CANTERBURY

WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE

TRACK:            HEAVY 9   (6.37)                                 RAIL:    +8M

BEST BETS:     

Race 1             No.10              TASK AND PURPOSE     

Race 3             No.3                SEASONS

Race 1

10 – 3 – 2 – 4

I was hugely impressed with the debut run of TASK AND PURPOSE here two weeks ago where she was stopped a couple of times which for a horse having its first run and on a heavy track it usually means that’s it but this girl kept finding the line. Jen Rules has been very impressive at the trials the latest on a heavy track so that ticks that box. When she was asked to quicken she really lengthened and picked the leaders up in quick fashion. Churning looks the other winning hope that has trialled well on two occasions the latest on soft ground.

Race 2

5 – 4 – 1 – 11

INVINCIBLE LAD returns a gelding with some nice race form but his barrier trials this time around look like he is a more settled animal and may well go to another level. From a good gate he should get the nice run stalking the speed. Horn did a good job winning his latest barrier trial on soft ground and if he gets a little luck from his awkward gate early he will play a role. Bare All was very good on debut over the unsuitable 900m at Newcastle when hitting the line powerfully.

Race 3

3 – 8 – 6 – 5

SEASONS looks clearly the one to beat coming off a nice dominant win three weeks ago at Warwick Farm when the luck finally fell her way which showed her class but also showed she can get through wet ground. From an ideal gate she should be able to stalk the speed which looks solid on paper and hopefully for us punters bring up win number two. Tryst is the danger coming off a very easy win at Gosford beating subsequent winner Wide Spread Panic when she travelled so sweetly then quickened like a promising type. Ballet Baby finally won her maiden at her seventh attempt and it was by a big margin so she deserves respect. The concern is two goes on soft ground for two ordinary runs which is a little worry. Classy Anna is taking a big step in grade but does like wet ground.

Race 4

6 – 2 – 4 – 5

Bringagem did a very good job last start here over this course and distance and all things being equal he should well again especially as the track is in similar condition. Eight starts in his career and he has finished in the first two on seven occasions. All Cash ran second to Bringagem but meets him 2.5kg better so he is capable of running well again. I have put REGINE on top that gets a good pull in the weights off those two and now being fourth up and stepping to a distance I think he will enjoy plus being a heavy track winner he looks the one to beat to my eye.

Race 5

5 – 6 – 2 – 11

I am shaking with OMBUDSMAN due to the heavy track as I think on dry ground he’d be winning and doing it easy but that is irrelevant as its wet. He has only won the once from ten starts but I reckon he has turned the corner at his past two and with luck will be hard to hold out. Monsieur Sisu looks a promising staying type who showed tremendous courage to fight back and win last start when it looked as though I’m A Legend had him covered. The wet ground won’t both him and he will race on-pace somewhere. Porky Pies did work early yet was still there at the business end last start against a handy bunch including the winner Jolly Honour. From a soft gate he looks a major player.

Race 6

8 – 11 – 9 – 5

Gate one and the step up to 1580m has swayed me into the HAMMOND LANE corner as he should be able to hold his spot and sit on the back of the leading few and be strong late. He looks the value for the run he should get. Smart As will roll and give plenty of cheek from the top looking to go one better than last start here when run down by Races late in the race. Organza will likely get back in the second half and be strong late so they overdo it up front he may be the one. He has yet to race on heavy ground but he is one from one on slow footing. Invicta is the one that has a perfect barrier and is a heavy track winner so don’t dismiss lightly.

Race 7

12 – 8 – 10 – 5

Wow we started with 15 runners but after scratching we are down to just six starters. I now think it’s really a two horse race and I am siding with SHARPNESS. He has been racing in terrific consistent fashion but what has swayed me is the wet track as she is by Wanted and they all seem to love wet ground. I am banking on the wet ground to make it feel a little further than the 1200m which will suit her and with only the small field it should make his task even easier. Siam resumed with a dominant win at Kembla followed by a cracking run behind subsequent Randwick winner Savatiano before a forgive run at Rosehill. Back to the grade and with only a small field he is sure to be a major player.

Quaddie:

1^st leg:             2 – 6

2^nd leg:             2 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 11 – 12

3^rd leg:             2 – 3 – 8 – 9 – 11

4^th leg:             8 – 12

Cost $60 = 50%