Ted Van Heemst Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 12 runners lining up for the $250,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes with 9 geldings and 3 mares. There are four 5YOs, two 6YOs, two 7YOs, three 8YOs and one 9YO. Six runners had their last start in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m on 3 December, three in the Listed A.J. Scahill Cup over 2100m at Ascot on 26 November, while the other 3 came via different races.

The early favourite is Steinem who was slowly away and finished 1.5 lengths 3rd in the Northerly Stakes. Second favourite is Ironclad who was a length 2nd in the Northerly. Third favourite is Marocchino who was the winner of the A.J. Scahill Cup last outing. Dom To Shoot was checked and held up when 3 lengths 9th in the Northerly, while God Has Chosen overraced and finished 10th in that race. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer, including Trap For Fools and Platoon who have placed in this race before.

1. Trap For Fools (6)

This 9YO ran 2nd in this race in 2020. He is on a seven day back-up after resuming for 12th in the Towton Cup. Will take improvement from that run and is not the worst.

2. Platoon (7)

Finished 2nd in this race last year, and 3rd in this race in 2020. Has struggled in all four runs so far this campaign and looks unlikely.

3. Marocchino (8)

He was the winner of the A.J. Scahill Cup last outing which is a great lead-up for this, and has now won 3 from 5 at this track and distance combination. Should be close at the finish.

4. Ironclad (2)

Was a length 2nd in the Northerly Stakes two weeks ago behind the very smart Amelia’s Jewel. One of the main chances.

5. Dom To Shoot (11)

This 5YO was checked and held up when 3 lengths 9th in the Northerly. Hasn’t won beyond 1600m but looks a place chance.

6. Bad Wolf (1)

Only beat 2 runners home in the Northerly, where he looked outclassed. Prefer others.

7. God Has Chosen (5)

Overraced and finished 10th in the Northerly. Hasn’t won or placed in 4 starts this campaign and looking to others.

8. Notorious One (12)

Unplaced in all six runs this campaign and has drawn the widest barrier. Looking elsewhere.

9. Brother Paddy (9)

This looks too strong.

10. Steinem (3)

She was slowly away and finished 1.5 lengths 3rd in the Northerly Stakes. Was 2nd in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes at the start before. One of the main players.

11. Chili Is Hot (4)

Finished 3d in the Scahill Cup last start. Not the worst.

12. Jadavi (10)

This looks too strong.

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

Jo’s Tips
3 Marocchino
10 Steinem
4 Ironclad
1 Trap For Fools