Weekend Hustler Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Handy field takes place with favourite Old Flame launching from the nice draw with Jamie Kah in the saddle. Open Minded is large odds after pulling up with issues last run and loves racing here. Regardsmaree has class and ability to take this out. Jimmy The Bear doesn’t know how to run a bad race and can also give a good sight. Expect solid tempo with Open Minded pushing forward.

1. Aysar (3)

Terribly hard to catch but proved dominant 2 starts back before running well in a group one. Brings in the right form but 3 wins from 21 starts has to be a concern.

2. Old Flame (4)

Has really come back well this prep and the form has held up from last start. Kah should get a beautiful run in transit from barrier 2 and the 1400 is the perfect trip for Old Flame with a record of 4 wins from 6 tries. Hard to beat.

3. Open Minded (5)

Looks large odds. Pulled up lame last run but does love racing over this track and trip having never missed the placings. 4 wins from 7 goes at Caulfield is a compelling stat and Thornton has an excellent record aboard. Its run 2 starts back was excellent when beaten by Gentleman Roy who has won again since and I Wish I Win who is set to go around a short favourite later on in the day. The last time Open Minded ran over the 1400 at Caulfield it beat Lighthouse who is a talented galloper. The $26.00 is massive.

4. Purple Sector (10)

Should relish good ground in this. Shinn will need some luck from the draw and its never seen Caulfield before however both runs this prep have been solid and it can take this out.

5. Regardsmaree (9)

Loves this track and should get a tow into the race from the draw. Zahra will just need to find some cover at the right time and get the gaps. It can take this race out.

6. Morvada (2)

Flies 2nd up and maps to do no work from the draw. Prefer others but respect any market moves.

7. Jimmy The Bear (6)

Hardly runs poorly Jimmy. Has come a long way from the midweeks in a short amount of time and is as consistent as they come. The map looks good and should be in the finish from barrier 6.

8. Not An Option (11)

Can run well but tends to mix form. Just the 4 wins from 18 career starts but should be ready to peak third up and can run a bold race against this field.

9. Biometric (8)

Mighty hard to catch but has been racing well enough. The 3rd behind Lackeen is strong form for this race and an in form Craig Williams takes the steer.

10. Black Sail (1)

Prefer others.

11. Imperial Lad (7)

Has the right running pattern to give cheek out in front. Lane can take Imperial Lad forward and if left alone it will take some catching. Healthy chance at odds.

12. Cardinal Gem (12)

Hard to catch but has the best turn of foot in this race. Is a horse that relies on luck with its running pattern but has undeniable claims in this field and does look very hard to hold out with even luck.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
3 Open Minded (BB)	2 Old Flame	12 Cardinal Gem
5 Regardsmaree	12 Cardinal Gem	2 Old Flame
12 Cardinal Gem	7 Jimmy The Bear	5 Regardsmaree
2 Old Flame	3 Open Minded	3 Open Minded

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Cardinal Gem
2nd	6 Morvada	0.75 length
3rd	7 Jimmy The Bear	1.15 lengths
4th	8 Not An Option	2.9 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 6.

Scratchings: 3, Open Minded, 9. Biometric.