Woodlands Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy   Weather: Possible showers

Following the early scratching of Tsarina Sophia, 19 fillies remain for the $140,000 Woodlands Stakes, where three are emergencies. Three runners are sired by Capitalist, two by I Am Invincible and two by Press Statement. Three of the runners had their last start in the Showcase Miss Finland 2YF Handicap  over 1000m at Muswellbrook on 29 April while the rest all came through different races.  Annabel Neasham has three runners and Bjorn Baker and Clary Connors have two runners each.

The early favourite is the Godolphin-owned  In Secret who won a Hawkesbury maiden by 1.3 lengths on a soft track and has drawn the inside barrier. Second favourite is Luna Rocks who has had two starts for a close 2nd and a 3 length win. Third favourite is Lady Harlem who came 2nd in the Inglis Banner in October and resumes here after winning a recent trial.

Deep Expectation won the Showcase Miss Finland at her latest start. Soaring Ambition is second-up here. Mills ran 5 lengths 7th at Randwick at her only start and went well in a recent trial, while Sweet Mercy has a 3rd and a 3.3 length win on heavy going from her two starts.  All other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Soaring Ambition (10)

One of three runners for Annabel Neasham. This Not A Single Doubt filly has won more prizemoney than any other runner, as she won the Magic Millions 2YO at Wyong on debut in December. She resumed from a spell for 5.7 lengths 10th in the Listed Dalrello Plate on 30 April and is second-up here. Last start was disappointing and prefer others.

2. Deep Expectation (4)

This Deep Field filly has had 6 starts which is more than any other runner. She has run 2nd on three occasions and broke her maiden when she won the Showcase Miss Finland at Muswellbrook on 29 April. Has run well on soft going and could place.

her latest start.

3. In Secret (1)

One of two runners sired by I Am Invincible and trained by James Cummings. She won a Hawkesbury maiden by 1.3 lengths on a soft track at her only race and has drawn the inside barrier. Jockey Hugh Bowman has won this race before on Flippant in 2015. Should be in the finish.

4. Lady Harlem

Came 2nd in the Inglis Banner in October at her only start and resumes here after winning a recent trial. Trainer John O’Shea won this race with Pretty In Pink in 2018.

5. Luna Rocks (9)

Has had two starts for a close 2nd at Newcastle and a 3 length win over 1100m at Warwick Farm on a heavy track on 27 April. One of the main chances.

6. Acappella Sun (6)

One of two runners for Bjorn Baker. Was a 3 length winner at Mudgee last Sunday. Rough chance.

7. Golden Queen (15)

Resumes from a 19 week spell and has placed once in two trials.  From the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable who won this race with Debonairly in 2017. Prefer others.

8. Okami Miss (5)

One of two runners for Clarry Connors. Debuted in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes where she finished 10th of 12 then won a maiden plate at Hawkesbury. Resumes after 30 weeks and looking to others.

9. Penthouse (16)

One of three runners sired by Capitalist (the others are Sweet Mercy and Capital Elle). Was a 3 length winner of a maiden plate at Canberra on soft going last start. Should race on the speed.. Can place.

10. Sweet Mercy (13)

This Capitalist filly has a 3rd and a 3.3 length win on heavy going from her two starts. Not the worst.

11. Tsarina Sophia (20)  – SCRATCHED

12. Capital Elle (18)

From the Neasham stable she ran 5.7 lengths 5th in the Inglis Nursery at her only race start. Get blinkers for the first time.

13. Controlocracy (14)

Faded to finish ninth at her only start. Looking elsewhere.

14. Double Scoop (11)

One of two runners sired by Press Statement. She is the only runner making her debut. Trainer John Thompson won this race last year with Xtremetime. Watch the market for clues.

15. Madame Pommery (17)

First-up after a 17 week spell and has drawn a wide barrier. Looks tested.

16. Mills (3)

Ran 5 lengths 7th at Randwick at her only start and went well in a recent trial. Jockey Brenton Avdulla won on Xtremetime last year and on Pretty In Pink in 2018. Not the worst.

17e. Laroupe (19)

Will get a run following the scratching of Tsarina Sophia and will start from the outside barrier. Finished 2nd at her only start and could surprise.

18e. Dolly Jayne (12)

Looks outclassed.

19e. Veravino (2)

The only runner to have raced at Scone before. This looks too hard.

20e. Doublesharkattack (8)

Unlikely to get a run.

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

Jo’s Tips
3 In Secret
5 Luna Rocks
2 Deep Expectation
9 Penthouse