CANTERBURY
Rail Position – True
Track Condition – Good 4
Best Bet – Race 4 #1 Intueri
Value bet – Race 7 #6 Lady Dane
Race 1 – 2:00 PM Benchmark 70 Handicap (1100m)
Tough little race to start the day, but I am happy to have something on No. 2 Easy Eddie after his impressive win last start. He will find this race tougher today, but he has drawn perfectly and he should be ready to peak now. No. 4 Cuban Sizzle backs-up after a nice effort at Warwick Farm last Wednesday. She has upside and the drop back in trip suits.
Back the 2 to win
Race 2 – 2:35 PM Benchmark 70 Handicap (1550m)
No. 6 Laussel is a lightly raced filly who was very green last start, but she still managed to score a very nice win. The rise in trip looks ideal and Tye Angland should really suit this horse. No. 1 Red Zephyr has won his last two in nice style kembla and Hawkesbury. He looks like a tough horse who should appreciate the rise in trip. No. 5 Sky Boy ran a great race behind the very smart, Kaonic last start at Randwick. He has drawn well and the Cummings stable will have him ready to fire.
Small bet on the 6 to win
Race 3 – 3:10 PM Benchmark 75 Handicap (1900m)
No. 1 Wu Gok should be ready to peak after two runs back from a spell. The weight is a concern, but he races well at this track and his class should take him a long way. No. 3 Be Like Dad is a fit animal who will run a much improved race today, over this trip and No. 6 Shield Wall is a consistent horse that will appreciate the rise in distance.
1 & 3 Quinella
Race 4 – 3:50 PM Benchmark 70 Handicap (1550m)
No. 1 Intueri comes into this fourth-up after a very nice win over this track/distance last start. he should find this race easier today and I really like that the Hawkes team have chosen to take 3 kg off his back. No. 2 Bravissimo won well last start, but I am a bit worried that the big weight might take some zip out of his legs. No. 6 Solo Heart did nothing first-up, but if Angland can get this horse to relax, then he could run a very cheeky race.
Back the 1 to win.
Race 5 – 4:30PM BENCHMARK 76 HANDICAP (1250m)
Race has been badly affected by the scratchings with original top picks 6 Feelin The Love and the 2 Best Guess now out. Leaves us with No. 3 Drachenfels who should have no excuses from the gun draw. To fill the minors going with No 4 Cosmic Engine and No 5 Dissolure.
Back the 3 to win
Race 6 – 5:10PM BENCHMARK 74 HANDICAP (1100m)
No. 4 Fanning should be ready to peak now after two solid runs back from a spell. He will get a perfect run throughout from the draw and his record over this trip reads well. No. 5 Golden Organic has had two nice trials leading in to this first-up run. He should get a lovely run just behind the speed and I think he will be great each way value. No. 8 Eminent Duke is a very fit horse that can run a huge race at good odds.
Quinella 4, 5 & 8
Race 7 – 5:50PM BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP (1100m)
No. 6 Lady Dane resumes after two very nice trials at Warwick Farm. Her form last prep was solid and if she can get some luck from the draw, then she should run a big race at nice odds. No. 10 Pecans has had a stable change and her recent trials have been very good. Her first-up record is very good and barrier three ensures a perfect run throughout. no. 4 Cymbalism resumes and probably wants further, but don’t be shocked if she finishes off over the top of this field.
Back the 6 each way
QUADDIE –
1, 2, 3, 6
3, 4, 5
1, 4, 5, 8
1, 4, 6, 10