The first Group 1 feature of the 2022 Adelaide Autumn Carnival headlines Saturday’s program at Morphettville.
I’ve run the rule over every galloper engaged, and you can find my complete 2022 Australasian Oaks Day Tips below.
Preview brought to you by Neds. Learn more about Neds HERE.
G.H. Mumm Handicap (1400m) – 12:22pm AEST
Tip: No. 11 Mr Metrics
Mr Metrics has been excellent since debuting, and he can record another win on Australasian Oaks Day.
The City Place gelding stamped himself as one to watch by winning each of his first two career starts, and he was last seen filling the minors over 1400m at Oakbank.
He steps out this week in peak order and should get every chance under Craig Williams.
PFD Foods Handicap (1250m) – 12:57pm AEST
Tip: No. 10 Last Girl Love
This is a drop in class for Last Girl Love, and she can return to winning form.
The Snitzel filly broke her maiden at Balaklava back in February, and returned from a freshen-up for second over 1400m on the Parks circuit here at Morphettville.
She pulled up lame after missing at Listed level last time out, but has recovered with a month between starts, and has options this week under Jamie Kah.
Thomas Farms Handicap (1000m) – 1:32pm AEST
Tip: No. 8 Gaze Grise
I’m going to stick with Gaze Grise in the third on Australasian Oaks Day.
The Puissance De Lune mare recorded a dominant win over a decent field here two starts back, and she only just missed in black type company at Oakbank last time.
These short, sharp dashes seem to be her go, and I think that this looks a lovely race for her.
Listed HC Nitschke Stakes (1400m) – 2:07pm AEST
Tip: No. 10 Defining
Defining is chasing a hat-trick when she contests the Nitschke Stakes.
The Not A Single Doubt filly finished second, beaten less than a length at The ‘Bool when resuming this time, and she has absolutely dominated her rivals at her last two.
This is harder, but she steps out in peak order, she’ll relish the 1400m and it looks an ideal black type target for her.
Group 3 Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) – 2:42pm AEST
Tip: No. 5 See You In Heaven
See You In Heaven is yet to return a poor performance, and she can strike again in the Breeders’ Stakes.
The Divine Prophet filly debuted with an impressive win in the Group 3 Ottawa Stakes at Flemington on Cup Day, and returned to the races with a nice effort to finish third in the Cinderella Stakes.
She charged back into the winner’s stall with a dominant second-up effort in the Dequetteville Stakes last time out, and I am confident that she will only be better third-up this week.
Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m) – 3:22pm AEST
Tip: No. 11 Palani
This looks like being one of the more open races on Australasian Oaks Day, and there is a case to be made for several, including Palani.
Palani has been up and racing for some time, but he has continued to return big performances in decent races, winning at Ballarat three back and only just missing in the VOBIS Gold Reef and the Port Adelaide Guineas at his last two.
He’s rock-hard fit and we can have an each-way play at around the $16 mark.
Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) – 4:02pm AEST
Tip: No. 4 Bon’s A Pearla
This is a wide-open edition of the Australasian Oaks, and there looks to be plenty of value to be found.
I’ve put Bon’s A Pearla on top, but be sure to check out my full race preview.
Listed City Of Adelaide Handicap (1400m) – 4:37pm AEST
Tip: No. 1 Sansom
Sansom can win the City Of Adelaide Handicap.
The multiple black type winner has been a great horse for the Stokes stable for several seasons now, and he has improved for two starts back this time, finishing a credible fourth in the Neds Hareeba Stakes last time.
He’s a month between runs, but typically is at his best when he’s fresh, and he can make all of his own luck on the pace from barrier 5.
James Squire Handicap (1300m) – 5:10pm AEST
Tip: No. 7 My Boy Birmingham
My Boy Birmingham hasn’t been seen at the races since November, but he won his only other first-up target, and this looks a lovely launchpad for him.
The Unencumbered gelding was excellent during his debut prep, and recorded four wins and a close-up second placing from seven starts.
Jamie Kah rides from a good draw, and he looks to have a lot of these rivals covered for class.
