Victory Stakes – 2022

Track: Good  Weather: Fine

Ripping race with Rothfire looking to return to the winners stall. Vega One presents plenty of value and will be looking to pounce on them late. The best version of Baller is up to this while Count De Rupee brings in some extremely strong Sydney form and really should give this race a shake. A strong tempo will be engaged and this shapes up to be the race of the day.

Last year Niccanova won this race and Vega One ran 2nd and they both return this year. Niccanova also ran 2nd in 2020.

1. Vega One (10)

Finished 2nd in this race last year. Races best when allowed to have one last crack at them. Barrier 10 is ideal as it can stalk the speed and has the turn of foot to put this race to bed. It is all about timing and the ride for Vega One. Wins this with the right steer.

2. Count DeRupee (1)

Didn’t run out the trip and also couldn’t cope with the horrid conditions. Back in trip and barrier 1, looks really suited here and is a great each-way chance at odds.

3. Rothfire (11)

Unbeaten at the track which is the very compelling stat it has going for it. Dropping back from versing the best sprinters in the world. I feel it either bolts in or disappoints a little and misses the placings, one or the other and at $2.80 you are getting a reasonable enough price for one of the better sprinters in Australia. I expect Rothfire to drift so possibly wait until later on.

4. Wild Planet (2)

Wild Planet has been quite poor lately but it is anything but out of this race on best efforts. Needs to lift but if it finds its best it can absolutely win this. Market watch advised.

5. Niccanova (12)

Won this race last year and ran 2nd in 2020. Classy but terribly hard to catch. If they go nuts up front it will be the one steaming home late. Heart in mouth stuff often with Niccanova but could be the blow out at odds.

6. Baller (6)

Baller can be a little hard to catch but when on song it has a very sharp turn of foot. This race is within its reach and can win at good odds.

7. Scallopini (3)

Form has already come out of its trial and maps to get the right run from barrier 3. Flies fresh with 4 wins from 9 goes and does race well at the track. Hard to pot at the $17 range but will also need to bring its best in this field.

8. It’s Me (9)

Looking for a dry deck which it may not get pending the weather. If it does dry up, massive chance, just doesn’t like the soft footing.

9. Shaquero (4)

One of the better chances at odds. Maps well and has plenty of class. Market watch fresh but can show up at double figures.

10. Ranch Hand (8)

Yet to do much at Eagle Farm and no wins from 6 goes over the 1200. Its best efforts see it go close. Didn’t have room in my top 4 for Ranch Hand but it warrants respect here.

11. Startantes (5)

Super honest. Maps well from the draw and should get the right run. Flies over this distance and should be in the finish at good odds.

12. Jamaea (7)

Very classy galloper who is due for a change of luck and if the dry ground arrives it is right in this race. Pending the conditions for its chances but an ideal barrier to sit midfield with cover.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
2 Count De Rupee	3 Rothfire
3 Rothfire	2 Count De Rupee
9 Shaquero	6 Baller
12 Jamaea	5 Niccanova