Canberra Racing Preview Sunday 15 December
The weather has been hot in the Capital with the track in the good range. The rail is out 2m the entire. A small field in the first, but that is followed by competitive races that should prove good betting affairs.
Race 1 (1000m)
Speculative how they settle. NITROUS (1) resumes for a top city yard and was last seen in a Group 3 on debut. The colt has trialled and is sure to be ready for a very winnable race. HIREACH (2) was slow off at Newcastle on debut and looked in need of it. Expect a much improved effort. COME GET ME (3) and POETIC POWER (4) both debut for the Sutherland yard off trials and the market will tell with them.
Race 2 (1400m)
Expect a solid tempo with Boston Ivy a possible leader. READY'S GIRL (4) returned in good order at Kembla and then just missed here 16 days ago behind Milamoo in a race where a number of runners didn’t get the best of it. She can improve again off that and win with the advantage of the rail. THE SENATOR (2) will push forward and battled on well resuming. He is right up to this and Berry’s booking suggests he won’t need one more. BID OF FAITH (7) made a rating’s spike winning the 58 at Wagga by 6.8L as favourite. The in-form McDougal replaces the apprentice and she won’t be far away if she can hold that level of performance. SENNACHERIB (1) was much better at Orange and is racing well enough to fill a slot.
Race 3 (1000m)
A number of speedy-types engaged and the field is sure to scoot along. Very tricky and the market will be instructive. SPANISH BEAUTY (10) has been a while coming to the races and the trials suggest she’s has ability. City-trained and McDougall’s booking suggest she’s ready to go. She draws better than most. AFFINITY BEYOND (4) resumes for an in-form local yard and showed plenty at the back of the last campaign. She owns a sharp trial and should find a reasonable spot pushing forward. STARLIV (11) resumes for Matt Dale and did her best work late on debut after a slow off. Needs a good ride but no surprise if she comes back sharply improved. MR ALOYSIUS (1) led and placed on debut and is another who resumes with plenty of promise. Draws the carpark but has sharp speed and should run boldly.
Race 4 (1300)
Money Heist is sure to run along on debut but speculative generally how they settle in the run. MONEY HEIST (9) has been well trialled and looks to have ability. The blinkers go on and a leading city rider Berry is booked. Expect a bold run. MANILA THRILLER (13) has impressed his two runs back and isn’t out of it. Needs a good ride but keeps the in-form McDougall. ROSEBANK (11) was much better placing at the Sapphire Coast for a form local yard. She will use the low draw and presents as a genuine hope. ROOM NUMBER (10) debuts for Team Joseph and has trialled well. Draws the rail and she should be in it a long way.
Race 5 (2000m)
Whispered Prayer can lead from Great Glen. WAIHEKE (4) missed 1L this trip before coming back to the mile and missed a whisker putting in a big effort after being bumped on jumping and widest on turning. He can sit a lot handier today and McDougall replaces the apprentice. Gets his chance to make an overdue return to the winners list. GREAT GLEN (1) resumed in Open grade in the bush over a mile and spaced them. The rise in trip suits this fellow and he looks well-placed with the 3kg claim on an 8-day return. TAG AND RELEASE (8) will be better returning to the middle distance and is an on-pacer who gets the big weight drop. No surprise if he’s right in it. WHISPERED PRAYER (5) will control the race and has the figures to take her close.
Race 6 (1000m)
Flying Yankee can cross over and lead and there will be a number on her tail. FLYING YANKEE (6) was expected to win resuming at Wagga where she led and snapped late. Three runs back she won the Maiden here by 3L and that level of performance would see her tough to beat. She may control this and is fitter is sure to take beating. REDICON (9) won the Open 3 resuming at Queanbeyan heavily-backed coming off the Black Opal. He will push forward and has plenty up the sleeve. WHO'S SHOUT (3) resumes and has plenty of ability. Hs placed 2/3 fresh and gets the blinkers again. Cahill’s booking is a positive and he should be powering home. SUCCESSFUL DAY (1) brings good form from the first preparation and will have come on. The rail is an advantage and she’s a hope.
Race 7 (1200m)
Howra, Territorial and Michael Oscar will all be prominent on jumping. HOWRA (8) brought strong city form to his resumption here 16 days ago and was too good from the front. Expect that to stack right up and Berry comes down to ride for a leading Sydney yard. Draws to lead or box-seat and can win again. BALONNE 3) jumped to Open grade and missed 2.2L seeking the hat-trick. Draws a bit tricky but is a genuine winning hope on the bounce at this level. TERRITORIAL (2) impressed winning here and then ran favourite at the Sapphire Coast and was galloped on. Is back after 13 days and he won’t be far away. Note: McDougall sticks with the one above. MICHEAL OSCAR (7) was just out-gunned late seeking the hat-trick and peaks for this. Races well here and is a chance.
Race 8 (1600m)
An open race to end the program. A number met here 16 days ago. I LOVE LUKA (14) was on-pace but a bit keen beaten 1L at her second-race run. She is sure to have taken improvement and will take beating drawn low for a leading city yard. GIOCOSO (13) missed a lip in the same race and flashing home. Needs a good ride but looks a genuine chance on that. LADY KIRKHAM (9) won the race resuming and looks capable of taking the next step. DUCHESS OF WINDSOR (7) won the Maiden by a space and then was beaten a lip by Upper House. Rates well but needs a good ride pushing over from the wide gate. COUNTERFEITED (1) and SWITCHING TO WIN (5) resuming are also worth consideration.