The best 3YO fillies in Australia head to Randwick on Saturday for Group l glory in the Flight Stakes (1600m), with the Princess Series form lining up against those backing up from the Golden Rose.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2022 Flight Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Flight Stakes
2022 Flight Stakes Speed Map
Pavitra has led and won her past two, and with Blinkers on first time for this race, the intent looks clear to be positive. North Star Lass has been handy this time in so she will be forwardly placed, ideally leading. Zougotcha and Wolverine are drawn inside and will try to use those gates to advantage.
2022 Flight Stakes Runner Preview
1.Fireburn: She is absolutely flying for Gary Portelli. She ran last Saturday in the Golden Rose and given where she was in the run, she was no hope, but gee I loved the way she finished the race off behind Jacquinot. She’ll love the rise to 1600m and if the rain comes, she will take a power of beating.
2.She’s Extreme: She’s Extreme has the 1600m Group l win at Randwick via the Champagne on the board, and she brings the better form lines IMO. Just depends how she backs up from the Golden Rose last Saturday, where she was a bit keen in the run and flat footed but stuck on well enough behind Jacquinot. Back to her own age/sex, she appeals big time.
3.Zougotcha: Numerian looks to be right on track for the Caulfield Cup. Resumed in the Chelmsford and yes, was suited by the pattern, but first up at the mile, the run was very good when second to Knights Order. Caulfield Cup is his target and off that return, he’s on track and commands respect here.
4.North Star Lass: Bias helped her win the Furious. She led again in the Tea Rose and for mine, the 1400m found her out, tiring to run fourth. Her only chance of winning is there is bias towards those on the fence, on speed. If it’s a fair track, I could easily mark her closer to $30 than $10.
5.Wolverine: She would have gone close to being favourite for this race if the first two didn’t accept. Her Tea Rose run was a beauty and a lovely pipe opener for this. The query is, does she want further than a mile because to my eye, she looks 2000m+. That said, she’s in the mix.
6.Madame Pommery: Got his way into the Caulfield Cup via a strong Naturalism win, so you’d assume this run will just clean out any cobwebs for that race. He’s not good enough to beat these at 2000m.
7.Pavitra: Bred to be a stayer but she has dash in the legs. She was there to be beaten at Kembla last time but she found when required and was strong late in winning. Doubt she wins, but she could sneak a first four spot at a price.
8.Renaissance Woman: This is my Oaks pony. I thought she was excellent in the Tea Rose nearer the inside, which was quicksand for the meeting. Don’t think she can win, but look for her to be warming to the task late with an eye towards the Oaks.
9.Byron Belle: Has the John Sargent polish and you’d assume has eyes on Melbourne and the Oaks. Tea Rose effort was good, nice horse, but she’s not sharp enough to threaten these. 2000m+ is her go.
10.Whisker To Whisker: Another that looks suited once she gets to 2000m+. She won’t be troubling this lot.
2022 Flight Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
If the rain comes and we get a heavy track, anything north of $3 for Fireburn is a steal. I’ll be having $100 Win on her.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $650
Group l Strategy Return: $375