Canterbury Preview Wed, 09 Nov 2011

Small fields to start the long day off at Riccarton on a Good2 track and some stand-outs to get a bank going for the big races late in the day.

In race three Anahera looks a very good chance with the aid of a four kilo apprentice allowance. He did well to finish as close as he did at Motukarara after being forced three-wide throughout. From barrier two in the small field he will be the hardest to beat.

In race four Titch will round out his New Zealand Cup campaign. He hasn't raced since October 8 at Riccarton when he got stuck down in the slow part of the track. He looks very well in with a two kilo apprentice claim. Stablemate Crocodile Canyon wasn't the worst on the first day when seventh as he covered extra ground and is overdue to return to the winners' stall.

There are a few chances in race five for the maidens but have cut it down to five. Diamond Days was impressive on debut finishing third after racing three-wide the trip. Bremusa's form doesn't look good but she caught the eye finishing strongly at Ashburton last time. Northerner Nashville is on debut but is a trial winner at Waverley. Forget Locket's last run when trapped wide, the start before was a solid second at Riccarton. Houndscry has all the form and has to be included.

Go Go Dingo put in a big run wide-out on the first day for second and will be the one to beat in race six. William Of Orange will be improved by his first-up run and Hautaru with a two kilo allowance will add value.

Race seven for the fillies and mares has drawn a very even field and you neeed a spread here. Hayley Rose is lightly tried but shows a heap of potential and was second to So Elusive at Motukarara. So Elusive came out and made it a double when winning on the first day and can make it a hat-trick. Final Touch went soundly for fourth on the first day and will be in the mix again. Northerner Mygoodgrace has performed well the last few months and is hard and fit. Ziva is another lightly raced mare who has won four from seven and has strong claims on her home track.

If we haven't done any good by now race eight is the target race to get the money back. The effort of Win Or Rifle last time at Motukarara when finishing sixth had to be seen to be believed. Last to the turn she had to weave a path through the field in the small straight and once in the clear the post had come and gone. She was still under a hold at the finish and with a clear run could have won. She looks a top bet. Stanica Star and Shiquan look the obvious dangers and Voodoo finally won last time after a spate of unlucky runs.

We got our fingers burnt with Imani on the first day but the extra 200m of the 1200m today should suit him ideally in race nine. He's a top class sprinter. Big Red was in the same boat as Imani on Saturday and will appreciate the 1200m. Other chances include Upsala who performed with credit in Brisbane during the winter. O'Cartier has been going well with big weights and Stupendous with blinkers on today will be a strong chance.

Race 10 pick is Light's Up  She was wide last time and could have finished closer with a more economical run. Other chances include Audi who was too wide at Motukarara and satisfaction who has a good record on the track. Ric O'Shea didn't have any favours at Wingatui when blocked for a run either.

Race 11 is the day's feature and has drawn a very even field. Twilight Savings is the obvious choice after some brilliant efforts at the Hawke's Bay spring carnival. Ideally drawn to get a cosy trip. The chances don't end there. Hold It Harvey was competitive against Jimmy Choux at Hastings and has a great record on his home track. El Santo has been going huge races in the north and with a bit of luck in running will be tough. Draconic drops to a competitive weight after some useful performances and Veronica Franco falls into the same category. Zabisco is facing a big rise in class but his last start promoted win has proved to be a strong form race and off the minimum he can upset.

The last race on Saturday was a blow-out all over Australasia with big price winners and it is quite on the cards for a repeat today in race 12. Fred Astaire has been racing well and is a must include and Doing Time wasn't disgraced when fifth on Saturday. McCulley has been racing well in the north and Red Magic will appreciate the firmer track conditions. Boliover hope is Petranova.

Best Bet: Win Or Rifle race eight.