Surround Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Cloudy with a chance of showers.

Sixteen runners with two emergencies have accepted for the $500,000 Group 1 Surround Stakes.  Chris Waller and Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott have accepted with three runners, James Cummings with two runners whilst there is just one runner for each of the other trainers and there are two runners coming into this race first-up.  The early favourite in the betting market is the Chris Waller-trained Espiona.  She was beaten in the Light Fingers as the short-priced favourite but she would have lost no admirers as she was over 1200m and first-up. Next in the betting is Fangirl, who was impressive running over the favourite last start and looks as though she has plenty more to come going forward. 

Jamaea is the next in the betting and is double figures. She has her best chance to beat both Espiona and Fangirl’s last start over a distance she prefers but she was unable to get the job done.

Speed Map:

1. Yearning (2)

First-up. Won’t mind the wet conditions. Probably outclassed a bit here first-up.

2. Never Been Kissed (9)

First-up. Expecting a solid return from the Flight Stakes winner though she will be better for the run and on a firmer track.

3. Fangirl (16)

Has to be a factor again second-up. She is going to be better going up in distance but will get back from the draw. Prior to the draw, I thought she deserved to be favourite. The wet track might take off a couple of rating points as she wouldn’t want it too wet.

4. Four Moves Ahead (18)

Drawn horribly. Blinkers off. Will need to improve

5. Hinged (1)

Ran okay first-up. Will like the step up and wet going. Will need to improve dramatically.

6. Jamaea (8)

Had her chance last start, 1400m a slight query and as is the wet track. Place chance.

7. Espiona (13)

Beaten as favourite last start. Will appreciate the extra distance and will love the conditions. Hard to beat again.

8. Startantes (11)

Ran a massive race last start. Second quickest last 600m behind Fangirl last start, quickest splits from the 800m – 600m and 600m to the 400m. Copped some interference 150m and shifted out to get clear. Hit the line well off a slow pace. More pace here and should be a good chance. Won’t mind the wet.

9. Zouzarella (17)

Ran superbly first-up. Drawn horribly. Wide throughout in that first-up run and got very close. Expecting a solid second-up run but may do too much work from the draw.

10. Heresy (6)

Held up at the 400m mark against the same opposition. 1400m suits but unknown on the wet. Could be a smokey.

11. Shihonka (14)

Back from a freshen-up. Will need a massive improvement to go close.

12. Sweet Ruby (5)

Going for three in a row. This is much harder.

13. Tilianam (10)

Ordinary first-up. Will need to be better.

14. Larkspur Run (15)

Can’t have it here.

15. Ringarosa (12)

Going to run well on the wet but looks outclassed

16. Hope In Your Heart (7)

This is too tough.

17e. Von Trapp (3)

Prefer others

18e. I’m Devine (4)

Prefer others

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Fangirl	3 Fangirl
7 Espiona	7 Espiona
8 Startantes	6 Jamaea
9 Zouzarella	12 Sweet Ruby

Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1200m)

Group 1 Oakleigh Plate 2022 (Caulfield 1100m)

Group 1 Futurity Stakes 2022 (Caulfield 1400m)

Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 2022 (Randwick 1600m)