CANTERBURY
CANTERBURY
WEDNESDAY 20 DECEMBER
TRACK: GOOD 4 (4.87) RAIL: +3M
BEST BET: Race 2 No.7 WE HAVE LIFT OFF
NEXT BEST: Race 6 No.1 JEMADAR
Race 1
3 – 2 – 1 – 5
VELOCITA was outstanding winning at Wyong last start albeit the cameraman made it look even better but leaving her out of shot for most the straight. She steps to 1900m which she looks like she will relish and I think her turn of foot and ability to dash may be the difference here. Chain Of Fools is looking for a hat-trick and will again give a sight but she’ll have some better ones chasing here and it’s on top of the ground. Higher Ground gets the tag behind the leader and looks ready for the longer journey.
Race 2
7 – 5 – 1 – 6
WE HAVE LIFT OFF is a new addition to the Brad Widdup stable having been formerly with Gai Waterhouse and she has looked good in two recent barrier trials. She will bounce and if she crosses take a running down. Debutante Deft has got raps on it and the Godolphin youngsters are always well educated. She has natural early speed so expect her to settle handy and be amongst the spoils. Guangdong comes through the same trial and there wasn’t much in their efforts to my eye. Many may disagree but although Deft was slightly better Waller’s filly went well. League Of Nations thus far hasn’t lived up to the early hype but she has run three second placings and is sure to around the mark again.
Race 3
1 – 6 – 3 – 9
BALEARIC has been racing in good form and is sure to appreciate getting back on firmer ground today following a heavy track run last start. Two starts back here he was beaten a lip by Seaway who was able to win last Friday night against some handy types. He will give them a start but look for him to be charging in the run home. Mascot gets gate one and should get a soft run and will strip fitter for his first up effort. Soviet gets blinkers back on and I imagine the tactics will be take no prisoners and he may well take plenty of running down. Ordos Honour and Stella Victoria are the other two winning chances.
Race 4
1 – 6 – 2 – 4 – 5 – 3
I have got absolutely no idea who will win and if all will finish. Not a real good city race. Anything can win. I cannot honestly lead you in any real direction as I eventually threw the form out the window. If you are betting good luck. I have thrown all six in my early and late quaddie’s.
Race 5
3 – 1 – 4 – 7
I think there are four winning chances and Chris Waller trains three of them. Baysa was very good winning here a month ago albeit the speed on helped her and coming back to this distance was exactly what she needed. JAUNTY broke her maiden two starts back here albeit against average opponents then nothing went right last start when beginning awkwardly and settling rearward. If she can position up she will be there at the end. Hittite has been plagued by wet tracks and today she will finally see dry ground and following her first up run she should strip fitter. Always had a little rap on this girl so today we see if she can gallop. Mollyfied is the non-Waller runner with a chance and although the 1550m distance is her big query I think the soft barrier will give her every chance to see the trip out. Her form is solid and with the claim for Jean Van Overmeire she won’t get a better chance to run the journey out than today.
Race 6
1 – 5 – 2 – 8
Really keen to play here backing both my top pick JEMADAR and Hillary Step who was very good to us last start winning at nice odds. Jemadar is a handy racehorse up to the mile and turns up here first up after a three month layoff. If she can find the spot tagging Hillary Step who has drawn outside him I am banking on his class in the final furlong even with the top weight of 60.5kg. Hillary Step went outstanding winning last start and there is a big chance she may jump and run and not be caught again. Samadoubt is the other winning hope probably and from a good draw already one run under his belt this time in and the apprentice claim makes him a player.
Race 7
1 – 8 – 2 – 6
COYS went outstanding last start when running along at Wyong only to be run down by one of the biggest threats again today Smooth Whiskey. Coys meets Smooth Whiskey 3 ½ kilos better off at the weights and coming back 200m in distance I think will help him. Smooth Whiskey is the horse on the way up and did a super job to chase and get past Coys last start and is a major player here. The Gavle is ready to fire today following three runs back and now stepping up to 1900m. Prior to his spell he was beaten a half length by Collateral over 2000m and that run would have him getting the chocolates here.
Quaddie:
1st leg: 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6
2nd leg: 1 – 3 – 4 – 7
3rd leg: 1 – 5
4th leg: 1 – 2 – 8
Cost $36 = 25%
