The early favourite in a wide open betting race is the Danny O’Brien trained It’sourtime.  He backs up after finishing third at Caulfield last week over 1100m and should be hitting peak fitness here fourth up.  Next in the betting is Turaath.  She resumes here in her second Australian preparation and has Damain Lane in the saddle.

The Astrologist hasn’t missed a place in four try’s at the track and distance and it’s no surprise to see him met with good support in early betting markets.  Halvorsen won this race two years ago and gets Jamie Kah in the saddle, while Mileva and Outlaws Revenge have both won six of their twelve starts.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. The Astrologist

First up.  Track and distance specialist having won twice and placed twice from four previous runs at the track and trip.  Has jumped out well in recent weeks and should be able to control this up on speed.   Has the big weight to carry but will take some getting past.

2. Halvorsen

Won this race two years ago on the minimum weight which was his only top three finish this track and distance from six previous attempts.  Been good this preparation in his two runs here over 1000m.  Gets Kah and some weight relief for this.  Each way claims.

3.  Tuaraath

Resumes in her second Australian preparation.  Progressed quickly from winning a benchmark 64 at Sandown to a Group 2 Mares race last preparation.  Should get a good run in transit here for Damian Lane.  One of the chances.

4. Deep Image

Former Queenslander now under the care of Rhys Archard at Echuca.  He was second behind Jonker first up last preparation over this distance and has jumped out nicely.  Consider for multiples.

5. Mileva

Phillip Stokes runner who has won two from three this preparation, including last start when she took out the Kensington Stakes here over 1000m.  Going well enough to win but needs to prove herself at the distance.

6. Game Keeper

Been near enough fourteen months since we saw this gelding at the races.  He was a terrific run first up this track & distance in his last preparation.  Another who has jumped out well.  Rough hope.

7. Hightail

Resumes.  Struggled for form last preparation.  Prefer to watch him first up.

8. Munitions

Godolphin galloper with three wins and two placings from sixteen career starts.  Was safely held in the Christmas Stakes last time out and barrier 1 hasn’t been the placed to be down the straight in recent times.  Prefer others.

9. Outlaws Revenge

Won twice in Adelaide before coming to Melbourne and running fifth in the Christmas Stakes at Caulfield on Boxing Day.  In the mix.

10. It’sourtime

Danny O’Brien trained four year old on the quick back up after finishing a close up third over 1100m at Caulfield last week.  He has performed well in both straight track runs this preparation and drops 5.5kg for this.  Major player.

11. Rock Prophet

Closed well in the Kensington Stakes first up, then was anchored by the big weight last start.  Back down to 54kg for this third up assignment.  Place claims.

12. Capriccio

Won the Inglis Dash here over 1100m first up last preparation.   Races well down the straight.  Needs to improve on last start though to play a role here.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
10. It’sourtime	10. It’sourtime
1. The Astrologist	1. The Astrologist
2. Halvorsen	11. Rock Prophet
3. Turaath	3. Turaath