We’ve arrived at one of the most highly anticipated programs of the entire season – Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Day!
Nine outstanding races will be contested at Caulfield on Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Day, highlighted by three time-honoured Group 1 features.
I’ve run the rule over every galloper and race, and you can find all of my thoughts and 2022 Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Day Tips below.
Preview brought to you by Neds. Learn more about Neds HERE.
Group 3 Neds Zeditave Stakes (1200m) – 12:40pm AEDT
Tip: No. 2 Generation
Generation returned a winner in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes here three weeks ago, and he looks well placed to strike again in the Neds Zeditave Stakes.
The well-bred colt has made just six appearances at the races so far, but he has already stamped himself as a horse to follow in winning four times and placing on the other two occasions.
He is drawn to receive a lovely run under Jamie Kah and will take a power of beating.
Group 3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) – 1:15pm AEDT
Tip: No. 2 Flying Mascot
Flying Mascot was only just beaten by Probabeel when resuming in the Mannerism Stakes, and she’s the one to beat off in the Mannerism Stakes off that effort.
The Tavistock mare is ready starting to put together a nice race record, and she was nothing short of dominant in the Group 3 Tesio Stakes at The Valley in October before ending her prep fifth in the Group 1 Empire Rose.
She tends to enjoy sharp improvement with a run under her belt and she is my best bet of the day.
Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) – 1:50pm AEDT
Tip: No. 14 El Patroness
El Patroness will take plenty of improvement from a nice first-up effort a fortnight ago, and she will relish getting out to 1800m in the Autumn Classic.
The Shamus Award filly found form around some handy gallopers during her spring preparation, winning the Super Import Stakes and only just missing in the Neds Classic most notably.
The 1400m that she stepped out over fresh was always going to be too sharp for her, but has plenty of upside, and she gets into this race well as a filly.
Group 2 Neds Angus Armanasco Stakes (1400m) – 2:25pm AEDT
Tip: No. 4 Argentia
Argentia returned from a decent lay off with a very impressive performance and win in the Kevin Hayes Stakes a fortnight ago, and the Neds Angus Armanasco Stakes looks the next logical step for her.
The Frankel filly was very impressive on debut at Flemington last June, but was sent for a spell after returning with a sub-part effort in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes in September, later found to be harbouring an ailment.
She’ll enjoy big improvement from her fresh run and with even luck, I can’t find a reason why she won’t be in the finish.
Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) – 3:05pm AEDT
Tip: No. 1 Cascadian
He actually exceeded my expectations when running into the minors of the Neds C.F. Orr Stakes first-up, and I think that Cascadian will take a power of beating in the Peter Young Stakes.
The son of New Approach has been an above-average galloper for Godolphin since arriving in Australia, but he well and truly began to recognise his top-line talent in 2021, winning the Doncaster Mile in the autumn and placing in both the Cantala Stakes and the Mackinnon Stakes in the spring.
This is a talent-rich field, but his recent performance will find him extremely difficult to beat.
Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) – 3:45pm AEDT
Tip: No. 1 I’m Thunderstruck
Eight talented gallopers will contest this year’s Futurity Stakes, and there is a case to be made for nearly every one of them.
I have put I’m Thunderstruck on top, but be sure to check out my full race preview and complete 2022 Futurity Stakes Tips RIGHT HERE.
Group 1 Neds Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) – 4:25pm AEDT
Tip: No. 2 Lofty Strike
He’s the one we’ve all been waiting for – the 2022 Neds Blue Diamond Stakes! An open field of colts, geldings and fillies has been taken, and one juvenile will join an illustrious list of Blue Diamond Stakes winners on Saturday.
I’ve put Lofty Strike on top, but check out my full race preview and complete 2022 Neds Blue Diamond Stakes Tips RIGHT HERE.
Group 1 Neds Oakleigh Plate (1100m) – 5:05pm AEDT
Tip: No. 3 Jonker
Talented mare Marabi puts an unbeaten record on the line in the Neds Oakleigh Plate, but this is easily the toughest task of her career so far, and she’ll need to go to another level.
I am taking her on with Jonker, but check out my full race preview and complete 2022 Neds Oakleigh Plate Tips RIGHT HERE.
Listed Neds Mornington Cup Prelude (2000m) – 5:40pm AEDT
Tip: No. 4 Pancho
I’m going to give Pancho another chance at each-way odds in the Neds Mornington Cup Prelude.
The Dissident gelding has tended to mix his form a little throughout his career, but he has improved noticeably for three starts back this time, finishing fourth in BM1000 company here last time out.
He strikes this race in peak order, and his best is certainly good enough to see him into the finish.