The Shorts – 2022

Track: Soft  Weather: Partly Cloudy.

Thirteen runners have accepted for the $1,000,000 Group 2 The Shorts and there have been no early scratchings. The Godolphin stable trained by James Cummings has two runners entered for the event, whilst the rest of the trainers have just one entry each.

Nature Strip has opened the $2.40 favourite. He is returning from England after demolishing his opposition at Royal Ascot, and he will be looking to turn the tables on Eduardo from his loss in this race last year.

Eduardo is on the second line of betting at $4.00. He was brilliant in the Concorde Stakes and looks to defend his title here. His battles with Nature Strip have been legendary, and I expect Saturday to be no different.

Mazu rounds out the top three in betting at $7.50. He is the new kid on the block, looking to make some waves in the sprinting ranks. He will be looking to continue his winning streak of six wins as he measures up against the big boys.

1. Nature Strip (2)

Returning after 95 days. Smashed his opposition in England and heads into this after just one trial. His better runs have come when he has been fresh, and I see no reason why he can’t turn the tables on his loss in this race last year.

2. Eduardo (8)

He smashed his opposition in the Concorde Stakes in conditions that he loves. He is the defending champion of this race and this is the first time this spring we see him go head-to-head with Nature Strip. Should run another good run.

3. Masked Crusader (12)

Returning after 168 days. Preparation has been delayed a fortnight due to the weather, so he comes into this with two trials under his belt. I think he can run well but more so for the place.

4. Mazu (4)

Returning after 126 days. Looking to continue his picket fence of six wins from last preparation which ended in the Doomben 10,000, winning it against the older horses. Two nice trials in preparation for this and generally runs well fresh. Interested to see how he goes.

5. Shelby Sixtysix (1)

Ran ordinary first up but the trainer is confident he has improved dramatically but will still need this run. Place chance at best.

6. Classique Legend (7)

Returning after 336 days. He hasn’t been seen since his two-length defeat in The Everest last year.  He has had just the one trial which is a concern, so he will be more of a watch leading into this.

7. Overpass (11)

Resuming after 154 days. He looks outclassed here.

8. Lost And Running (6)

Returning after 189 days. He started the Autumn with a win in the Southern Cross Stakes before running below par in the Newmarket Handicap. Two trials in preparation for this and he has won 3/4 first up in the past. Place chance.

9. Athelric (3)

Finished second to Eduardo in the Concorde Stakes last start. This is much harder.

10. Andermatt (13)

Was well backed against Eduardo in the Concorde Stakes, but performed poorly on the heavy going. Drawn the car park here and will need a lot of luck.

11. Handle The Truth (5)

Ran a slashing third in the Concorde Stakes. Should continue to run well without winning in preparation for the Kosciuszko.

12. Rocketing By (9)

Looks outclassed here.

13. Anethole (10)

In this race to prepare for the Kosciuszko, so I expect him to be hitting the line well.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
1 Nature Strip	1 Nature Strip
2 Eduardo	2 Eduardo
4 Mazu	9 Athelric
8 Lost And Running	11 Handle The Truth

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Nature Strip
2nd	7 Overpass	1.35 lengths
3rd	8 Lost And Running	1.39 lengths
4th	2 Eduardo	1.65 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 7.

No scratchings.