Race day focus: Best bets, inside mail for Canterbury

Chris Waller is a master of the Zoustar breed and can add another one to the win tally when the promising debutant Nostalgia steps out at Canterbury. BEST BETS, INSIDE MAIL

Trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald combine with debutant Nostalgia in the opening race at Canterbury on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

Daily Telegraph form analyst Shayne O’Cass gives his best bets and runs the rule over every race for Canterbury.

The Form: Complete NSW Racing thoroughbred form, including video replays and all you need to know about every horse, jockey and trainer. Find a winner here!

CANTERBURY

BEST BET

Race 1, No.10: NOSTALGIA

Direct descendant of Triscay. Get ready to add this one to the list of good Zoustar’s trained by the master of the breed, Chris Waller.

NEXT BEST

Race 6, No.12: YOUTHFULL

Big winner first-up and has been hitting the line in her subsequent two runs very well. Good race for her on Friday night.

VALUE BET

Race 7, No.11: JULIAN ROCK

Was third in the Country Cup at Randwick on Big Dance Day. Not too bad last start and he’ll be charging home here as always.

QUADDIE

Race 5: 5,10,11

Race 6: 1,9,12

Race 7: 5,8,11

Race 8: 2,3

Dylan Gibbons can add to his impressive record at Canterbury on Friday night. Picture: Getty Images

JOCKEY TO FOLLOW

Dylan Gibbons has a massive 26.3 per cent winning strike rate at Canterbury.

MUSWELLBROOK

BEST BET

Race 8, No.6: AYTOBE

Has a good record at Muswellbrook and ran really well in the Highway last start despite what the form guide says.

NEXT BEST

Race 7, No.8: CASINO LORD

Got the perfect ride to win at home last month. Needs a good speed and he can let rip over the top again.

VALUE BET

Race 5, No.4: BOB

Only won once in 27 starts but has placed 11 times and he has never looked closer to winning again.

THE INSIDE MAIL FOR CANTERBURY

RACE 1

Nostalgia was born and bred at Torryburn Stud which is something of a headstart in life on its own. Add to that, her third dam is Alizes, the fourth is La Baraka and the fifth one is Triscay. If you want a Zoustar to win a Group race, best to give it to Chris Waller. Nice filly but not a nice draw. Asva was tipped out after his ‘even’ third on debut at Warwick Farm in mid-June. Racy style of colt a lot like his dad, Capitalist. Sinner is the big improver here.

Bet: Nostalgia to win

RACE 2

Havlicek has turned in two honourable performances to start his career. The son of Astern closed off well at the 1350m on debut and again in a 1550m here 14-days ago. Has a good draw again and James McDonald goes on this time. Stablemate Maritima was the best part of two lengths in front of Havlicek at the post in the same race but might just have a little barrier cross against her name here. Waller’s other one, Mr Plume, has a long range future.

Bet: Havilcek to win, exacta 1 to beat 9

RACE 3

Betsy’s Flag is well named. Long story short, she is out of American Patriot and it’s mostly agreed that the first Stars and Stripes flag was designed by Betsy Ross. As for the filly herself, she has trialled twice now like she is ready to win. Chilli Jam was tipped out after her debut which was better than it looks on paper back on June 1. Nice filly who could be the one to reel in Betsy’s Flag. Spiritchaser has plenty of pace and speed too, just like her fifth dam, Wiggle.

Bet: Betsy’s Flag to win, Chilli Jam each-way, quinella 6,9

Josh Parr rides Betsy’s Flag for trainer Mark Newnham. Picture: Getty Images

RACE 4

Black On Beauty was disappointing here two weeks ago. Bit harsh but she was an even money chance at one point. She led on the fence with company but faded a bit late. It wasn’t a bad run by any means but a cautionary tale for those of us who thought she would put them to the sword easily that night. Plenty of desire to win vis-a-vie Leave Me Some who surged through the gap when it came last start at Port Macquarie. Placed two of four at this venue. Will run well.

Bet: Black On Beauty to win, Leave Me Some to place

RACE 5

Soarhi was very solid indeed at around the $8 mark (off some good trials) when he resumed at Hawkesbury on November 3. He ran fifth, beaten a diminishing a length and three-quarter. He really deserves extra credit for doing what he did and he did it on a day that was challenging for off-pacers. Too Good To Be Tru could be saved for Kembla on Saturday. We are seeing his best again now that the tracks have firmed up a bit. Duke of Gordon is on an upward trajectory. Could peak here.

Bet: Soarhi to win

RACE 6

Youthfull had run in two Group 1’s (the Vinery and the Oaks) and a Group 3 before she had won her maiden. That maiden win was first-up this preparation when she trounced her rivals over the Newcastle mile. Form says she is ‘47’ in her two runs since then but can’t complain how she has found the line each time. Just needs a very fair Canterbury track. German gelding Taraashoq has drawn well to go forward and from what we have seen in his three Australian runs, he usually stays there to the finish. Ditto Jack Duggan.

Bet: Youthfull to win

Julian Rock (centre) looks a good chance in the Evening Star at Canterbury. Picture: AAP Image

RACE 7

Julian Rock might just have the stars align for him on Friday night in the Evening Star. It does look, on paper at least, that this will be a fast run race, if they all start. Julian Rock has been racing well of late bearing in mind that he was third in the big Country Open at Randwick on The Big Dance Day and was closing in last at Kembla last Saturday. Grand Rumore is another one who should benefit from a quick pace. Take note that she is one for one at the track and trip. Game Theory and Queen Bellissimo have claims.

Bet: Julian Rock each-way

RACE 8

Per Inaway could be at Rosehill on Saturday with James McDonald in the saddle from a wide gate, or here with Dylan Gibbons and a better draw. The Kris Lees-trained mare has a very tidy C.V of three wins and three placings from seven starts. Her worst run was fourth in a Saturday race at Rosehill. She flies fresh. He’s A Hotshot has a few other potential engagements but you would think barrier 5 and James McDonald around Canterbury on a bowling green is an offer too good to refuse. Zell always makes some appeal fresh and hasn’t always been lucky either those times.

Bet: Per Inaway to win or, if scratched, He’s A Hotshot to win

Originally published as Race day focus: Best bets, inside mail for Canterbury