The Invitation – 2022

Track: Soft – Heavy   Weather: Shower or two

Fourteen runners (two of which are emergencies) have accepted for the $2,000,000 Invitation and there have been no early scratchings.

This is a wide-open betting race with the favourite opening at $5.00.

Icebath ($5.00) has been consistent in this preparation without winning, which is just what she does on a regular basis. She was favourite in the Epsom Handicap and failed to deliver, finishing 5.6 lengths back in fourth. Nimalee ($5.50) won the Golden Pendant two back before backing up a week later in the Epsom Handicap where she was just okay.

Forbidden Love ($6.50) rounds out the top three in betting and she is coming off a 2.7 length eleventh in the Sydney Stakes last weekend which wasn’t the worst run first up.

1. Forbidden Love (2)

On the quick backup from the Sydney Stakes. Her best wins this easily but she hasn’t been her best for a while now. Take on trust.

2. Nimalee (9)

She was an impressive winner of the Golden Pendant two back before backing up a week later in the Epsom Handicap where she was just okay. Drawn okay and should run another bold race.

3. Icebath (3)

She was favourite in the Epsom Handicap and failed to deliver, finishing 5.6 lengths back in fourth. If she runs up to her best, she goes close but she is few and far between.

4. Electric Girl (8)

Ran well in the Sheraco before being fair in the Golden Pendant. Drawn well and maps well, expect another bold run from her.

5. Promise of Success (10)

No response to riding first-up which is a concern. Will need luck regardless.

6. Swats That (11)

Failed to perform in better grades this preparation and although this is better, she needs to tackle 1400m for the first time interstate. Prefer others.

7. Expat (4)

Forgive last start as she was found to be lame. Blinkers are back on but she is yet to get near her best form. Take on trust.

8. Barb Raider (13)

First up after 140 days. She will need a peak first-up performance from a poor draw to be a chance.

9. Belle Plaisir (5)

Blinkers go on for the first time following a nice run in the Ladies’ Day Vase. Drawn well and can hit a new level with the blinkers on. Chance.

10. Espiona (7)

Winkers are going on following a lot of underwhelming runs this preparation. Last start was close to her best, but she will need another level to win.

11. Never Talk (14)

Hit the line well last start but again has drawn poorly. Will get back and need luck.

12. Sheeza Belter (1)

First up after 133 days. Would rather watch to see if she returns a decent three-year-old before diving in.

13e. Charmmebaby (16)

Can’t have her here.

14e. Ita (12)

Can’t have her here.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Nimalee	10 Espiona
9 Belle Plaisir	2 Nimalee
3 Icebath	3 Icebath
4 Electric Girl	11 Never Talk

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Promise Of Success
2nd	4 Electric Girl	0.17 length
3rd	2 Nimalee	0.93 length
4th	9 Belle Plaisir	0.96 length

The track was rated as Soft 6

Scratchings: 13e Charmmebaby, 14e Ita.