Saturday’s Tatt’s Tiara marks the final Group 1 of the racing season at Eagle Far as a capacity field of fillies mares steps out with $700,000 on the line.
Queen of the Turf second place-getter Annavisto remains the favourite coming off a freshen-up, but she looks to have her work cut out against the likes of Snapdancer, Away Game, and Kiku.
Champion trainer Chris Waller is hoping to win the race for a third time with either Kiku, Nudge, Atishu or Written Beauty,
For our thoughts on each runner, check out our 2022 Tatt’s Tiara Preview below.
1. Snapdancer (21)
Chasing back to back Group 1’s after claiming the Robert Sangster at Morphettville last month. She’s been kept fresh for the run and showed plenty in a recent trial beating Away Game by a length at Deagon. She’ll make her own luck on the speed again but I think she’s a genuine query out to 1400m from a very tricky gate.
2. Shout The Bar (2)
Won the Sunline Stakes over the mile at The Valley during the autumn but was no match over this trip in the All Aged Stakes on a very heavy track. She’s had a trial to sharpen her up since then and I think she’ll appreciate getting back on top of the ground. Has won previously first-up but I’m not sure 1400m will suit at this stage of her prep.
3. Annavisto (11)
Rarely runs a bad race. Winner of the Tressady Stakes at Flemington over this trip during the autumn where she gapped her rivals by over three lengths. Went on to finish a clear second to Nimalee in the Queen of the Turf where she did a lot wrong in the straight. Probably deserved to win that day and her trials leading in are tough to ignore. Providing she behaves herself, she’ll be tough to beat.
4. Away Game (17)
Won a Group 3 on this same day last year but has failed to find the winner’s stall since. She’s mixed her form so far this prep, running a clear second to Snapdancer in the Robert Sangster before making good ground in the Kingsford Smith Cup. Still, I think she’s proven she’s not up to winning at this level and from the horror draw, I’m happy to leave her out of my numbers.
5. Kiku (10)
Gets back to her preferred distance now after winning the National Classic by half a length to Nudge a fortnight ago. The way she stormed home along the rail was impressive but I think that was more a compliment to James McDonald than anything else. Worth a look each-way, but this is tougher.
6. Vangelic (8)
Promising type that just hasn’t put it all together yet. Second-last in the Dane Ripper two weeks ago and is tough to entertain off that.
7. Nudge (19)
Super consistent type that has run some strong races at this level in the past. Runner-up in this same race last year to Tofane and has been given a good gap between starts after finishing second to Kiku in the National Classic to start the month. She’s got a fair bit of work to do from the barrier again but it wouldn’t be surprising if she’s swooping in late.
8. Brooklyn Hustle (13)
Back for another crack after finishing down the straight here last year. Hasn’t won a race now in over 12 months but her best is certainly good enough. She was good late in the Stradbroke a few weeks ago and she’s rock-hard fit now for four runs back. Always hot and cold though, so it just depends how much you feel you can trust her.
9. Wandabaa (9)
Recent form reads well for this, albeit against much easier company. Was seen doing her best work late for second to Baller in the Moreton Cup a couple of weeks ago and I think she’ll appreciate taking on her own sex again. I doubt she wins, but she handles all going and the booking of Hugh Bowman warrants some respect.
10. Atishu (5)
Another one that has been racing well of late. Comes in having finished third in all three runs this prep, most recently in the National Classic when half a length behind Kiku. This is tougher and not sure 1400m is what she’s looking for at this stage.
11. Charmmebaby (20)
Exciting mare that won the Wayne Wilson here a couple of weeks ago only narrowly over Kubrick. Absolutely loves 1400m but this is obviously much tougher.
12. Written Beauty (18)
Winner of the Bright Shadow first-up but she did appear tested out to 1300m last-start in the Dane Ripper. Untried over 1400m and unless there’s some rain about, I’m happy to leave her out.
13. Yamazaki (15)
Failed to run a race last-start behind Kiku. Run prior to that in the Silk Stocking on the Gold Coast was good, but I can’t see her winning this.
14. Palaisipan (14)
Found a gap along the fence to win the Dane Ripper last time out by nearly a length. She seemed to have plenty left to give through the line and her record over 1400m trip speaks for itself. Much tougher here from a tricky gate, but a place wouldn’t surprise.
15. Bring The Ransom (6)
Made up a stack of ground to win the Dark Jewel at Scone first-up and had genuine excuses last time out in the Dane Ripper after being held up down the straight. A win looks unlikely, but she’s capable of much better.
16. Startantes (7)
She’s been a frustrating horse to follow, but her best is certainly good enough to win. It all depends on racing pattern, but I thought she was good late in the Stradbroke last start for fifth. Maps to get back and she’ll no doubt be doing her best work late.
17. Enchanted Heart (1)
Struggled for luck in the Dane Ripper. Has a strong record over this trip but this looks much tougher.
