Race-by-race preview and tips for Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting

Tips and race-by-race preview from Nick Berney for Wednesday’s Canterbury Park meeting. Selection based on a soft track.

Race 1 – 2:20 PM DRINKWISE PLATE (1200 METERS)

inclination to 8. Queen of Dragons who wasn’t suited to the sit/sprint pace on his debut at Rosehill but still managed to move up to fourth place. Additionally, form from this race proved itself, with Red Resistance subsequently winning the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m). Late market indicated she would improve from the run and all key indicators are pointing to the distance increase will be ideal. Plus, she can get close from the soft draw and it’s Craig Williams’ only ride for the day.

Dangers: 4. The little pumper started the last $4.20 favorite start at Rosehill and tried hard in the loss after riding on the worse ground. Since then he has done well behind Boom filly Learning To Fly. Expect him to roll forward and give a sight. 2. Militarize recently won a trial at Rosehill and finished well under saddle. market observation 3. Snowman and 7. Kervette brings racing experience.
How to play it: Queen of Dragons WINS. Odd & Even: LEVELS.

Race 2 – 2:55 PM FURPHY HANDICAP (1580 METERS)

motivated 6. Alfano coming from the yard of Anthony Cummings, and he looks set to take fourth place. The gelding has a strong platform and his run was meritorious in the last Newcastle start in a top class race. He also came too far behind but kept running hard and ravaged the line, completing one of the fastest final 600m splits of the entire meeting. He is getting a positive race here with the step up being ideal and he can approach closer from the soft gate. Additionally, his ratings/cutting profile suggest he can kick again, and a repeat of his last starting figure/effort would make him tough to beat.
Dangers: 1. Beauty Crusade had too much to do at Randwick 37 days ago and finished third in a strong time trial. The three year old is charting positively and drives well after a refresher. 2. Utopian spirit made excuses at the last start and he is hosting jockey James McDonald for the first time. 3. Eau de Vie jumps to metropolitan level but is a consistent type.
How to play it: WIN Alfano. Odd & Even: SPLITS.

Race 3 – 3:30 p.m. SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (1250 METERS)

1. Hollywood hero was solid on the debut at this track third up and was held up at a crucial stage down the stretch. However, as soon as he was clear, he stormed the line, hit one of the fastest final 200m splits of the meeting and went through the line full of energy. Additionally, this race was highly rated compared to the day and there were four subsequent winners to confirm form. He has a tricky draw to contend with but James McDonald rides and expects a brave performance.
Driven: debutante 6. Dakota Vroom is a nice guy and has done well in preparation for this assignment. Additionally, she responded well to riding to win her last heat at Warwick Farm. 7. Lalaguna reattach the turn signals and maps to control the pace. 5. Aurinko improve and supplement 2. Botany to trifectas and first fours.
How to play it: Hollywood hero WINS. Odd & Even: SPLITS.

Race 4 – 4:05pm TAB HANDICAP (1250 METERS)