Tips Category: The Metropolitan

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2022 Metropolitan Handicap Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The Metropolitan Handicap, held over 2400m at Royal Randwick Racecourse, is the premier staying race on the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival calendar. First run way back in 1863, the $750k mile and a quarter contest is rich in history and often used as a lead up race to both the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups. The David Payne trained, Montefilia, took out last year’s Metrop and gave Hugh Bowman his 100th Group 1 winner.

Looking at the market for this year’s staying feature, Dabble has Chris Waller’s in form stayer, Durston, favourite at $3.50. Le Don De Vie ($6.50), Stockman ($7.00) and Grove Ferry ($8.00) are also in contention and it’s $10 or longer the rest.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and the 2400m at Randwick will be a real test for these gallopers. 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 Metropolitan Handicap along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Stockman (4) – $7.00
Jockey – Sam Clipperton 56.5kg
Trainer – Joseph Pride

Made steady ground in the Kingston Town last start behind Alegron. Looks primed for this fourth run back and will grow a leg if the track gets into the heavy range. One of the main hopes.

2. Le Don De Vie (3) – $6.50
Jockey – James McDonald 56kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Resumes here after a short freshen. Bolted in the Caloundra Cup two starts ago at this trip on heavy ground. Best form is definitely good enough but can mix his form.

3. Kukeracha (1) – $41
Jockey – Brenton Avdulla 55kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Hasn’t done much this prep and his Randwick record is nothing to write home about. He might improve third up and out to 2400m here, but on form alone he’s hard to have.

4. Arapaho (11) – $12
Jockey – Rachel King 54.5kg
Trainer – Bjorn Baker


Ran an honest race last start in the Newcastle Cup behind Durston. Has good form around this trip and excels on wet ground. Can’t be left out of calculations.

5. Mankayan (12) – $14
Jockey – Jason Collett 54.5kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Good win at Moonee Valley before an even effort last start in the Newcastle Cup where he drifted noticeably in the market. Should be fitter for that run and loves the sting out. Each way chance. 

6. No Compromise (5) – $10
Jockey – Tommy Berry 53.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Racing well this prep without a win. Step up to 2400m here looks ideal and he should get a nice run in transit from the soft draw. Right in the mix.

7. Durston (8) – $3.50F
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy 53kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Won the Wyong Cup in good style before blowing them away last start in the Newcastle Cup. Gets in light here and off the back of his last two runs, it’s hard to knock him. Looks the one to beat.

8. Sacramento (9) – $34
Jockey – Tim Clark 53kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Hasn’t done much in two runs back this prep including last start in the Newcastle Cup. Should be ready to peak third up but needs to find a few lengths and doesn’t want the track too wet.


9. Surefire (13) – $10
Jockey – William Pike 52kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Brilliant winner first up over 1400m who wasn’t far away last start in the Kingston Town. Has a good record this trip and handles all conditions. Not without a hope.

10. Realm Of Flowers (10) – $23
Jockey – Reece Jones (a) 51kg
Trainer – Anthony & Sam Freedman

Made good late ground last start in the Tattersalls Club Cup this track/distance. Will drift back again from the gate and be saved for one crack at them. Best form is good enough and is capable with no weight on her back.

11. Grove Ferry (14) – $8.00
Jockey – Winona Ciaron 51kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

On the seven day back up after a strong win in G3 company last Saturday. Should be rock hard fit and the trip is no issue. Has claims.

12. Carif (6) – $51
Jockey – Andrew Adkins 51kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Genuine stayer who led and battled on well behind Durston last start at Newcastle. Has a poor winning record but is never far away once he gets over the longer journeys. Place hope.

13. Francesco Guardi (15) – $61
Jockey – Alysha Collett 51kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Disappointing effort last start in the Kingston Town following a string of consistent runs. Steps up to 2400m now which is a query and probably needs to find a bit if he’s to be a winning hope.

14. Chalk Stream (2) – $23
Jockey – Kathy O’Hara 51kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

*This horse has since been scratched.*

Well beaten in both runs back this prep. Stays at 2400m which is his pet trip and gets a host of host changes to try and spark some improvement. Good enough on his day but happy to watch him go around here.

15. Hameron (7) – $13
Jockey – Jay Ford 51kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

On the seven day back up after attacking the line well last Saturday in BM88 grade. His rating and recent form on paper probably suggests he’s not up to G1 level but he’s untapped and the 2400m looks ideal. Don’t write him off.

Final Word

Sydney’s leading trainer, Chris Waller, looks to have a tight grip on this year’s Metropolitan Handicap, with seven of the final acceptances in his name, including the favourite, Durston.

There doesn’t look to be a stack of speed on paper, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained, Sacramento, the likely leader. Showers are forecast throughout the week and into the weekend which should ensure the track is no better than soft.


Going with one of Waller’s seven runners, No Compromise, on top. All three runs this prep have been full of merit and he loves the 2400m. He should land a nice spot from the good gate, and be hard to beat with 53.5kg on his back.

Stockman looks the class runner of the race and the logical danger. He got to the line nicely last start in the Kingston Town and will be better suited up to the mile and a quarter here. Any rain will only enhance his chances.

Race favourite, Durston, is absolutely flying and there’s no knock on him here. He blew them away last start in the Newcastle Cup and with the right run, can make it three wins on the trot.

Le Don De Vie, Realm Of Flowers and Hameron can’t be left out of calculations and all should relish 2400m on the big Randwick track.

Metropolitan Handicap TipLogo

6. No Compromise – Each-way ($10/$3.30)

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

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2021 Metropolitan Handicap Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The 2021 Metropolitan Handicap is anyone’s for the taking, with $8 the field at the time of writing (Friday afternoon). It promises to be a competitive edition of the staying contest, with some big odds on offer for well-credentialed gallopers.

Much of the pre-race discussion has revolved around Zeyrek opening at $51 and being backed all the way into the $9 mark. Will the plunge come off? Read on and find out in our Runner-By-Runner analysis of the 2021 Metropolitan Handicap!

1. Spirit Ridge (8) – $26
Jockey – Joshua Parr
Trainer – Mark Newnham

Ran well first up behind Harpo Marx in the Premiers Cup, but was very disappointing last outing in the Kingston Town Stakes, with a slow recovery reported. It’s very tough to back her considering that.

2. Shared Ambition – Scratched

3. Quick Thinker (18) – $26
Jockey – Kieran McEvoy
Trainer – M Baker & A Forsman

Ran on well in the Newcastle Gold Cup when finding traffic at a crucial time, and could certainly win this at his best. However, has drawn the car park which makes things very difficult here.

4. Dashing Willoughby (6) – $71
Jockey – Nash Rawiller
Trainer – Chris Waller

Came out here last spring as a Cups horse, and has never really looked likely on Australian soil. No.

5. Angel Of Truth (19) – $31
Jockey – Tommy Berry
Trainer – M, W, & J Hawkes

Didn’t look near it in the Naturalism Stakes, and has had a shocking draw here. No.

6. Mirage Dancer – Scratched

7. Warning (12) – $41
Jockey – Regan Bayliss
Trainer – A & S Freeman

Has residual fitness from his Queensland winter campaign, and worked home really well late behind Floating Artist at Flemington over 1700m. A big jump in trip but he should relish it, and you can include in all exotics.

8. Montefilia (17) – $8
Jockey – Hugh Bowman
Trainer – David Payne

Hasn’t put a foot wrong this preparation, placing in both the Chelmsford Stakes and the Kingston Town Stakes well short of her best distance. Is now third up and rock hard fit, the perfect platform to tackle the mile-and-a-half. The one to beat.

9. Attorney (20) – $26
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – Mathew Smith

Flew home last start and would be right in this if he hadn’t drawn barrier 20. Still, has the best jockey in the country onboard, is up to his pet trip, and is third up and ready to rock. Goes in all exotics.

10. Le Don De Vie (21) – $34
Jockey – Glen Boss
Trainer – A & S Freedman

Hasn’t threatened against the top liners so far in Australia, and the widest gate makes it very difficult. No.

11. Kukeracha – Scratched

12. She’s Ideel (15) – $8
Jockey – Jason Collett
Trainer – Bjorn Baker

Baker is flying and She’s Ideel is as well. Spectacular win in the Kingston Town Stakes, loves Randwick, loves the wet. Ticks lots of boxes and will be right in the finish.

13. Harpo Marx (5) – $16
Jockey – Rachel King
Trainer – Bjorn Baker

Has been working through the grades well and is certainly a progressive type. However, has been up for a long time and this is his hardest test to date. Can throw in exotics.

14. Entente (4) – $8
Jockey – Tim Clark
Trainer – G Waterhouse & A Bott

Another in single figures right in this race, with three runs under his belt this prep including a strong win in the Colin Stephen Quality last outing, he’s set to peak at the right time by the in-form Waterhouse camp. Huge winning chance, include in everything.

15. Great House (11) – $14
Jockey – Jeff Penza
Trainer – Chris Waller

This Galileo will relish the step up to 2400m and also the wet, won well in the Newcastle Gold Cup and is very hard to knock. Attractive at the price and can include in everything.

16. Hush Writer (7) – $67
Jockey – James Innes Jnr
Trainer – G Waterhouse & A Bott

Has no chance.

17. No Compromise (10) – $13
Jockey – Kathy O’Hara
Trainer – Chris Waller

Thought it was entitled to do more last start in the Newcastle Gold Cup, and that sort of flat spot will be severely punished here. Hard to have.

18. Charms Star (9) – $41
Jockey – Alysha Collett
Trainer – Chris Waller

Aggressive placement from Waller, who must have a high opinion of this galloper. Looks too difficult an assignment.

19. Luncies (2) – $15
Jockey – Robbie Dolan
Trainer – Kris Lees

Second prep in Australia, would need to put in his best performance by far to be in this. Hasn’t shown any signs of enjoying the cut in the ground. Happy to be against.

20. Zeyrek (3) – $9
Jockey – Andrew Adkins
Trainer – M, W, & J Hawkes

Enormous betting move from $51 to $9, the most interesting runner by far. Has progressed through the ranks here and certainly looks capable of landing the plunge for those on at the big price. Must go in everything.

Final Word

It looks a very even 2021 Metropolitan Handicap, with Montefilia our top pick, shading Entente, Zeyrek, Attorney, and Great House. All of these runners look set to run big races, and we wouldn’t talk you out of any of them.

Perhaps the best value for exotics players is Victoria Derby winner Warning, who looks a big price considering his strong form and staying pedigree.

Nonetheless, we’re siding with talented mare Montefilia in what looks to be a cracking edition of the Metropolitan Handicap!

Best Metropolitan Handicap Tip: 8. Montefilia – Win – $8

There is plenty more Group One racing happening this weekend! If you want to check out our Runner-By-Runner analysis of the Epsom Handicap, click here! If you want a preview of the talented three-year-olds contesting the Flight Stakes, click here! 

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Turnbull Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.

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2020 Metropolitan Handicap Preview, Odds, & Tips

This year’s Metropolitan Handicap (2400m) may not have the star power of some of the other Group 1 races on a massive day of racing, but there’s still plenty of opportunity for a fill up!

Let’s take a closer look at each runner locking horns for their slice of $750,000!

1 – Mustajeer – $61

Hit the line well in the Kingston Town Stakes but would need to rapidly improve to be in this. Will appreciate the step up in distance, and could possibly run a hole if everything goes right.

2 – Mugatoo – $2.90 ???

Hard to knock this guy, has been outstanding this preparation and importantly stayed the 2300m trip in the Newcastle Gold Cup last start and still had gas in the tank to show off his turn of foot. There’s more opposition here, but he’s drawn well and is in great form, it’d take something out of left field to beat him.

3 – Mirage Dancer – $15 ??

Quality import who has been searching for longer, and ran well behind Al Galayel on an unsuitable wet track at The Valley. Will be super fit on the short turnaround and looks overs at the $15, goes in everything and is a knockout chance.

4 – Wu Gok – $71

Will get to the front and contest the lead, but can’t have him here on the firm surface, needs it wet and won’t get that this time around.

5 – Raheen House – $101

Hasn’t looked near it this preparation and would have to improve lengths.

6 – Etah James – $67

Won the Sydney Cup over two miles early in the year and hasn’t raced since then. Probably needs the run but watch betting.

7 – Shared Ambition

Scratched

8 – Brimham Rocks – $9 ??

Has run well in his two outings so far and the market certainly hasn’t missed him, in single figures which is probably short enough. Has drawn wide so it’ll be up to Avdulla to blend him in somewhere with cover, and is a must for exotics.

9 – Hush Writer – $7 ??

One of the chances to upset Mugatoo, has drawn perfectly and will make his own luck on speed. Will need to find something to turn the tables but is now third up and ready to peak.

10 – Lord Belvedere

Scratched

11 – Carif – $46 ?

His form over 2000m is quite good, and while it’s tough to see him winning, he’s third up and ready to peak and could run a place at the massive odds.

12 – Rondinella – $17

Hit the line well over the 2000m last start and should relish the jump in trip, but would need to steadily improve to be a factor.

13 – Angel Of Truth – $26

Won the Australian Derby over this track and trip but hasn’t done much since. I think he’s more of a wet tracker and would need everything to go right, but could certainly run a place.

14 – Azuro – $251

You could write your own ticket here, not in this.

15 – Paths Of Glory – $26 ??

Won the Wyong Cup well but didn’t shifted out in the straight and lost all momentum last start. Could very well be in this with some luck.

16 – Girl Tuesday – $23

Doesn’t look up to this in its current form.

17 – Miss Sentimental – $251

Comes highly rated from New Zealand and will only benefit from the step up in distance, but hasn’t looked likely so far.

18 – Zebrowski – $8 ??

Had the flashing light run in the Winx Stakes but hasn’t set the world on fire since then and would need to improve to be in the finish. Is a winning chance at his best and should enjoy the 2400m, but there’s a query on his performances on firm tracks.

19e – Norway – $151

Not here.

20e – Attention Run – $46

Has snuck a start and everything would have to go right to place.

21e – Sir Charles Road – $251

You could write your own ticket here.

22e – Grey Lion – $151

Unlikely to start.

Tip: 2-9-3-15

2020 Metropolitan Handicap Odds

*Odds correct at time of publishing article.

HorseWinPlace
1Mustajeer (5)J: Hugh Bowman 58kg T: K A Lees$51.00$10.00Bet Now
2Mugatoo (7)J: Kerrin Mcevoy 57kg T: K A Lees$2.70$1.40Bet Now
3Mirage Dancer (3)J: Nash Rawiller 55.5kg T: T Busuttin & N Young$14.00$4.20Bet Now
4Wu Gok (13)J: Sam Clipperton 55kg T: C J Waller$51.00$10.00Bet Now
5Raheen House (12)J: Jason Collett 54.5kg T: K A Lees$71.00$17.00Bet Now
6Etah James (6)J: Regan Bayliss 53.5kg T: C Maher & D Eustace$61.00$13.00Bet Now
7Shared Ambition (19)J: James Mcdonald 53.5kg T: C J Waller$6.50$2.40Bet Now
8Brimham Rocks (16)J: Brenton Avdulla 53.5kg T: C J Waller$8.00$2.80Bet Now
9Hush Writer (2)J: Tim Clark 53kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott$7.00$2.50Bet Now
10Lord Belvedere (10)J: Ms Kathy O’hara 52.5kg T: C Maher & D Eustace$13.00$4.00Bet Now
11Carif (9)J: Robbie Dolan 52.5kg T: P & P Snowden$34.00$7.50Bet Now
12Rondinella (15)J: Ms Rachel King 51.5kg T: J A O’shea$16.00$4.60Bet Now
13Angel Of Truth (11)J: Tommy Berry 51.5kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$21.00$5.50Bet Now
14Azuro (21)J: Ms Louise Day 51.5kg T: C Maher & D Eustace$151.00$26.00Bet Now
15Paths Of Glory (17)J: Ms Kathy O’hara 50.5kg T: R & M Freedman$21.00$5.50Bet Now
16Girl Tuesday (22)J: Glen Boss 50kg T: C E Conners$20.00$5.50Bet Now
17Miss Sentimental (18)J: Ms Jess Taylor 50kg T: C J Waller$151.00$26.00Bet Now
18Zebrowski (4)J: James Innes Jnr 50kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$6.50$2.40Bet Now
19Norway (20)J: Ms Alysha Collett 50.5kg T: C J Waller$101.00$21.00Bet Now
20Attention Run (1)J: Andrew Gibbons 50kg T: K A Lees$31.00$7.00Bet Now
21Sir Charles Road (8)J: Unknown 51kg T: L O’sullivan & A Scott$151.00$26.00Bet Now
22Grey Lion (14)J: Unknown 50kg T: Matthew Smith$91.00$20.00Bet Now