Nassau Stakes Tips 2022

The Nassau Stakes is a world-renowned Group 1 which provides a stern test for fillies and mares of all ages. Our experts have delved into the state of affairs in this year’s renewal of the 1m2f contest, producing expert insight and tips to help you find the winner.

Nassau Stakes Tips – Overlooked Outsiders

Nashwa is the favourite to land this year’s Nassau Stakes. Having appeared to find 1m4f a little too far in the Epsom Oaks, John & Thady Gosden’s filly appreciated the drop back to 1m2f to land the Prix de Diane at Chantilly last time out. She is bound to be well fancied for this on the back of that victory, but there are some interesting alternatives to Nashwa who could have been a little underestimated in the betting markets.

Lilac Road took a step forward on her form previously shown when claiming the Group 2 Middleton Stakes at York in May, and Group 1 company beckons on the back of that. She showed her ability to act on this track when a close-up third at Listed level last year and there appears to be every chance that we haven’t seen the very best of this filly just yet.

Lilac Road is not the only possible runner for trainer William Haggas, however, who also has My Astra as a potential challenger for this contest. She remains unexposed for a 4yo having made just six starts so far, winning three times including by a dominant 12l margin at Ayr in May. My Astra showed that to be no fluke when runner-up in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh last time, and on that form it is surely a matter of time before she gets her head in front at this level.

5yos have taken two of the last three renewals of the Nassau Stakes, and Dreamloper will be aiming to keep that run going when lining up in 2022. Ed Walker’s mare took the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket on seasonal debut, and she stepped forward on that showing to land the Group 1 Prix d’Ispahan at Longchamp. The hat-trick was thwarted in the Pretty Polly Stakes last time out, but if back to her best here Dreamloper should give the market leaders plenty to think about.

How to pick a Nassau Stakes winner

The Nassau Stakes is only open to fillies and mares and whilst eight of the last ten winners were priced at 11/2 or shorter when landing the race, there have been two 20/1 winners in the last decade. 3yos have dominated, landing seven of the last ten renewals, but two of the last three winners were 5yos.

There’s been a real spread of winning nations in the Nassau Stakes recently. Five of the last ten years have gone to British-based horses, with four going to Irish-based runners – the exception was Japanese raider Deirdre, who provided Japan with a memorable Glorious Goodwood success when landing this prize in 2019.

There has never been a 6yo winner of the Nassau Stakes and this year’s entries do not include a 6yo runner.

All About The Nassau Stakes: Past and Present

Run over its current trip of 1m2f since 1911, the Nassau Stakes was originally restricted to 3yo fillies, but it was opened to fillies and mares aged 4yo and older in 1975. 

Promoted from Group 2 level to a Group 1 in 1999, Midday is the only horse to have won the Nassau three times, taking three straight renewals in 2009, 2010, 2011. 

Midday’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil took the Nassau on eight occasions and he remains the most prolific trainer in the race’s history. Both Nat Flatman and Sir Gordon Richards took six renewals of the Nassau and remain the most successful riders in the race.

How Do Horses Qualify For the Nassau Stakes Race?

The Nassau Stakes on day 3 is open to fillies and mares aged 3yo and older. The race attracts 3yos that contested either the 1000 Guineas, and are now stepping up in trip, or the Epsom Oaks, and are dropping back in trip. Fancy Blue took this race in 2020 after victory in the Prix de Diane, something that Nashwa attempts to replicate in 2022.

What is the Nassau Stakes Prize Money in 2022?

The Nassau Stakes purse is currently at £600,000, with the winner taking home £340,260, the second £129,000 and the third £64,560.

Nassau Stakes Past Winners