By Ray Hickson
Selections based on a soft track.
Race 1
8. War King is an interesting first starter who trialled in the blinkers at Warwick Farm recently and indicated there’s something in the locker with a nice surge near the line. Should relish the trip here first-up and is a good chance in an open race. 3. Poisonous also steps out for the first time and he’s won three trials on end, the last two recently. Showed good gate speed to lead and held a comfortable enough margin at Rosehill in the latest. Expect he’ll look to be forward here too and should be respected. 1. Cold Brew looked very green when he resumed with a second at this track
two weeks ago. Solid in betting there and if his manners have improved from that run he can be
dangerous.
How to play it: War King each way.
Race 2
3. Raging Force ran up to his $1.10 starting price with an easy win in a feature two-year-old race at Muswellbrook at the start of the month. Since trialled nicely and with that win under his belt now he could go on with it. 2. Just Legendary led them up on debut and was run down at Gosford over this trip. Still a solid effort and can only be better for it. Likely leader from a wide gate and has strong claims. 8. Bryant is a youngster with some ability, and while he missed a place when resuming at
Canterbury, his effort was sound on a heavy track. Had support there too. Since trialled and any luck
going his way would see him in the finish.
How to play it: Raging Force to win.
There are seven races on the card at Canterbury on Wednesday.Credit: bradleyphotos.com.au
Race 3
4. Agatha looked the part winning her second trial this time in and she should be race ready given it was a 1050m heat. Stable has a great record with the youngsters and she’s drawn perfectly so should have no excuses. Expect her to be a major player. 2. Sapphire Rose led all the way on debut as favourite at Wyong a couple of weeks ago. Runner-up did run out sharply at the 50m, so the margin is a shade flattering but she did everything right and sure to be competitive. 5. Beside The Ocean sat outside lead before winning her first trial then made nice ground from further back in the latest. Interesting to see which tactics are employed from the wide gate here but well worth keeping safe.
How to play it: Agatha to win.
Race 4
6. Frosty Girl couldn’t have been more impressive in her last-to-first debut win at Warwick Farm a few weeks ago. She was well supported and held a soft margin on the line. Has a tricky set up from the barrier but she does look promising and can overcome it. 3. California Sunrise cruised up to them like she was going to find a couple of lengths before slogging it out to win narrowly here two weeks ago. Back 100m might be a plus for her and she’s the logical threat. 10. Indefensible is coming through the grades well with a synthetic track maiden win then backed it up on the grass at Wyong two weeks ago. Has an each-way hope at least.
How to play it: Frosty Girl to win.
Race 5
1. Epic Proportions comes down a notch in class on his two runs back and he was sound when resuming at this trip then back 100m and close up when in the market behind Storm The Ramparts. Kept fresh from that testing track and has a good chance to break through. 11. Not That Easy gave away an impossible start but attacked the line as if shot out of a cannon late to run fifth behind
Storm The Ramparts a couple of weeks ago. Last time in this grade she was narrowly beaten though that was 1250m back in January. Has to be kept in mind. 8. Axius hasn’t raced since failing at Group 3 level in August. Before that beat Harry’s Bar to win a maiden at Canterbury. Has had a couple of trial preps since then and returns as a gelding. Market a good pointer.
How to play it: Epic Proportions each way.
Race 6
6. Hasty Honey made a handy return when close up in fourth at Warwick Farm three weeks ago. The extra trip is no issue for her, she’s drawn well and if she can consolidate on that fresh effort in similar grade she has to be a good each-way chance. 1. Captain Maverick showed in his latest trial he’s ready to run well fresh. Form last preparation was a bit mixed but he’s shown glimpses and can perform at a suitable trip. 5. Pink Shalala had every chance when beaten as favourite at Canterbury last time out and it was a similar story the start before. No surprise to see him knock one of these off and has to be included in the chances.
How to play it: Hasty Honey each way.
Race 7
1. Getafix hasn’t raced since an even effort in the Hawkesbury Guineas but he does look well placed to find his best form right back in grade. Draws well, James McDonald rides and track conditions are of no consequence. Entitled to be in the finish. 9. Metaphorically led and boxed on pretty well when resuming with a close third at Canterbury on the long weekend. Rolls forward from the draw and drops slightly in weight. Can give another good account. 13. Believe In Angels has been around the mark in two runs back and was favourite when a close third at Warwick Farm at this trip when he
pushed forward from a wide gate to be handy. Worth including again.
How to play it: Getafix to win.
Supplied by Racing NSW
Full form and race replays available at racingnsw.com.au
