Another quality seven-race card has been assembled this Wednesday at Canterbury Park.
The weather is overcast, the track is rated a Soft 6, and the rail remains out 8m across the entire circuit.
For our best bets, check out our preview below.
The Little Pumper ran a pair of honest races in December, finishing four lengths off in the Inglis Nursery on debut at Randwick before being gunned down very late by Infatuation on Boxing Day.
The Shalaa colt just lacked the conditioning over the final 50m after leading for most of the way, but he should be better for those efforts back in grade off a month break.
The form out of his most recent start reads well with Infatuation going on to run fourth in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic a few weeks ago, and with Tim Clark back in the saddle, the pair should prove hard to beat.
2 Units The Little Pumper
Air Bentley was always wide at Gosford last week but still stuck to the task well to finish third.
The decision to race on a quick backup warrants enormous respect, and we know he’ll see out the mile after attempting this distance range last week.
He seemed to appreciate some sting out of the track that day and should find conditions to suit again.
With some relief at the weights, he should be able to settle in behind the speed and save his best for late.
1 Unit E/W Air Bentley
Hollywood Hero went around on debut over a touch shorter here on New Year’s Day in a race he probably would have won if he wasn’t interfered with down the straight.
He finally got clear around the 100m mark and made a real burst to the line to finish third.
How he handles a potential wet track from the wide draw is the main query, but I love the fact he’s had a trial in between starts. The class of James McDonald booked ot ride is also an enormous plus.
2 Units Hollywood Hero
Dynamic Impact found the winner’s stall here first-up over a touch shorter and was far from disgraced stepping up in grade at Rosehill a few weeks ago when fifth.
The Real Impact five-year-old found the line well after settling towards the tail of the field, and I think there’s definite improvement to come with a win to his name previously third-up.
The step back in class only strengthens his chances, while he’s the type of horse that doesn’t mind racing on dry or wet tracks.
1.5 Units Dynamic Impact
Sophia’s Magic was attempting this distance range for the first time when she went round unwanted by the market a couple of weeks ago.
She was full of surprise beaten only half a length by Taraashoq, a performance she should improve on fitter now with three runs under her belt.
Field Legend has contested a couple of tough races prior to this and is worth a look each way.
He’s done some of his best racing third-up from a spell and has performed quite well at this venue in the past.
2 Units Sophia’s Magic, 1 Unit E/W Field Legend
This looks a lovely race for Journalism to make it a double after bolting in to score first-up at Wyong.
The I Am Invincible four-year-old overcame some issues in transit to find the front at the top of the straight and draw clear, crossing the line with plenty left to give.
That was only his eighth career start, so there’s real room for improvement with Josh Parr retaining the ride.
3 Units Journalism
Recommendation looks a nice price here coming off a three-week freshen-up.
The three-year-old son of Shalaa was in the money at Warwick Farm first-up where he was brave to the line finishing 1.5 lengths off.
He’s drawn a tricky gate but does boast a handy record on soft tracks. This is also a slight step back in class, and providing he handles the extra weight, he should running on strongly with last Saturday’s Expressway Stakes winner, Tim Clark, booked to ride.
1 Unit Reccommendation