By Ray Hickson
Selections based on a good track.
Race 1
2. Sounds Unusual worked home okay into third in what was a sit and sprint when the eventual winner took off midrace and injected some speed. It was only his second start and there’s still scope for upside. Hard to beat. 4. Ana Carolina did some early work to sit outside the lead when resuming at a mile at Hawkesbury and was outsprinted but did box on okay late. Better for it, claim and draws well so look for improvement. 11. The Beast appears a bit one paced and he was a beaten favourite over a mile at Hawkesbury a couple of weeks ago.
How to play it: Sounds Unusual WIN.
Canterbury will host an eight-race card on Friday night.Credit: Bradley Photos
Race 2
5. Goodlucktome bumped into a smart one in Tuileries when resuming with a solid second here a few weeks back. Did have his chance but the winner is smart and has won again since. Drawn to effect and should run well. 11. The Enchanter also found a progressive type when he debuted at Nowra finding Point And Shoot a touch strong. Good chance. 12. Xingxing made a handy enough debut at Newcastle back in August behind Spirit Of Wealth as a $21 chance. Nice recent trial.
How to play it: Goodlucktome WIN.
Race 3
12. Scintilla struck heavy tracks in her two starts earlier this year but did more than enough to suggest she’s a promising type. The gate is a worry here first-up but there was so much to like about her recent trial and if she has any luck in running she’ll go close. 13. She Within was solid in betting when resuming at Goulburn and while beaten she did some work and loomed on the turn before levelling out. Nicely drawn here. 14. Take Achance On Me ran an even race on debut at Newcastle back in August then put away. Hit the line well to win the latest trial and stays under notice.
How to play it: Scintilla WIN.
Race 4
3. Lancaster Bomber rarely runs a bad race when he draws inside and he gets the chance to break through. Has been game leading at his past two over this track and distance and was run down by a handy type last time out. 4. Lady Extreme is an on pacer racing well and was just touched out here two runs back at 1100m then Zoubaby was a bit too slick at Randwick last time. Will be competitive. 2. Noble Soldier didn’t fire on the heavy track at Rosehill last time and comes back in class.
How to play it: Lancaster Bomber WIN.
Race 5
2. Pocketing looks a promising type and he ran up to expectation scoring as an odd-son favourite at Kembla second-up. Same grade here and should land in the right spot with a bit of speed engaged. Take plenty of beating. 7. Valetudo could be a sharp improver after two runs back and have to be forgiving of last time on a leader’s Kensington track. 6. Oh Diamond Lil was always in control in leading all the way to her maiden win at Kembla a few weeks ago. Will be in or near the lead again and could step up.
How to play it: Pocketing WIN.
Race 6
4. War Star has the outside barrier to overcome but he’ll press across and it appears on paper that he won’t have too much competition to find the lead. If that’s the case then he’ll take some catching. Easy Hawkesbury winner before a solid third at the Farm last time. 6. Smart Legend was well supported coming through that same event and he had his chance behind the speed as he held fourth. A 4kg drop after the claim is in his favour so entitled to another chance. 16. Waverley got back to his best with an overdue win at Canberra in a small field.
How to play it: War Star WIN.
Race 7
3. Our Kobison was a shade disappointing second-up when fourth at Randwick but he was coming off a setback and stayed at 1100m. His two best efforts have come at 1200m and he gets to that trip now with a handy draw. 10. Time To Boogie did finish in front of Our Kobison when they met at Randwick and he will be fitter for that first-up run. Down in the weights, drawn the inside so there’s plenty to like about his chances. 2. Eagle Nest might get across and lead and she beat Our Kobison on a wet track two starts back before a gallant third in the Razor Sharp.
How to play it: Our Kobison WIN.
Race 8
11. Unleeshing is a promising filly and she’s been excellent in her two runs this time in at Rosehill. Hit the line strongly behind the smart Private Harry on a soft track a few weeks back and drops sharply in grade here. She’ll take holding off. 7. Manuscript probably comes across from a wide gate and he improved on his effort behind Private Harry to run third here in a similar race but at 1200m. Will give a good account on speed. 12. Luxe Eternal is a big watch first-up since a debut win at Hawkesbury in October where she didn’t go around a horse. Likely improves on whatever she does.
How to play it: Unleeshing WIN.
BEST BETS:
Race 5: (2) Pocketing
Race 8: (11) Unleeshing
BEST VALUE:
Race 6: (4) War Star
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
