A talent-rich seven race card highlights Sydney metropolitan racing at Canterbury Park this afternoon; getting underway with the running of the Schweppes Plate (1100m) for two-year-olds at 1:55pm local time.
It is a fine day in Canterbury today, however a total of 59.5mm of rain through the last seven days has meant the track will be rated a ‘Soft 6’ with the penetrometer returning a reading of 5.42.
We have analysed every runner in all seven races in detail to devise our list of Canterbury Best Bets for today, Wednesday February 3rd.
Race 3 No. 4 Love’s A Fantasy – Each Way
Four-year-old Love’s A Fantasy undoubtedly faces her biggest task to date in this afternoon’s TAB Rewards BM67 (1550m) at Canterbury but has returned to racing in good, competitive form this time, is drawn well in barrier 5 and will be partnered by leading hoop Hugh Bowman. Debuting in July for success in a 1200m Gosford sprint, the daughter of Street Sense returned to the paddock after failing to fire in the Stallion Racing Handicap (1300m) in August, but has placed third in each of her first two starts this time. Love’s A Fantasy appears to be searching for more distance and will get that this afternoon.
Race 4 No. 6 Springbok Flyer
The Chris Waller-trained Springbok Flyer has posted a number of impressive results through his current preparation, has been confirmed to be partnered by standout jockey James McDonald in this afternoon’s TAB.com.au Handicap (2700m) and will carry only 56kgs; taking 5kgs from topweight Emerald City. Placing second in a pair of Warwick Farm races over 2200m in November and December, the Le Havre gelding was unlucky to be blocked late when seventh in the McGrath Estate Agents BM72 (2400m) but has since placed second in each of the All Too Hard @ Vinery BM67 (1900m) and McGrath BM70 (2400m) through January. The five-year-old should find a good position off the early pace from barrier 6.
Race 5 No. 5 Moher
Another exciting chance of success for Godolphin Australia this time, Moher is drawn ideally in barrier 4 and will be partnered by James McDonald in the Café Culture + Insitu Handicap (1250m). A standout through his maiden racing campaign last spring, the Lonhro gelding failed to make anything of an impact in his black type debut, the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) in spring and was immediately sent to the paddock. Having trialled exceptionally well in the lead-up to his return this time however, the three-year-old is weighted well and should prove very hard to beat.
Race 6 No. 1 Let’s Make It Rain
Proven black type performer Let’s Make It Rain has not been seen at the races since finishing sixth in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) in September, and while weighted at 61.5kgs for this afternoon’s More Than Ready @ Vinery Handicap (1100m) apprentice hoop Andrew Adkins’ claim brings the colt right back into the mix and represents terrific value at current $3.30 odds for success as a result. Beating a notable field to the line in the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap (1250m) at Canterbury in July, the son of Not A Single Doubt progressed to third in the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) and placed second to Wudang Mountain in a Rosehill minor over 1400m in his only other start prior to the Golden Rose. Let’s Make It Rain has trialled exceptionally well in the lead-up to his return today and will leave from barrier 8.