Star Kingdom Stakes – 2022

Track: Likely Heavy Weather: Chance of Showers.

Sixteen runners and three emergencies have accepted for the $160,000 Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes and there has been one early scratching. The Annabel Neasham stable, Team Hawkes, and the Kris Lees stable all saddle up two runners (including emergencies) whilst the other stables only have one entry each.

Maotai is the early favourite and is the second emergency. Although his last start was in a benchmark 78, he saluted impressively by just under a length beating home some nice horses. Gravina is the next in the betting and he had excuses last start in his third placing behind Shelby Sixtysix in the Maurice McCarten.

Quantico rounds out the top three in the betting after a disappointing run up the straight at Flemington in the Newmarket.

1. Count De Rupee (18)

He is better than what he produced first-up. Won’t mind the conditions but is drawn poorly.

2. Splintex (5)

Ran okay first-up behind Eduardo in the Challenge Stakes. Will need to be better here.

3. Olmedo (9)

First-up. Prefer others.

4. Trumbull (6)

First-up. Comes to hand quickly and is okay on the ground. Prefer to watch.

5. Bandersnatch (11)

First-up. Visors off. Goes okay fresh but goes better with a run under his belt. Loves the conditions. Place.

6. Gem Song (7)

First-up. Goes well first-up but would want it dryer.

7. Archedemus (13)

First-up. Can’t have.

8. Quantico (15)

Drawn poorly and wants it dry.

9. Exoboom (2)

First-up. Goes okay fresh and goes okay in the wet. Others.

10. Art Cadeau (1)

First-up. Goes well fresh and loves the wet. Might be a touch outclassed.

11. Prime Star (10)

Had excuses for a poor first-up run. Hasn’t won for almost 2 years. Others.

12. Gravina (8)

Blundered the start and ended up further back than they wanted last start. Drawn okay and can sit in a better position if they start well. Chance.

13. Remarque (16)

SCRATCHED

14. Shaquero (14)

First-up. Prefer others.

15. Fender (17)

First-up. Has a brilliant first-up record and goes good on the wet. Drawn horribly but still a good chance.

16. Nimbostratus (12)

First-up. Australian debut. Entered for Doomben also. Probably heads there for a good track.

17e. Rustic Steel (19)

Gained a start. Also entered for the last where they have drawn better. Place.

18e. Maotai (4)

Likely to gain a start. Was a good winner in weaker company last start. May have company this time on pace. Still a top chance.

19e. Catesby (3)

Outclassed first-up.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
12 Gravina	18 Maotai
15 Fender	12 Gravina
18 Maotai	10 Art Cadeaux
4 Trumbull	2 Splintex