The Shorts is a 1100-metre Group 2 race at set-weights, run at Randwick Racecourse in September each year. It’s a popular early-campaign option for star sprinters on their way to the major races in the Spring Carnival. Prizemoney has been increased to $1 million in 2022, further ensuring the race attracts many of Australia’s star sprinters.
The Shorts 2022: Alfie’s preview
Track Currently a Soft 6 with some rain around on Friday. I will play it as still being in the Soft range..
Speed The pace here is above average. The question will be who leads, Eduardo or Nature Strip? I think Eduardo crosses and leads and Nature Strip will stalk him.
Runner-by-runner
Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.
1 Nature Strip [$2.25] has been sensational at his last two runs in the TJ Smith and then over in England. And he looked great in his exhibition gallop. Deserved favourite.
2 Eduardo [$3.50] drifted in betting in the Concorde last start for some reason… and came out and won dominantly.
4 Mazu [$6.50] has won six in row. He’s now taking on the best, so we’ll see where he stands in Australian sprinting ranks.
8 Lost And Running [$9.00] is first-up… but his best rating was first-up, albeit at Group 3 level. He’s yet to be proven at Group 1 level.
6 Classique Legend [$16] has had a big break again… he’s run just once in nearly two years since going to Hong Kong, for fifth in last year’s Everest. I’m not sure he will be back to pre-Hong Kong levels.
7 Overpass [$19] does have a win over Anamoe first-up last campaign… but a win here would still surprise.
3 Masked Crusader [$21] has been poor over his last four runs, and I’m not a fan of Pike at the moment.
10 Andermatt [$34] was backed in from $3.75 to $2.80 last start on a track that was playing against him. I think he’s a sneaky place chance coming home late here.
The rest aren’t in this… a win would be a major surprise: 12 Rocketing By [$101], 9 Athelric [$41], 5 Shelby Sixtysix [$91], 11 Handle The Truth [$101], 13 Anethole [$201].
Betting strategy
Best bet Nature Strip / Eduardo
A two-horse play for me here. I think the two will battle it out, so I will more than likely bracket them together and find a way to make some profit if one of them wins.
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