The last metro mid-week meeting in New South Wales comes to us live from Canterbury this Wednesday afternoon. With spring just around the corner, all roads lead to Western Sydney!
Canterbury Race 4
#3 The Swooper
The Swooper can bounce back after a flat first-up performance at Sandown. The Divine Prophet gelding looked uncomfortable and was an ugly watch for loyal supporters. His record second-up must be respected, and he should get the run of the race from the inside draw. The drop back to 1100m is advantageous, and he meets easier opposition. It may pay dividends to watch for any significant market support.
Silvanito savaged the line fresh at Wyong. The Shooting To Win gelding races well second-up, and the current track conditions will play into his favour. He comes into all winning calculations after the apprentice claim and is an 1100m specialist. Barrier ten and his winning record are among the primary concerns.
Shezanalister caught the eye last start at Gosford. The Star Turn filly is racing in great spirit, and she hasn’t missed a top-four placing all campaign. From a middle gate, she will sit midfield with over, and if she is presented with her run at the right time, she can figure. This is her acid test.
Suggested Bet: The Swooper @ $8.00
Canterbury Race 5
#1 Memoria
Memoria is knocking on the door! The Caravaggio filly looked a good thing beaten at her latest outing, and she will appreciate the significant drop in class on Wednesday. The 3kg apprentice claim puts one hoof on the till, and I suspect the Kris Lees factor will attract further market support. From barrier one, she will roll forward and take luck out of the equation, and if she is left to her own devices, she may prove hard to run down.
Southern Chilli is a must for all broader exotics and multiples. The Al Maher filly ran home well at Sandown to fill a minor placing at her latest outing, and I suspect her next win is just around the corner. The step out in distance looks ideal at this stage of the preparation, and she has been well supported since markets opened. The Maher and Eustace factor must be respected!
Iconic Dame comes to town up and about after two solid performances at Moruya. The Nicconi mare deserves her shot at this level, and if the rain continues to fall, I expect her quote to shorten significantly. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke, and she looks dangerous jumping from an inside barrier. Take on trust.
Suggested Bet: Memoria @ $3.70
Canterbury Race 6
#3 Amnesty
Amnesty is flying this campaign. The Brothers War filly has won three races stylishly this preparation, and with even luck in transit, she can continue on her winning ways. From barrier six, she will go forward and take up her favourite role as race leader, and if she can steal some cheap sectionals throughout, it could be curtains a long way from home. The drop in grade is advantageous, and she handles all track conditions. Hard to toss!
Lancaster Bomber can threaten with a change of fortune. The rising eight-year-old has been luckless in this preparation, and he looks well placed here, meeting easier opposition. He is undefeated at the trip, and his record at the track must be respected. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Rhythmic Pulse is over the odds. The Your Song gelding is never far away, and he looks dangerous jumping from the perfect inside draw. His record at the distance is near perfect, and he loves racing at Canterbury. If he doesn’t spend his pennies in the race’s early stages, I expect him to be prominent.
Suggested Bet: Amnesty @ $5.00
Canterbury Race 7
#3 Jesse James
Jesse James can resume a winner for his new stable. The Reliable Man gelding has turned heads at several recent barrier trials, and he should be cherry ripe for a first-up tilt. I expect him to cross and lead from the wide gate, and if he can slip away before the home turn, he can pinch a winning break. He will appreciate the current track conditions, and if the heavens continue to open, he is the one to beat. The long spell is the primary concern.
The Replicant can run well on the quick backup. The Tivaci gelding has been consistent in all preparation, and he deserves to notch up another victory. The 1550m looks ideal at this stage of his campaign, and if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground during the middle stages of the race, he can threaten. His pattern and style of racing always require an element of luck.
Lolly Yeats can bounce back after a disappointing first-up run. The significant drop in class will suit the Lawman mare, and she was a winner second-up previously. She can sit in the box seat from barrier four, and if the gaps appear at the right time, I expect her to figure in the finish. Her consistency is the biggest deterrent.
Suggested Bet: Jesse James@ $9.00