Sydney Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft – Heavy   Weather: Sunny

Twenty-three runners (five of which are emergencies) have accepted for the $2,000,000 Sydney Stakes and there has been one early scratching.

Kementari ($4.00) has opened the early favourite for this race and is Godolphin’s lone entry whilst also being the third emergency for the Everest. The Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott trained In The Congo ($4.80) is on the second line of betting and he is the fourth emergency for the Everest. He is one of two entries for the Waterhouse/Bott team with Riodini ($31.00) being the other one.

The Queenslander Apache Chase ($6.00) rounds out the top three in the betting and he always runs well when he is in Sydney.

1. Apache Chase (5)

Ran a solid race first up in the Premiere Stakes behind Lost and Running. He has drawn ideally in barrier five and should be thereabouts in the finish.

2. Kementari (11)

Was under a length off the winner in the Premiere Stakes when finishing fourth. Nash Rawiller jumps back aboard from a nice draw, and based on his recent form, he should be hard to beat.

3. Gem Song (9)

First up after 70 days. He generally goes well fresh and he will appreciate the track drying out. He has drawn ideally off two trials and he will definitely be in the finish.

4. In The Congo (13)

Struggled at Moonee Valley over 1000m, so the 1200m will suit. Gets James McDonald aboard which is a big plus and his draw isn’t the worst in a big field.

5. The Astrologist (23)

SCRATCHED

6. Bandipur (10)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

7. Remarque (8)

Winner of two on the bounce since being gelded. Could easily make the next step up in grade with Bowman aboard from a nice draw.

8. Tycoonist (4)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

9. Brutality (21)

Ran seventh in Group 2 company which was an impressive seventh. Should run a bold race again so keep an eye on him.

10. Prime Candidate (6)

Been going for over five months and should lead them up here from a nice draw. Hard to have.

11. Shelby Sixtysix (20)

Can’t back him on recent form.

12. Blondeau (16)

First up after 112 days. Place chance at best.

13. Riodini (19)

First up after 196 days. Will be looking for further.

14. Rocketing By (7)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

15. Weona Smartone (1)

Down from Queensland for this, though he is entered for Brisbane on the same day. This is a big step, and I am not sure he can make it.

16. Soldier of Love (12)

Solid run first up in weaker company but he will need to be at his very best to be a chance.

17. Forbidden Love (22)

First up after 56 days. This is the weakest grade she has contested in some time but she has drawn very ordinarily. Prefer others.

18. Swats That (15)

Ran okay at Flemington after copping some interference throughout. He will need a good ride from the draw, and can be right in the finish with luck.

19e. Wisdom of Water (17)

Form has been okay but he will need to be better here.

20e. Waihaha Falls (18)

If this bloke gains a start here first-up, he could be a force over the concluding stages.

21e. Irish Songs (3)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

22e. Battleton (2)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

23e. Tristate (14)

I can’t have him on his recent form.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 Remarque	2 Kementari
1 Apache Chase	7 Remarque
9 Brutality	15 Weona Snartone
4 In The Congo	11 Shelby Sixtysix

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	14 Rocketing By
2nd	4 In The Congo	0.23 length
3rd	15 Weona Smartone	0.45 length
4th	20 Waihaha Falls	1.06 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 2. Kementari, 5. The Astrologist, 19. Wisdom Of Water, 22. Battleton, 23. Tristate.