EARLY PLAYS @ CANTERBURY

By Richard Callander

Canterbury will host Sydney racing tomorrow where the battle between Brenton Avdulla and Hugh Bowman will resume with the former currently holding a lead of 11.5 wins as he chases his maiden premiership.

Bowman has a ride in all seven races while Avdulla has six mounts missing out in the last race.

The first race is scheduled to jump at 12.50amEST.

The rail is in the true position and at present the track is rated a Good 3.

Race 2             No.2    THAI BOXING $4.40 bet now

Thai Boxing is where I am kicking off my early thoughts for Canterbury races tomorrow with Hugh Bowman in the saddle for Chris Waller. Thai Boxing has raced five times for one placing and that came as his latest start at Gosford over the mile.

It’s that run that makes me think he is the one to beat tomorrow at Canterbury. Two starts back he raced at Scone coming from a mile back to finish fifth beaten 3.5 lengths. The favourite for tomorrow Star Of Monsoon finished second in that race only beaten ¾ lengths. No doubt he is a threat tomorrow especially from a perfect barrier but after Scone he went back to 1200m and now jumps to 1550m and I’m starting to doubt his desire having raced 13 times for 9 minor placings. Thai Boxing has been battle readied with that mile run last start and with an even tempo I am hoping Hugh can get him over the top late. The current price on offer of $4.6 I think is luxurious.

The other early plays I am tossing up whether to go early or be patient with are:

Race 4             No.10 Peaceful Sea     $6 bet now

Race 5             No.8 Mate Story         $7 bet now

PAECEFUL SEA has always promised plenty in her career and turns up at Canterbury tomorrow for the first time prepared by Chris Waller. The filly has only won once albeit at Wyong but her two trials for Waller have been solid and she is the query runner for me. There looks enough pressure early to generate a fair tempo which will aid Peaceful Sea’s chances.

Mate Story caused an upset winning on debut at Kembla back in April over the mile at $51 but then backed that run up with a strong effort at Warwick Farm when fourth. The horse to beat and the likely leader is the Gai Waterhouse charge Street Pursuit who bolted in a fortnight ago at Kembla. Mate Story should roll forward and sit handy and the reason I am likely to be patient and wait is because if the track stays firm he shouldn’t shorter but on the flip side if any rain turns up it will enhance his chances enormously.

Good luck and happy punting!!!