Vinery Stud Stakes – 2022

Track: Likely Heavy Weather: Chance of Showers.

Fifteen runners have accepted for the $500,000 Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes and there have been no early scratchings. The Chris Waller stable saddles up three runners, John Sargent and Anthony Cummings both saddle up two runners each whilst the other stables only have one entry each.

Hinged and Gypsy Goddess are the joint-favourites early in betting and they both bring contrasting form lines. Hinged is coming off a placing in the Coolmore Classic where she was wide without cover, finishing 1.94 lengths back in third. Gypsy Goddess, on the other hand, has been unbeaten in five career starts in Queensland against moderate quality.

Fangirl rounds out the top three in betting and she is coming off a plain run in the Phar Lap Stakes. She wasn’t suited to the slow tempo on the day and I don’t think she will get any different here.

1. Yearning (15)

2000m suits after a solid run over the mile last start. Drawn a tricky gate and will need luck, but she is up to this.

2. Hinged (4)

Wide throughout last start. Before that, she won the Surround Stakes well. Unknown over 2000m.

3. Never Been Kissed (2)

She is a chance to run a big race. Maps perfectly with no speed, will relish the 2000m, and is as tough as nails. Has to be considered.

4. Fangirl (10)

Average behind a slow tempo last start. Tempo won’t be any quicker here. Unknown at 2000m.

5. Mokulua (6)

Smashed the line whilst travelling wide in the Kewney Stakes. One go at 2000m was poor. Prefer others.

6. Gypsy Goddess (11)

Has won 5/5 albeit in Queensland. Won well over the distance previously but hasn’t faced conditions like this. Take on trust.

7. Pretty Amazing (13)

Aiming for four in a row. Won the Kembla Grange Classic at Goulburn coming from the back of the pack. Drawn poorly and will need luck.

8. Hope In Your Heart (9)

Ran a nice second to Pretty Amazing at Goulburn. This is much harder.

9. Gin Martini (5)

One run at the distance for a win. This is a lot tougher but she will monster the line looking for an Oaks trip.

10. Honeycreeper (8)

Blinkers On, Winkers off. Looks outclassed.

11. Stray (1)

Can’t Have.

12. Pink Ivory (12)

Looks talented but she is jumping from a benchmark 64 to this. Prefer to watch.

13. Ellenmac (3)

Prefer others.

14. Youthfull (7)

Can’t Have.

15. Hidden Smile (14)

Can’t Have.

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

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Never Been Kissed	6 Gypsy Goddess
2 Hinged	4 Fangirl
6 Gypsy Goddess	2 Hinged
1 Yearning	12 Pink Ivory