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2022 Empire Rose Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The Empire Rose Stakes, run over 1600m at Flemington Racecourse, is a Group 1 weight-for-age race for fillies and mares. The mile feature has continued to grow in size and stature since its first running in 1988 and is now a key race on the Flemington cup week carnival. Godolphin mare, Colette, flashed home to beat Mystic Journey in last year’s Empire Rose with Damien Oliver in the saddle.

Looking at the market for this year’s race, Dabble has star NZ mare, La Crique, a short priced favourite at $2.40, off the back of a dominant win across the ditch. Fellow Kiwi, She’s Licketysplit is currently the only other runner in single figures at $7.00, while Nimalee is listed at $10.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and New Zealand form can be tough to line up. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Empire Rose Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Icebath (5) – $13
Jockey – Craig Williams 57kg
Trainer – Brad Widdup

Blew the start last week in The Invitation and finished off ok. Finished second at this track/trip last year in the Cantala Stakes behind Superstorm. Has two recent second placings behind Zaaki and Anamoe which reads well here but is becoming very costly for loyal followers. Take on trust.

2. Nimalee (2) – $10
Jockey – Damien Oliver 57kg
Trainer – Matthew Smith

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Finished midfield in the Epsom two back before an honest effort last time out in The Invitation. Should land a sweet spot from the inside draw and be in it for a long way. Each-way chance.


3. Kissonallforcheeks (12) – $21
Jockey – William Buick 57kg
Trainer – Nick Ryan

Former West Aussie who was a good winner here three starts ago in the Lets Elope. Was back and wide last start and never really got into it behind Chain Of Lightning. Will need luck again from the wide draw but loves Flemington and is capable of bobbing up in a race like this on her day.

4. Kiku (7) – $23
Jockey – Jye McNeil 57kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Terrific win in the Theo Marks first up before a complete forget in the Epsom, where she pulled up with excuses. Should get a nice trail behind the speed here and will be strong late. Place chance.

5. Excelida (6) – $31
Jockey – Michael Dee 57kg
Trainer – Ben & JD Hayes

Honest mare who was good winning here two back before finishing midfield in the Tristarc last time out. Probably wasn’t in the best going on that occasion and gets the blinkers on here for the first time. Has a good record at the mile, drawn well and can finish in the placings at big odds.

6. Mirra Vision (18) – $41
Jockey – Joshua Parr 57kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Another mare who gets blinkers for the first time here. Form on paper doesn’t read too crash hot but her runs have been better than they appear and she loves the sting out which she should get here. On the other hand the gate is no help and will need luck. 

7. Palaisipan (11) – $13
Jockey – Damian Lane 57kg
Trainer – Chris Munce

Qld mare who continues to deliver when the bar is raised. Good last start behind Chain of Lightning at Caulfield. Gets to the mile now which is some query and her form is better on bone dry tracks. Might find this her biggest test to date.


8. Chaillot (14) – $51
Jockey – Daniel Moor 57kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Made some late ground last start against the pattern of the race. Should be ready to fire third up here and can run some electrifying sectionals when on song. Needs to improve on recent efforts but is capable of doing so if the race is run to suit.

9. Belle Plaisir (4) – $19
Jockey – Barend Vorster 57kg
Trainer – Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Made good late ground last start in The Invitation last Saturday at Randwick. Good prior at Caulfield behind Sirileo Miss. Drawn well here, is a three time winner at the mile and loves soft ground. Gets plenty of ticks for a horse that’s 20/1.

10. Hinged (16) – SCRATCHED
Jockey – Brett Prebble 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

SCRATCHED 

11. Fangirl (1) – SCRATCHED
Jockey – John Allen 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

SCRATCHED 

12. Yearning (15) – $18
Jockey – Damien Thornton 56.5kg
Trainer – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes

Ran super first up behind Kissonallforcheeks before another nice effort second up. Should be primed for this third run back and out to 1600m. Will drift back from the wide draw and should be strong to the line. In the mix.

13. Daisies (3) – $21
Jockey – Mark Zahra 56.5kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Huge win in the Stocks Stakes two back before an even effort last time, where the race didn’t pan out in her favour. Gets the shades on for this and will spend no petrol in the run from the gate. Can figure in the finish if she gets luck in the straight.

14. La Crique (10) – $2.40F
Jockey – James McDonald 56.5kg
Trainer – Simon & Katrina Alexander


Star Kiwi mare who destroyed her rivals last start at Matamata in the Arrowfield Stud Plate. The second horse has since won a G1 by 5.3L. Looks one of the better horses to cross the Tasman in recent years and should get a nice trail from the middle draw with McDonald on. If the track is good/soft she should be too good, but if it’s heavy, it brings others into the race.

15. Elusive Express (9) – $41
Jockey – Ben Melham 56.5kg
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Runs this prep have been solid without setting the world alight. Won the Edward Manifold her only go this track/trip but needs to find a few lengths if she’s to keep that record intact.

16. She’s Licketysplit (8) – $7.00
Jockey – Dean Holland 49kg
Trainer – Andrew Forsman

A 3YO filly who raced keen on a Heavy10 surface and was solid behind Madame Pommery last start. Bolted in this track/trip prior to that. Has plenty of ability and they’ll certainly know she’s there with 49kg on her back. Can win if there’s a chink in the favourite’s armour.

17e. My Whisper (17) – $23
Jockey – N/A 56.5kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Got back in the winners stall last Saturday at Moonee Valley. Unbeaten in two goes at the mile but this is tougher and the carpark draw is no help.

18e. Atishu (13) – $41
Jockey – Brett Prebble 57kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Bombed the start, as she can do, last start and ran on ok behind Ellsberg in the Five Diamonds Prelude. Form prior was solid. Has a good record on soft tracks and should be well suited here at Flemington. Can run a race at odds.


19e. Pride Of Jenni (19) – $26
Jockey – Zac Spain 57kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Led them up and held on well behind Chain Of Lightning last start. Was well beaten in this race last year and has drawn the car park here. Not overly keen on her chances.

20e. Cliff’s Art (20) – $91
Jockey – Craig Newitt 57kg
Trainer – Matthew Smith

Was sent out at big odds but ran a huge race last start in the Tristarc. Three time winner over 1600m but would need to, at the least, run up to her last run to be competitive and the outside alley all but seals her fate.

Final Word

This year’s Empire Rose looks to be dominated by the Kiwis. Star mare, La Crique, will make her Australian debut, whilst 3YO sensation, She’s Licketysplit, looks to continue her good run of form here in Melbourne.

Impossible to tip against La Crique. I’ve followed her since day dot in NZ and have been super impressed with her, especially when she gets to a mile and beyond. She’s drawn well here and gets the man of the moment, James McDonald, on board. She’s unbeaten on soft tracks and it will take a good horse, or a lot of bad luck, to change that statistic.

With 49kg on her back, She’s Licketysplit, looks the danger to me. She was dominant in the Edward Manifold two back before racing wide and keen last start in the Thousand Guineas. Will appreciate a genuine tempo here and back to the big stretches of Flemington.

The best roughie in the race looks to be Yearning. She was very good in the Lets Elope first up before another sound effort last start. The 1600m at Flemington is a big tick and she races well on soft ground.

Icebath is becoming very costly but it’s hard to overlook her recent placings to Zaaki and Anamoe. She’s drawn well and can easily measure up. Include Excelida and Belle Plaisir in exotics.

Empire Rose Stakes TipLogo

14. La Crique – Win ($2.40)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2021 Empire Rose Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

Some of the best fillies and mares in the country have been assembled to tackle the 2021 Empire Rose Stakes over the mile! Let’s take a look at each and every runner.

1. Colette (8) – $7.50
Jockey – J Cummings
Trainer – D Oliver

Has had an injury-riddled time this year which derailed her Caulfield Cup plans this preparation. Looked good winning the Tristarc Stakes last outing, but didn’t really beat much. Classy mare but happy to be against her on a Good surface considering her interrupted preparation.

2. Mystic Journey (3) – $6
Jockey – L Nolen
Trainer – A Trinder

Went enormous in both runs this preparation, and is absolutely flying. At her best she wins this, and she may be at that level this time around. Just needs some luck in transit, she’ll be right in the finish.

3. Tofane (2) – $3.60
Jockey – C Williams
Trainer – M Moroney

Has been very consistent this preparation and has finished close behind names such as Behemoth, Incentivise, and I’m Thunderstruck. All of these gallopers would start favourite here, and it’s the best form. Hard to knock.

4. Sierra Sue (1) – $31
Jockey – D Moor
Trainer – Busuttin & Young

Won well in the Sir Rupert Clarke before a tough run last outing where she had some abnormalities. Hard to back off that effort.

5. Still A Star (5) – $12.20
Jockey – L Currie
Trainer – B Ryan

Maps beautifully and could be right in the finish from that alone. May lack some polish compared to some others, but you can throw in exotics.

6. Nimalee (9) – $41
Jockey – R King
Trainer – M Smith

Not up to this.

7. Mirra Vision (10) – $31
Jockey – M Dee
Trainer – P & P Snowden

Won well in the Angst Stakes, but this is a big step up. Can throw in exotics.

8. Hungry Heart (12) – $14
Jockey – J Allen
Trainer – C Waller

Hasn’t been at her best this preparation and her racing pattern does her no favours. No.

9. Amarelinha (4) – $18
Jockey – J McDonald
Trainer – J Richards

Has finally drawn a gate, has had some terrible luck in Sydney. Supremely talented mare who could surprise at the generous quote. Goes in exotics.

10. Sirileo Miss (15) – $26
Jockey – L Meech
Trainer – S Wilde

Comes into this with a hattrick of wins under her belt and gets the in-form L Meech onboard. Big step up though.

11. Harmony Rose (13) – $46
Jockey – G Boss
Trainer – M Newnham

The draw is sticky, you’d assume G Boss will use the gate, but the price is about right, no.

12. Kiku (11) – $41
Jockey – B Prebble
Trainer – C Waller

Powerful jockey/trainer combo, but that’s about the tony thing going for it. No.

13. Flying Mascot (7) – $10
Jockey – B McDougall
Trainer – T Dabernig

Super impressive at The Valley last outing and a repeat of that would see it go close. Can it back up off that big career spike?

14. Pride Of Jenni (6) – $67
Jockey – D Bates
Trainer – S Wilde

Prices tells the tale. Has none.

15. Steinem (14)
Jockey – J McNeil
Trainer – Maher & Eustace

Talented type but not quite there yet. Price is fair.

Final Word:

Mystic Journey is absolutely flying and could very well win this, but we’re siding with Tofane who brings the best form into this race. She’s a professional mare with C Williams onboard who will ensure she gets an economical run from the inside marble, and has enough tickets left in the final furlong.

Best Empire Rose Stakes Bet: Tofane WIN at $3.60

2020 Empire Rose Stakes Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The girls take the main stage for the first Group 1 of a huge Derby Day, with some more mature mares tackling a few rapidly rising fillies in the 2020 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

Take a look at each and every runner going around!

1 – Mystic Journey – $4.60 ???

Had been in the wilderness for a while but returned in spectacular fashion taking out the Stocks Stakes (1600m) last start. It’s unknown if she’s back at her best, but may not have to be to win this against her own sex. Is a massive chance, and at her best wins easily.

2 – Nettoyer – $26 ?

The beer drinking, pizza eating Doncaster Mile winner would need everything to go right to be in this. The fast-run Cox Plate and quick turnaround should see her in good order, and she may be able to snag a place with some luck.

3 – Madam Rouge – $12 ?

Had everything go her way last start when winning the Tristarc Stakes, and would need that to happen again coming up against a higher level of opposition. Getting J Mac is a plus, and can go in exotics.

4 – Pretty Brazen – $17

Missed the start last outing and was always against it, but never really got going in the straight. Would have to improve significantly here but could place.

5 – Vanna Girl – $17 ??

Hasn’t drawn well with her racing style and will need luck to go her way. Hugh Bowman on is a big plus and she loves the mile, and could be the knockout chance at big odds, goes in everything.

6 – Shout The Bar – $41

Will roll to the front and make her own luck, but hasn’t looked up to it so far this preparation.

7 – Asiago – $81 ?

Did a stack of work in the run and never had a chance, definitely worse $81 chances around and could place if things go her way.

8 – Missile Mantra – $26

Would need to lift to be in this.

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9 – Felicia – $15

Not sure how she’ll handle the mile, but is a very consistent type. Happy to be against her this time around.

10 – She Shao Fly – $17

Only one place from six attempts at Flemington, and has been up for a very long time. Looking to others.

11 – Chaillot – $14 ?

Is a chance to place here now third up and ready to go after a long injury layoff. Is up in grade but looks to have the talent to hold her own.

12 – Odeum – $3.80 ???

Has been in outstanding form taking out the Jim Moloney Stakes and the Thousand Guineas, and three-year-olds having a very strong record in this race. Is 8kg better off than Mystic Journey and is a real chance of winning this.

13 – Chica Fuerte – $19

Won the Ethereal Stakes but it was run at an absolute walk and is now back down to the mile. Looking at others.

14 – Forbidden Love – $19 ???

Held off a wall of horses to win the Reginald Allen Quality, and has good form around Dame Giselle and Hungry Heart earlier in the preparation. Rock bottom in the weights and think she looks overs at the price.

Tip: 1-12-14-5

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

*Odds accurate at time of posting

HorseWinPlace
1Mystic Journey (5)J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg T: Adam Trinder$4.40$1.85
2Nettoyer (8)J: Glen Boss 57kg T: Ms W Roche$21.00$5.50
3Madam Rouge (12)J: James Mcdonald 57kg T: C J Waller$12.00$3.70
4Pretty Brazen (6)J: Luke Currie 56.5kg T: T & C Mcevoy$14.00$4.00
5Vanna Girl (1)J: Hugh Bowman 56.5kg T: A J & T Edmonds$17.00$4.80
6Shout The Bar (11)J: Damien Oliver 56.5kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott$41.00$8.50
7Asiago (2)J: Mark Zahra 56.5kg T: James Cummings$71.00$17.00
8Missile Mantra (9)J: Damian Lane 56.5kg T: P & P Snowden$26.00$6.00
9Felicia (10)J: Craig Williams 56.5kg T: D Binaisse$13.00$3.80
10She Shao Fly (3)J: Jamie Kah 56.5kg T: K L Corstens$17.00$4.80
11Chaillot (4)J: Declan Bates 56.5kg T: Archie Alexander$13.00$3.80
12Odeum (7)J: Jye Mcneil 49kg T: M Price & M Kent Jnr$3.60$1.60
13Chica Fuerte (13)J: Dean Holland 49kg T: A & S Freedman$19.00$5.00
14Forbidden Love (14)J: Dean Yendall 49kg T: R & M Freedman$17.00$4.80