International Racing: Canterbury – 22 April 2020

Best Bet: ACHIEVER (Race 2)


Value Bet: BENFICA MAID (Race 5)

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R	Time	Conditions	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th
1	04:50	1200m – Maiden Hcp (2-Y-O-F)	1	2	3	6	5
2	05:25	1200m – Maiden Hcp (2-Y-O)	1	3	8	5	4
3	06:00	1550m – Maiden Hcp (3-Y-O)	7	2	4	1	8
4	06:35	1900m – Benchmark 70	6	7	9	1	4
5	07:10	1550m – Benchmark 72 (F&M)	9	1	4	2	3
6	07:45	1550m – Benchmark 72	3	8	4	6	1
7	08:20	1100m – Benchmark 74	8	7	10	3	6
8	08:55	1200m – Benchmark 70	5	8	7	13	11

Race 1
KIKU was just touched off on debut over 1100m at Kensington. She jumped awkwardly, settled mid-field and chased solidly all the way to the wire. The daughter of Zoustar would have gained from the experience and with the natural improvement that is expected, she should go one better today. Brenton Avdulla would have learnt a lot from her first run and he retains the ride. BARGAIN is an unraced daughter of Ocean Park from the Mark Newnham stable with Joshua Parr in the saddle. She has produced two decent barrier trials coming into this race and if not too green, can give a good account of herself on debut. The betting market will be the best guide with regards to her chances.

Race 2 
ACHIEVER found one too good when producing a promising debut effort over this distance at Rosehill Gardens in heavy going. He would have come on from the run under his belt and with the natural progression that is expected, he should take a power of beating in this field. It is encouraging that Nash Rawiller retains the ride and the pair should find themselves in the winner’s enclosure. INVEIGLE is an unraced son of Medaglia D’Oro from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable. He has had three barrier trials coming into this race, the latest of which he won. A close eye will need to be kept on the betting market with regard to his chances.

Race 3
PERFECT IMPRESSION is a filly taking on the males. Her last two starts after returning from a 21-week break have been good. Nash Rawiller who was aboard the daughter of Hallowed Crown in her penultimate start, steps back into the saddle today. She is having her peak run and should be cherry-ripe. BOB’S YOUR UNCLE has shown good improvement with each of his outings. He moved up very well in his last effort, but the winner was just a bit too strong. The son of Uncle Mo should have no issues with the extra furlong on offer today. He should be at peak fitness for this race and may be the one to throw out the biggest challenge to the top choice. 


Race 4
FLINDERS won his maiden at the seventh time of asking over a mile at Warwick Farm last time. He took over the lead as they swung for home and drew off for the victory. It must be noted that the form of that race has been franked. He has finished third in his only start over this distance. He takes on stronger this afternoon, but he is lightly raced and there looks to be more to come from the son of Adelaide. MIYAKE needed his comeback run badly over a mile at Warwick Farm last time. He finished second in his penultimate start over this course and distance and should strip a much fitter horse today. He merits obvious inclusion.

Race 5 
BENFICA MAID is the value bet on today’s card. She ran a good race when finishing third over a mile at Wyong last time. She has placed in her only attempt over this course and distance. Glen Boss who was aboard when she won her maiden, steps back into the saddle and the pair may find themselves in the winner’s enclosure. ROMANTIC WHISPER’S last three starts after returning from a 39-week break have been good. She has won once, finished second once and third once from four starts over this distance. Adam Hyeronimus retains the ride aboard the daughter of Medaglia D’Oro and the pair should be right there in the run down to the finishing post.

Race 6
WHISPERED didn’t enjoy the heavy going in his last start at Warwick Farm. He was a winner of his penultimate run over seven furlongs at Kembla Grange. Hugh Bowman does duty from a mid-field draw and if the going is on top, he should be hard to beat in this line-up. DERBARI was an impressive maiden winner of his last start over 1500m at Hawkesbury last time. Despite receiving a heavy bump at the start that day, he managed to get into a handy position before racing away for the victory. He does take a step up in class this afternoon, but he is lightly raced and looks progressive. He will be aided by the services of a 1.5kg claiming apprentice.

Race 7
AUSSIE showed that he has ability when winning his first run back from a 20-week break. He got the upper hand late that day and it must be noted that the form of that race has been franked. He makes his course debut this afternoon and if suited to the track, he should be the one they all have to beat. ADELONG is lightly raced and won his first three starts before finishing second in his last race. He returns from a well-deserved 15-week break this afternoon. There should be no concerns with regards to fitness as he was given a barrier trial, which he won before coming into this race. James McDonald rides on his return and the pair should be right there in the run down to the finishing post.   


Race 8
BEACH BABY has very good form to his credit. He loves racing over today’s distance as he has won twice from three attempts. He gets the services of 1.5kg claiming apprentice Robbie Dolan who has been aboard the son of Turffontein in his last two starts. The combination should be tough to beat in this line-up. MONTE DITTO was his own worst enemy last time as he over raced throughout. The drop to the six furlongs this afternoon should suit him well. He has won once, finished second once and third once from four starts on this course. Should the top selection fluff his lines, he may be the one to pick up the pieces.