Meeting Overview
A deep nine-race card out of Riccarton on Saturday, headlined by the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup, the Listed Warstep Stakes, and the Listed Great Easter Stakes. The track has copped plenty of rain during the week but the forecast looks clear for the 48 hours leading into Saturday.
Track: Heavy10 (likely Heavy8 or Heavy9 on raceday)
Rail: Out 5m to the 1000m, Out 8m the remainder
Tips for each of the nine races below:
Did too much early work last start and punctured late. Her two prior wins on rain-affected ground were strong and it’s likely she gets similar conditions to work with here. Will get a cosy run from the better draw and looks well placed to bounce back in a race lacking depth.
1 Unit Malfy Rosa (3)
Was first across the line last time before being relegated after causing interference. He possesses the gate speed to cross and lead again here under Kate Hercock. His 1400m run two back rated well enough to be winning this and he seems to handle wet ground. Looks the horse they all have to get past.
1 Unit Noivern (1)
Backs up quickly after a strong second placing last weekend. Her win on Heavy9 prior was impressive and she gets in light again with Donovan Cooper’s claim. In the mix again and handles these conditions better than most, especially with the recent race fitness under her belt.
1 Unit Move On (10)
Charged home into third fresh and that run screamed additional ground second-up would suit. Drops to 52kg after the claim and handles wet footing with no issue. With any improvement and a soft trip again, she should be fighting out the finish here.
1 Unit Bellutta (9)
Found the line well for second last weekend and can go one better on the quick back-up here. The 1400m is the main question mark, but she looks to get every chance to run the trip out from the draw. Handles the sting out of the ground and can run a race at a price.
0.5 Units each way Intercept (9)
Progressive type who won in good fashion last start. Finds herself on the minimum here and maps for a sweet run just off the speed. Has a map advantage on many of the key chances, which can’t be understated in these big fields at Riccarton. Looks the horse to beat for mine.
1 Unit Candycane (12)
Huge run last time behind Dream Of The Moon, where an interrupted run in the home straight saw her finish much further back than she should have. Handles heavy ground and gives the impression she’ll relish 2000m. With clear running, I think she can turn the tables on Dream Of The Moon and the rest of this field. Hard to beat.
3 Units Loose Sally (3)
Got home well over 1200m last start, which was an ideal maintenance run for this. They followed the same campaign with him last year when runner-up in this race. Suited at WFA and now gets Tina Comignaghi aboard. Clearly the horse to beat.
2 Units Harlech (1)
Returned from a long break with a modest effort first-up before a good tough win last start. Loves the wet and should land up on the speed despite the wide draw. If he can hold that form from last start, he’s well and truly in the mix in what is an open race.
1 Unit Penvose Lad (3)