Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 9 runners for the $125,000 Summer Scorcher, with 7 geldings and 2 mares. There are four 5YOs, three 6YOs, one 7YO and one 9YO. They all had their last start in different races and the majority are returning from a spell. Indian Pacific won this race in 2021 and Carocapo finished 3rd behind him.

The early favourite is Wilchino who returns from a 7 week let-up and has won 4 from 5 at this track and distance combination. Second favourite is How’s The Serenity who resumes from a 22 week spell and is undefeated in two lead-up trials. Third favourite is Acromantula who won over 1000m at Ascot on 10 December, while Nowhiteflag comes back after 17 weeks and goes well first-up. The other runners are currently 8 to 1 or longer.

1. Uni Time (9)

Hasn’t raced for over a year. Prefer to see after 61 weeks away.

2. Indian Pacific (7)

Won this race in 2021. Placed in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m  then the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m before fading to finish 12 lengths off the winner in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes over 1200m. Don’t dismiss.

3. Wilchino (2)

Returns from a 7 week let-up and has won 4 from 5 at this track and distance combination. Nicely drawn. One of the main chances.

4. Acromantula (4)

This 5YO Written Tycoon gelding has 6 wwins and 5 places from 16 starts. He won over 1000m at Ascot by 2 lengths on 10 December, where he led all the way. A strong chance.

5. Carocapo (6)

This 9YO finished 3rd in this race in 2021 behind Indian Pacific. Last campaign he ran in 3 Listed races at Belmont and finished last each time. Resumes from an 18 week spell. Prefer others.

6. How’s The Serenity (8)

Resumes from a 22 week spell and is undefeated in two lead-up trials. She has excellent form at this track and should fight out the finish.

7. Long Beach (1)

Has yet to win or place in 6 attempts at Listed level. Looking elsewhere.

8. Nowhiteflag (5)

Comes back after 17 weeks and goes well first-up. Not the worst.

9. Warm ‘N’ Fuzzy (3)

Resumes from a 22 week spell and has won 2 of his 4 first-up starts. Rough place chance.

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

Jo’s Tips
4 Acromantula
3 Wilchino
6 How’s The Serenity
2 Indian Pacific