Starlight Stakes – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Mostly Fine

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $160,000 Starlight Stakes and there has been one early scratching.

Dragonstone ($5.50) is the favourite in a wide-open betting race and he is on the quick backup following his slashing third behind Atherlric in the Warra last weekend. Tom Sherry staying with him instead of Fox Fighter is a decent indication of ability, though he is riding for his master, so that could be the sole reason.

Najmaty ($6.50) is entering this race first up following a solid preparation during the late Autumn/early Winter.

Fox Fighter ($7.00) rounds out the top three in the betting following a solid win last time out in much easier company.

1. Bruckner (14)

First up after 392 days. Hard to have after a long lay off.

2. Through The Cracks (1)

Ran solidly first up in a weaker race, which was a peak first-up rating. He generally improves well second-up and from an ideal draw, he shouldn’t be far away.

3. Enchanted Heart (8)

First up after 84 days. Prefer others.

4. Juan Diva (13)

Had no excuses when 3.5 lengths back in tenth last time out. Gets the tongue tie first time. Poorly drawn.

5. Kallos (5)

Has been up a while. He ran second in the Caulfield Sprint before not running well in the Century Stakes. His best goes close but he could be near the end of his preparation.

6. Najmaty (10)

First up after 168 days. She didn’t finish further back than second in her three runs last preparation which included the win in the Helen Coughlan Stakes and running second in the Dane Ripper. Providing she returns well, she could go close.

7. Sky Command (2)

Ran third in a weaker race last time out when she was third to Clemenceau. Drawn well and maps well here and she can go close again.

8. Dragonstone (6)

On the quick back up following his tight third in the Warra last start. He hit the line beautifully and if he can handle the quick back up, he is a winning chance.

9. Surreal Step (11)

I can’t have him on his first-up run.

10. Fox Fighter (7)

Big winner last time out in a much weaker race. He appreciates the first surfaces which he will get here and he has drawn nicely with no weight on his back. Big step up in grade but he is in form.

11. Mr Mosaic (3)

First up after 140 days. No public trials is a concern though the stable generally has them ready to go and his first-up stats are phenomenal. He has drawn well with no weight and he is definitely over the odds at the current price of $12.00

12. Zethus (9)

Ran third in the Caulfield Village Stakes before being crowded in the Always Welcome Stakes at Flemington. Could be a sneaky chance at big odds.

13. Sneaky Paige (12)

She will need a peak performance to get close to these from a poor draw.

14. Authentic Jewel (4)

SCRATCHED

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
8 Dragonstone	6 Najmaty
11 Mr Mosaic	8 Dragonstone
10 Fox Fighter	10 Fox Fighter
6 Najmaty	1 Bruckner