The McCafe 1100 Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

An intriguing battle over the 1100 with the market being headed by In The Boat who is a winning machine. Generation will not be far away from the Maher & Eustace camp with Zahra in the saddle. Star Patrol is hard to knock and trialled like a superstar. Fresh last prep it was enormous and a repeat of that effort sees it go very close. Fortunate Kiss presents great value at the 40s. Overall a very even race with a solid tempo engaged.

1. Oxley Road (13)

Had no luck first up but has now been a while between runs which is some query. Respecting the placement by Moody and has plenty of class when right. The 0 wins from 6 goes over the trip is a concern but Oxley Road loves Caulfield. It can take this out.

2. Kallos (9)

Hit and miss but I loved the return run and Kallos is 2/3 over this trip. Jamie Kah has the ride and it looks over the odds in an even field.

3. Generation (2)

Has the right amount of class to give this a shake and I will be intrigued as to the tactics from Zahra here. If he can find the back of In The Boat it’ll be a very good battle at the end. Right in this.

4. In The Boat (10)

A complete and utter winning machine. 3/3 with Mcdougall in the saddle. 2/3 at the track, 3/4 at the trip and 2/2 over the track and trip. You know what you are going to get from In the Boat. On the speed, out of trouble and kicking. Hard to beat.

5. Not An Option (6)

Excellent first up record and has been trialling very well. The $34.00 on offer here is quite generous and I would be respecting any market moves here. Can take this out at big odds.

6. Red Can Man (1)

Capable galloper that flies fresh and is suited over this trip. Barrier 1 gives Red Can Man options in running and this is a very winnable race. Mcgruddy has steered it for 5 victories and he can make it 6 here.

7. Shooting For Gold (3)

Continues to place. I was very against it last run at the odds and while it ran well, it found the placings yet again. Can win and a capable horse but you’d have to be taking it on a 1×3 basis. Prefer others here.

8. Curran (8)

Hasn’t been finding the line as well as it used to. Have to see another win on the board before considering and was a little inconsistent last prep. Has talent but needs to lift.

9. The Move (7)

Respecting Gollan placing The Move here. Hard horse to catch but very talented on its day. Must be flying to be placed in this race. Sneaky chance.

10. Star Patrol (11)

Loved the recent trial around Bella Nipotina and overall this race is certainly within reach with even luck from the draw. First look at Caulfield is some query but Star Patrol was enormous fresh last prep and if it brings that kind of effort again it will take some beating.

11. Little Stevie (4)

Racing really well but this is a very stiff test. Prefer others.

12. Bless Her (5)

Racing really well, maps well and loves this track but the massive downfall with Bless Her is she needs a win so badly. Hard to trust but well and truly knocking on the door.

13. Fortunate Kiss (12)

Needs luck from the draw but gee it is hovering around a good price. Can show up fresh and always seems to be overlooked by the market. This isn’t out of reach and the $41.00 is worth thought.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4 In The Boat	4 In The Boat	3 Generation
3 Generation	10 Star Patrol	10 Star Patrol
5 Not An Option	3 Generation	5 Not An Option
13 Fortunate Kiss	7 Shooting For Gold	4 In The Boat

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Shooting For Gold
2nd	3 Generation	0.2 length
3rd	10 Star Patrol	1.7 lengths
4th	8 Curran	2.1 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 1. Oxley, 2. Kallos.

Protest 2nd (Generation) against 1st (Shooting For Gold) – DISMISSED