Canterbury racing tips are on the agenda for Wednesday, with a seven-race card set down for decision. The track conditions could improve slightly, with fine weather forecast and the surface rated a Soft 6.
The rail is out 2m, and Canterbury’s tight circuit often gives on-speed runners their chance. That puts extra focus on the speed map and early positioning, especially for horses that can settle handy and quicken before the short straight.
Our race analysis looks at the key runners, main winning chances and best betting opportunities across the program. Here is our race-by-race Canterbury preview and midweek racing predictions. Let’s have it!
LORAX (2) returned in pleasing fashion last start in a Saturday two-year-old race.
The Chris Waller-trained colt settled back after drawing wide before picking up strongly to finish third, beaten just over a length.
The now three-year-old will strip fitter second-up and should appreciate the rise in distance, as well as dropping back to midweek company.
James McDonald takes the ride and can settle closer in the run.
| 2. Lorax (5) 58kg3×3 |
WANDA’S SPARK (1) won back-to-back trials before debuting over 1100m on the Kensington track recently.
The Michael Freedman-trained Tagaloa filly settled just behind the leaders before finishing strongly, only to be nailed late and finish second, beaten 1.15 lengths.
She will be better for the experience and should have come on nicely since that run.
She possesses good early speed, so Tommy Berry should be able to take advantage of the good draw and settle in a prominent position.
| 1. Wanda’s Spark (3) 59kg2 |
CHEVAL DE BOIS (1) rises sharply in weight, but this is a considerable drop in class from what he has been facing lately.
The Annabel & Rob Archibald-trained gelding was last seen working strongly to the line to finish second, beaten just under a length, in a Benchmark 78 Handicap over 2000m at Rosehill.
That followed back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1550m at Kensington and 1500m at Rosehill.
He is rock-hard fit and maps to get a great run for Braith Nock, who claims 1.5kg.
| 1. Cheval De Bois (1) 61.5kgx4222 |
OAKFIELD NEPTUNE (2) was no match for the speedy Sir Les last start over 1100m at Randwick and should find dropping back to midweek company an easier assignment.
The Kris Lees-trained mare proved too strong two starts back at Newcastle when carrying this weight to victory.
She had been racing well before that, including an all-the-way 2.81-length victory and a neck second three starts back, where she was run down late over this distance at Newcastle.
James McDonald is a key booking and should drive forward from the low draw to give his mount the run of the race.
| 2. Oakfield Neptune (2) 60kgx1217 |
CAPTURE ME (8) brained an inferior field last start at Illawarra Grange and looks more than capable of stepping up to this level.
The Joe Pride-trained gelding looked to be in a spot of bother when held up behind the leaders, but he burst through and charged to the line to win easily by 2.8 lengths.
Prior to that, he finished second to Jarrito at Warwick Farm in a similar race to this.
He has drawn beautifully for Chad Schofield and should enjoy a sweet run on speed.
| 8. Capture Me (2) 58kg4×321 |
INOUE (1) had favourite backers sweating when he bombed the start horrendously first-up over this course and distance.
However, the Richard Litt-trained gelding recovered to run home powerfully along the fence and win comfortably by 2.61 lengths.
He will strip fitter and has won his past two second-up races at Kembla Grange and Hawkesbury.
There looks to be good speed in the race, which should see James McDonald settle just off them before launching in the straight.
| 1. Inoue (5) 60kg574×1 |
BARKING MAD (3) was stiff not to win his third race in a row last start over 1500m at Rosehill, where he was held up in the straight before charging late to finish second, beaten 1.24 lengths.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding won his maiden at Cranbourne first-up before sprinting hard and fast to dominate his rivals in a 3.5-length victory over 1400m on the Lakeside track.
He is at peak fitness now and gets the great man James McDonald in the saddle.
J-Mac will give him every chance to return to the winner’s stall from the inside barrier.
| 3. Barking Mad (1) 59kg7×112 |