Friday night racing once again at Canterbury with an eight race program to be run and won and a few smart types going around, particularly early in the program.
The track is currently rated as a Soft 7 with the weather forecasted as mostly cloudy with a few showers about throughout the day but unlikely to fall during races. The rail is out 3m for the entire circuit.
Race 1 Two-Year-Old Maiden Handicap (1200m) @ 5:45pm
Wilsons Prom
I was very taken aback by Ruinarts trial, and she looks hard to beat on debut, but is just a bit short at $2.80. So, I thought son of Xtravagant looked a good each-way chance at the far bigger odds. He comes into this off the six day back-up, where he ran fairly behind a smart one in Four Moves Ahead at Randwick last Saturday. Prior to that, he was beaten narrowly twice at Canberra over 1000m. Draws well, gets Tommy Berry aboard for this ride and should get every chance to be in the finish.
Suggested Bet: Back Wilsons Prom Each-Way ($16 win, $4 place).
Race 3 Three-Year-Old Fillies Maiden Handicap (1100m) @ 6:45pm
Windsweep
The Deep Field filly is getting closer to a victory after two solid runs in her first two runs this preparation. She was beaten by Vreneli last start, who ran fair last Saturday behind Private Eye, and was just behind Virgo, who came out and won next start beating Tight Ropes (who is in this). She looks to get an economical run here from barrier four and should strip fitter third-up. Good chance to break her maiden here.
Suggested Bet: Back Windsweep to win ($4).
Race 6 Benchmark-72 Handicap (1250m) @ 8:15pm
Already Blessed
He has been very consistent this preparation and has become a specialist at this distance range with all three of his wins being over 1200m. He was able to cling on and win last start at Newcastle when he wanted to lay in a touch. He has a tricky barrier to overcome here but has a bit of pace drawn around him which should allow Tim Clark to get him into a handy position near the speed. Looks a good each-way chance if he finds a prominent spot.
Suggested Bet: Back Already Blessed Each-Way ($6.50 win, $2.40 place).
Race 8 Benchmark-72 (1100m) @ 9:15pm
Perigord
Looks well placed in this. It was a good effort first-up by him when he finished fourth to Mossman Gorge. He comes into this second-up where he will strip fitter and should get a perfect run in the race from barrier one. He loves running here at Canterbury and has a great track and distance record of two wins and a placing from four runs. He looks a nice bet to finish off the program.
Suggested Bet: Back Perigord to win ($3.20).
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