Track: Heavy Weather: Overcast

Twelve runners have accepted for this years race. There are eight geldings, three mares and a stallion, with 2 four-year-olds, a five-year-old, 5 six-year-olds, 3 seven-year-olds and an eight-year-old. Trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Chris Waller and Michael Moroney each have two runners. Four of the runners had their last start in the Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes over 2400m at Caulfield on 8 October, four in the Group 3 The Bart Cummings over 2510m at Flemington on 1 October, two in the ATC St Leger Stakes over 2600m at Randwick on 15 October and two in the Pinker Pinker Plate over 2025m at Cranbourne on 7 October.

The early favourite is Persan who finished 1.5 lengths 4th in the Herbert Power last start. Second favourite is Francesco Guardi who almost fell and was held up for around 200m before running on strongly for a close 2nd in The Bart Cummings. Third favourite is Desert Icon who finished 3rd in the Herbert Power.

Lunar Flare won this race last year and comes off a win in The Bart Cummings. Grand Promenade was luckless when 3.6 lengths 9th in the Herbert Power. The Amazonian was a length winner of the Pinker Pinker at Cranbourne and is a genuine chance with only 52 kg, while Sacramento is on a seven day back-up after running 3rd in the ATC St Leger Stakes. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Grand Promenade (3)

One of two runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace. He has two wins at this distance  and was luckless when 3.6 lengths 9th in the Herbert Power after being held up at several points in the race. Ran 6th in the 2021 Melbourne Cup. Must respect.

2. Sacramento (9)

From the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable. One of two runners by Pierro in the race (the other is Persan)  He is on a seven day back-up after running 3rd in the ATC St Leger Stakes and can make his presence felt.

3. Desert Icon (1)

This Sea The Stars gelding from the Chris Waller stable finished 3rd in the Herbert Power after winning the JRA Cup over 2040m by 3.5 lengths the start before. He has won 2 from 2 at this track, has drawn the inside barrier, and can feature in the finish.

4. The Good Fight (4)

The oldest runner in the race this year. He has been unplaced in all 5 runs this campaign and was 12th in the Herbert Power at his most recent start. Looking elsewhere.

5. Lunar Flare (10)

This seven-year-old mare won this race last year and comes off a 0.4 length win in The Bart Cummings. She has a good record at the distance and a good record at The Valley. No reason she can’t be in the finish again.

6. Persan (7)

Finished 1.5 lengths 4th in the Herbert Power last start. Likes this distance and can handle this track. One of the chances.

7. Carif (6)

He’s only won 3 of his 45 starts . Faded to finish 15 lengths 7th in the ATC St Leger Stakes last Saturday. Looks tested.

8. Serpentine (11)

Hasn’t shown much in 2 starts this campaign. Winkers come off for the first time. Not for me.

9. Nerve Not Verve (5)

She faded to finish 4th in the Pinker Pinker but goes well at Moonee Valley with 3 wins here. Rough place chance.

10. San Huberto (8)

Ran last of 11 in The Bart Cummings. Looking for improvement.

11. Francesco Guardi (2)

Almost fell and was held up for around 200m before running on strongly for a close 2nd in The Bart Cummings. Should probably have won that race and is a strong hope here.

12. The Amazonian (12)

She was a length winner of the Pinker Pinker at Cranbourne and is a genuine chance with only 52 kg, She has won over this distance before when she was a 3.7 length winner of the Group 2 SA Fillies Classic back in May. Put her in the exotics.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
11 Francesco Guardi	6 Persan
5 Lunar Flare	11 Francesco Guardi
3 Desert Icon	5 Lunar Flare
6 Persan	1 Grand Promenade

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11 Francesco Guardi
2nd	5 Lunar Flare	3.75 lengths
3rd	6 Persan	6.5 lengths
4th	1 Grand Promenade	11.75 lengths

The track was rated as Heavy 8.

There were no scratchings.