Race-by-race preview and tips for Wednesday meeting at Canterbury
By Ray Hickson
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
8. Triple Two Eight made a promising debut at Warwick Farm in what’s proven to be a handy form race so far. It didn’t help her cause when she was slowly away, putting her out of play, but she was stronger than anything on the line as she charged into third. She’s a big chance. 2. Miss Jones isn’t far off a win, and while beaten favourite last start at this track, she did hit the line okay after getting well back early. Up to 1200m a plus and she’s hard to beat. 3. From The Peak comes through the same race where she looked to have her chance in running fifth, weakening a touch late. Only had the two starts to date and is entitled to another chance.
How to play it: Triple Two Eight WIN
Racing returns to Canterbury on Wednesday.Credit: Jenny Evans
Race 2
7. Skyglider showed a bit of toe to be up near the speed in his latest trial before edging away to win nicely. Race has fallen away a little and he looks hard to beat on debut. 1. Sonic Scene was a big drifter on debut at this track but was far from disgraced beaten under three lengths by Infusion. No surprise if he’s placed. 3. Decalogue has been runner-up in his last two trials and the latest was over the 1200m. May be looking for more ground but keep in mind. 5. Estremo is another on debut, trials are fairly typical of the stable and he hasn’t been beaten far in them. Market a good guide.
How to play it: Skyglider WIN
Race 3
8. Maquisa is racing out of her grade as a maiden, but there’s been nothing wrong with her two efforts this time in against some handy ones. Held up at a vital stage at Canterbury two weeks ago before running into second. Gets a nice run here and should be competitive. 2. Shalaa Gold went to a break a winner after leading all the way as favourite at Warwick Farm back in January, breaking through at start six. Trials have been excellent, and expect he’ll roll forward and be in the firing line for a long way. 4. Kilonova won well on debut, then resumed in a small field two weeks ago and was just touched out by a promising one in Signor Tortoni. Back 100m but fitter and a definite chance.
How to play it: Maquisa EACH-WAY
Race 4
5. Amreekiyah looks a promising filly, and she resumes after solid wins at Kembla Grange and Newcastle earlier this year. Strong at the finish of her second trial to win at Hawkesbury, and while she will excel over more ground, this is a nice kick-off point, and she should take beating. 4. Ringarosa looks the big threat. She was pretty solid in her resumption for a new stable at Warwick Farm, running on late down the outside on a day you needed to be closer in. Fitter for that, drawn well, and her best has her right in the finish. 1. Island Dream showed promise in her first preparation, winning twice including at BM72 level at Rosehill in February. Drawn well, claim helps and she’ll improve on whatever she does here.
How to play it: Amreekiyah WIN
Race 5
Top weight 1. No Drama is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get type who likes to lead and has proven quite effective around this course. Just worried out of it last time by a horse who has won again since. Rises 0.5kg but is drawn to find the fence first and can take running down. 2. Anythink Goes has been racing well without winning of late and comes back a notch in class after a few runs in Saturday company. Ran on well late into fifth at Randwick last time, and the extra 150m might be what he’s looking for. Each-way claims at least. 3. Galano lumped 65kg to an easy first-up win at Muswellbrook two weeks ago, and with the claim, drops 6kg on that. He’s been around the mark in town with a second over 1900m here before a spell among his form. Has to be included in the chances.
How to play it: No Drama WIN
Race 6
6. La Roja was a nice winner first-up last preparation and raced well after that in handy company, including a fourth in the Canberra Guineas. Second trial was quite pleasing, and kicking off at this trip looks to be suitable. Sure to run a big race fresh. 2. Pretty Powerful had no luck when resuming at Randwick a month ago, and while back slightly in trip, he’s ticked over with a trial where he found the line pretty well. Whether it’s this run or next time, he’s looking close to a win. 10. The Replicant knows how to put himself in the finish but doesn’t often win. He gave Hanau a decent battle when runner-up here second-up and with that inside gate will have every chance to be thereabouts again.
How to play it: La Roja WIN
Race 7
8. Elle Hudson was excellent when resuming with a placing behind Getafix then put out of play by a riderless horse nearing the turn second-up but still did a good job to pick up and run on. Trip is ideal for him and gets weight relief for a modest class rise. Go well. 3. Sly Boots is fitter for two runs back from a spell in Saturday grade and he’s been handy enough in them to say he’s just about ready to improve. Far from disgraced second-up in a race dominated by the winner on speed and has to be respected. 4. Centenario was in the right place to pounce second-up when winning here over 1550m two weeks ago. Drawn ideally to be right on the speed and is a definite chance. 1. Captain Maverick was a drifter in betting second-up but showed he’s not far off a win running second to Nana’s Wish at a mile. One of the chances.
How to play it: Elle Hudson EACH-WAY
Best Bets
Race 1 (8) Triple Two Eight
Race 4 (5) Amreekiyah
Best Value
Race 7 (8) Elle Hudson
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au