We’re back to Canterbury on Wednesday, April 6th, and eight races are on the program.
The track remains in the Heavy (9) range, while the rail will be set out three metres around the entire course.
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Race 1 – 12:50pm – Schweppes Plate (1200m)
There’s hardly any form to study ahead of the first at Canterbury on Wednesday, and at publish, several debutants are prominent in betting.
I am happy to stay out of this one from a betting perspective.
Race 2 – 1:25pm – Vinery Yearlings Handicap (1550m)
I’m going to give Naval Seal another chance to win at Canterbury on Wednesday.
The well-bred gelding only just missed on debut, and he kept all of his best work for late when filling the minors at Warwick Farm last time.
Fitter third-up and under Hugh Bowman, this looks his chance.
Race 3 – 2:00pm – Davali Thoroughbreds Handicap (1200m)
Daralina Belle hasn’t been seen at the races since October, but she was excellent during her debut preparation, and she’ll take plenty of beating in something like this.
The Deep Field mare won each of her first three career starts before only just missing in a photo finish at Warwick Farm in October.
She was last seen finishing a credible eight in the Four Pillars at Rosehill, and she has had the benefit of a couple of trials leading up to her return.
Race 4 – 2:35pm – I Am Invincible @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1200m)
Devil’s Throat can record another win at Canterbury this week.
He has hardly returned a poor effort since debuting, and Devil’s Throat has continued to improve with each start back this time, unlucky not to break his maiden at the Magic Millions back in January, but ultimately striking here, last time out.
He’s been kept up the mark with a trial since that effort, and I think that this looks a great opportunity for him to begin his rise through the grades.
Race 5 – 3:10pm – Palace Pier New @ Darley Handicap (1100m)
This is an outstanding midweek contest and there is a case to be made for a few, including Dragonstone.
Dragonstone was outstanding throughout his debut prep, but clearly needed his first back this time when finishing down the order in the Fireball Stakes.
He followed up that effort with a better performance for third in BM78 company at Warwick Farm, and I think that he’ll be ready to peak this week.
Race 6 – 3:45pm – Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1550m)
I think that Akihiro is a better horse than his recent performances have suggested, and I am going to give him one last chance to do something at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Akihiro returned some nice efforts in metro company last time in, winning a feature race at Wyong and finishing fourth in the Group 2 Vase at The Valley most notably.
He has finished seventh in each of his first three starts back this time, but this is a drop in class, and he steps out at peak fitness.
Race 7 – 4:20pm – First Justify Yearlings Handicap (1550m)
Diamil looks the one to beat in the penultimate race at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Diamil kept his best work for late when second, beaten just over a length here at Canterbury when resuming, and he proved far too good for a decent field at Warwick Farm last time.
Fitter third-up and under James McDonald, he need only hold his recent form to be in the finish again.
Race 8 – 4:55pm – Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m)
I’m going to stick with last-start winner Game Theory on the heavy track at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Game Theory finished fifth over 1300m at Newcastle when resuming this time, and relished a heavy track at Gosford last time before savaging the line to win in Class 1 company.
This is tougher, but he gets into the race well and can strike again.
