Racing returns to Canterbury this Wednesday for a sensational mid-week program of racing! As the weather continues to cool, the race for the premiership is starting to sizzle! Who will step up and dominate the competitive metropolitan meeting?
Canterbury Race 4
#3 Master Copy
Master Copy looks ready to explode third-up from a spell! The Belardo gelding has hit the line strongly at both runs this preparation, and the step out to 1900m looks ideal. The 3kg apprentice claim is advantageous, and he should get the run of the race from the perfect inside draw. He has been well supported since markets opened, and I expect the money to continue until the barriers open.
By Nine is too consistent to leave out of winning conversations. The Tarzino gelding was an impressive last-start winner at Wagga, and he looks well-placed to continue his winning ways. He can camp just behind the speed from barrier four, and if the gaps appear at the right time, he is a winning chance. The length of his preparation could be his undoing.
Mickey’s Pride is a must for broader multiples and exotics. The Sebring gelding was an eye-catching winner first-up at Goulburn, and he has raced well second-up previously. He looks talented, and he can rise to a new level in this campaign with further natural improvement.
Suggested Bet: Master Copy @ $3.10
Canterbury Race 5
#5 Estilete
Estilete comes to Canterbury up and about after a slashing run at Scone. The Written Tycoon filly savaged the line late, and she looked unlucky not to win! From barrier four, the talented three-year-old can roll forward, and if she is allowed to dictate the tempo throughout, the race could be over before the final furlong. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove a winning move, and if the track continues to deteriorate, I expect her to start a short-priced favourite.
Azarmin is knocking on the door. The Animal Kingdom mare has been thereabouts all preparation, and the sting out of the track brings her into winning calculations. Her record at the track and distance must be respected, and she should be rock-hard fit at this stage of her preparation. Her winning record is the primary concern.
Celestial Spirit can run well on the quick backup. The Zoustar filly finished strongly without threatening at Warwick Farm last week, and from barrier three, she can go forward and fight for pole position. Like all Gai Waterhouse trained gallopers, if she finds the top during the race’s early stages, she may prove hard to catch.
Suggested Bet: Estilete @ $4.60
Canterbury Race 6
#1 Turning
Turning caught the eye of punters last start at Gosford. The Star Turn gelding was electric late to claim victory, and with the right run in transit on Wednesday, he can win again. The middle gate looks advantageous, and he should strip fitter after his recent outing. The current soft track conditions play into his favour, and he comes in perfectly at the weights after the apprentice claim.
Conceited can run well despite jumping from the carpark. The Brazen Beau gelding can ping across from the wide alley, and if he can find the lead uncontested, he will look the winner on straightening. The distance seems ideal at this stage of his preparation, and if he can slow the clock down during the race’s middle stages, he can continue his love affair with the Canterbury Racecourse.
Ready To Humble can threaten first-up from a spell. The Rubick gelding has an exceptional fresh record, and his barrier trials leading into this event have been first-class. From an inside draw, I expect him to be prominent, and if he stays out of the speed battle early, he can make his presence felt when the whips are cracking. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market moves.
Suggested Bet: Turning @ $3.00
Canterbury Race 7
#8 Flashing Steel
Flashing Steel looks dangerous, jumping from an inside draw. The Not A Single Doubt gelding was an explosive winner at Kembla Grange last start, and a repeat performance here will see him fight out the finish. The James Mcdonald and Annabel Neasham combination must be respected, and if we find ourselves on a genuine heavy, he is the one to beat. The class rise is the primary concern.
Fuller made an impressive return to racing at Randwick in a hot-form race. The Pierro gelding savaged the line late, and he put the writing on the wall for a big second-up performance over further. The soft conditions are ideal, and if he can find some cover from the middle gate, I expect him to figure in the finish. He is building a nice career record, and I am sure the Chris Waller and Nash Rawiller combination will attract further market support. He looks hard to toss.
Iron Man hit the line strongly at his latest outing. The Exosphere gelding looks ready for the step out in distance, and if he can stay in touch with the leaders during the middle stages, he will be there when it matters the most! If the predicted rain lobs, I expect his quote to shorten significantly.
Suggested Bet: Flashing Steel @ $4.00
