The Ingham: Who to back in the $2 million Group 2

What an upgrade for The Villiers! The December mile race at Randwick has been renamed The Ingham and been given a boost to $2 million in prizemoney. The race is now named after breeders and owners Jack and Bob Ingham. The winner also receives a guaranteed start in next year’s Doncaster Mile.

The Ingham 2022: Alfie’s preview

Speed With $2 million up for grabs the pace will be fast. Surf Dance, Riodini, Spirit Ridge and Darjaan will push forward. Nugget gets a good run in behind the speed. There’s big group of backmarkers in this race.

The Ingham: Runner-by-runner

Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.

22 Nugget [$3.30] is an emergency but was brilliant last start at Kembla Grange and is a deserving favourite here.

1 Huetor [$7.00] is a Group 1 winner, having won the Doomben Cup in May. The mile distance is a query… monitor the market moves to see if he’s considered a chance.

17 Brutality [$9.00] drops 10kg for this and I think this has been the target race. He’s just not a horse profile that I like, being a get back, run on type.

6 Riodini [$9.50] won The Gong last start and has run big figures at (at Group 1 and Group 2 level) at this distance two preps ago.

16 Dajraan [$9.50] backed from $21 into $11 in the Festival Stakes last start and won well. Second-up here, but Clark gets off which is a negative..

11 Atishu [$10] is a very consistent horse who is an each-way chance. here

14 Diamil [$12] is another who will get back in the run, so will need some luck.

2 Sunshine Rising [$15] won a Group 3 over this distance in Hong Kong. He’s second-up here and a place chance for mine.

4 Kirwan’s Lane [$15] won with this set-up last prep: fifth-up and at the mile. He’s running well this prep.

19 Longvillers [$19] is only second-up in Australia so is somewhat unknown, but will settle back, which is a negative.

12 New Mandate [$21] is almost identical… it’s only his second run in Australia, so he’s a little unknown.

5 Surf Dancer [$26] would need others to falter to be a chance here.

20 Wild Planet [$26] has had all of his peak runs 1400 metres.

15 Aramayo [$31] has a second at Group 1 level at this distance, but a lot has changed since then.

18 Spirit Ridge [$31] is first-up. Watch the market to get an idea of his chances.

21 Purple Sector [$31] is an emergency. He has a couple of big figures that, if he can get to them, could cause an upset.

10 Skyman [$34] was restrained last start. He’s just a place chance here for me.

3 Polly Grey [$67] needs the wet to show his best..

I don’t think the rest measure up here: 9 Sky Lab [$26], 24 Cisco Bay [$31], 13 Bartholomeu Dias [$34], 8 Lions Roar [$41], 7 Berdibek [$61], 23 Parry Sound [$101].

Betting strategy

Top pick Nugget
Best value Riodini, Kirwan’s Lane

With the current favourite an emergency it makes things tough to judge! But I think Nugget is the one to beat in an open race. Outside of him, I don’t mind Riodini or Kirwans Lane each-way and will look to have a small play on them.

Good luck!