William Reid Stakes – 2022

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a full field of fourteen plus one emergency for the $1,000,000 Group 1 William Reid Stakes.  Three had their last start in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, while two others ran in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield. Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have a very strong hand with three runners.  One of their runners is the unbeaten Marabi and she dominates the early betting here.  She is the only runner under double figure odds and a win here will extend her unbeaten record to eight in a row.

The Inferno was second in the Moir here last prep and had excuses when nearly falling in the Lightning first up.  The Astrologist was runner up in the Newmarket at a huge price last start.  Generation has had seven career starts and has never missed a place.  Kemalpasa has a terrific record at the distance, while September Run strips fitter second up after a good third in the Newmarket.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Trekking

Never won here but has placed four of five starts including a place in the Group 1 Moir Stakes last prep.  Beaten five lengths first up at listed level at Flemington but had plenty of weight.  Is better suited here at weight for age.  Could see him running into the placings.

2. Jonker

Won the Group 1 Manikato Stakes this track and distance in the spring.  Safely held first up at Caulfield and gets no favours from the wide gate.  Not sure how well he is going?

3. The Inferno

Was a close second in the Moir here last prep.   Nearly fell first up in the Lightning.  Forgive that run.  Potentially a big improver.  Must include for multiples.

4. Kemalpasa

Won the Durbridge at Morphetttville at the end of January.  Has won two trials since and goes well at the distance but is poorly drawn in barrier 12.

5. The Astrologist

Blinkers went on for the Newmarket Handicap last start and he ran a terrific second.  That form reads well for this but needs to do it at weight for age and away from Flemington now.

6. Halvorsen

Won the Group 3 Standish, then was tenth in the Newmarket.  Likely to get a long way back from the outside gate.  Prefer others.

7. Standout

Down from Sydney to run here.  Has form around Eduardo last prep and was only 2.15 lengths off Lost And Running last start.  Drawn to get a soft run.  Place chance with an inform jock on board.

8. September Run

Good effort in the Newmarket last start to finish third.  Moonee Valley form is better than it reads.  Look for her storming home late. Knock out chance.

9. Marabi

Unbeaten filly trained by the all conquering Maher & Eustace stable.  Bolted in in the Australia Stakes this track and distance two back, then won the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at her last start.  Very hard to knock again here.

10. Electric Girl

Five year old mare trained by team Hawkes.  Back in trip here after being beaten five lengths in the Group 3 Tressady last start.

11. General Beau

Solid run in the Oakleigh Plate two back, then finished off well in the Moomba Plate at Flemington.  At peak fitness now and has an inform Damian Thornton from a good gate.

12. Generation

Month between runs into this.  Scored easily first up, then chased hard in the Zedative last time against the bias.  Kah sticks and could end up with a great run in transit.  Each way chance.

13. Marine One

Been up for a while but continues to race well.  Won the Group 2 Rubiton last start after getting a perfect run in transit.  This is harder and doesn’t appear to get the same map favours.

14. Zouzarella

Close up fourth behind Fangirl and Esponia in the Lightfingers first up, then failed on heavy ground in the Surround.  Unbeaten at the track and gets blinkers are the positives.

15. Snapper – 1st Emerg

Needs one scratching to get a run.  Is on the quick back up after bolting in, in easier class by 5 lengths here last Friday night.  Has a terrific record here and stable is flying.  Rough hope.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
9 Marabi	9 Marabi
12 Generation	3 The Inferno
3 The Inferno	12 Generation
13 Marine One	8 September Run