CANTERBURY

FRIDAY 2 FEBRUARY

 

TRACK:            GOOD 4                       RAIL:    +6M

 

 

 

BEST BETS:     

 

Race 1             No.3    MARMARIS

 

Race 2             No.1    CONDOR

 

Race 5             No.3    FORTENSKY

 

 

 

 

Race 1

3 – 5 – 4 – 2

MARMARIS turned in an outstanding effort last start when jumping awkwardly before settling rearward but then the rider elected to let him stride when the pace slackened and he basically worked the entire journey. To run second was very good so if he can repeat that from barrier one tonight he will be hard to toss. Everard comes through the same race and although some reports have her no seeing daylight I don’t agree with that but I will say when she finally put things together in the final part of the race she was behind a wall but it had no bearing on the race. She gets blinkers added for this and meets Marmaris 4kg better at the weights.

 

 

Race 2

1 – 5 – 2 – 3

CONDOR was very good first up when narrowly beaten at Warwick Farm after working and chasing throughout. From a perfect gate he will settle handy tonight and even with the big impost is the one to get through. Waller has three runners and there isn’t much between the three of them Ombudsman is rock hard fit and although hasn’t run a placing yet his efforts have all been solid. Devil’s Luck gets the blinkers to help him at his fourth career start while Asterius gets gate one and only needs gradual improvement from his debut run to play a major role.

 

 

Race 3

7 – 3 – 8 – 2

IT’S SO OBVIOUS was impressive first up and if she finds the same spot here she will be hard to beat. She has been lightly raced and is building up a nice record having only missed a place once in eight starts. The big threat to my eye is Kopite from the Adam Duggan yard that turns up here off a nice win at Taree last start a month ago. From a perfect gate he should be on the leaders back and is sure to be strong at the end of 1250m. Forbidden Kisses only needs to repeat her last start win here to be amongst the spoils. Hillary Step will roll and give cheek but it’s just a matter of how much work she will need to do early.

 

 

Race 4

5 – 2 – 1 – 4

Looks a tricky race but I do think the speed will be solid right from the get go and that is why I’ve settled on FOURNETTE who is likely to be worse than midfield on the fence waiting for the chance to warm up and charge late. Mr Tickets will be on-pace and may well lead with his chances being determined by how much pressure is applied. His last four runs have all been very good so he deserves respect. Jemadar gets the blinkers back on so you can expect improvement and being fourth run back he should be cherry ripe. Takewing is another who will appreciate if the speed is on.

 

 

Race 5

3 – 2 – 1 – 8

On paper it looks a battle between Wild ‘N’Famous and my top selection Fortensky who is must be said is low flying this preparation. From an ideal gate without much speed on paper Fortensky should settle handy and really a repeat of either of his two runs this time in and he will be hard to beat. Wild ‘N’ Famous was very good winning first up at Warwick Farm when holding off Bratislava who has since gone onto win a Saturday race. He’s best ridden just off the pace so he will need an ounce of luck from the inside barrier.

 

 

Race 6

3 – 4 – 7 – 9

STAR OF MONSOON had 16 starts and promised the world but couldn’t win a race then he had the gelding operation and bang bang he wins two in a row. There is no doubt this is tougher than the past two wins but the extra distance and from an ideal barrier hr should stalk the speed and be amongst the major spoils. Ghostly is third up and looks to get a perfect run from barrier one so he must be kept safe. The other three winning hopes look to be Kawaikini, Al Mah Haha and the favourite Reach For Heaven.

 

 

Race 7

1 – 6 – 11 – 3

I’ve settle on VICEROY who comes back to Canterbury where he has won twice previously and although dropping back a 100m there should be enough pressure early to allow him the opportunity to charge hard late. Spending To Win was disappointing first up but he is sure to strip fitter here and from an ideal gate will get every chance. Parlay Vous comes through the same race as Spending To Win where he was outstanding coming from the back and therefore must be given serious thought here. Virgilio is big odds and although 1100m is way too short don’t be surprised if he runs a cheeky race.

 

 

Race 8

8 – 3 – 1 – 2

MISS QUE is a mare who has had her share of issue having only raced twice thus far in her career. She has shown very good ability right from the early days and turns up here off a seven month spell and one nice barrier trial. She just needs a touch of luck early from the poor gate and she’ll be in the finish. Geneteau is another that will require luck from a poor gate but is a major player here now that she has the winning feeling back. Alart has a big weight but looks to get a good run as does Duchess Pedrille with good solid speed expected. They are my top four picks but I’m hoping to be well in front as it’s honestly a race anything winning wouldn’t surprise.

 

 

Quaddie:

1^st leg:             2 – 3

2^nd leg:             3 – 4 – 7 – 9

3^rd leg:             1 – 3 – 6 – 7 – 11

4^th leg:             FIELD

 

Cost $110 = 25%