CANTERBURY CUP OPEN

RACE 6 - 2000m

UNLEASH THE BEAST / RIVIERA REBEL / OCEAN LIGHT

The EMINENT gelding UNLEASH THE BEAST stood flat-footed and missed the jump by three lengths before improving from last from the 1000m to power up majestically with a strong winning performance. We thought the Kenny Moore-trained gelding was nearing peak, but the NZ Cup looks the ultimate goal, so the 2000m should be ideal if able to go with them this time.

☆☆☆☆

RIVIERA REBEL deserves a statue at Riccarton because the PURE CHAMPION gelding just loves this joint having won 7 from 17, including the two over 1800m. Set the pace with Ashlee Strawbridge in the saddle on both occasions and she just let's him run when turning for home, proving too hard to haul in for his rivals. Can manage this weight, it's just whether the extra distance suits as well.

☆☆☆

The Pitman stable likely found OCEAN LIGHT’s recent performance disappointing; however, given his third-place finish on the Riccarton synthetic track, it appears this OCEAN PARK gelding requires firmer ground to perform at his best. He does hold a sound record at the track/trip and despite no first place finish since July 2025, the gelding did run 2nd to SUNSET BOULEVARD over the 2000m, and fitness shouldn't be an issue.

☆☆

OPEN HANDICAP

RACE 7 - 1400m

IRON HAWK / MYSTIC PARK / DREAM OF THE MOON

IRON HAWK made an impressive return at Riccarton for trainer Lance Robinson, despite his initial reservations regarding the horse's condition. The WRITTEN TYCOON gelding formerly trained in Australia won two on the course before a 2nd in the Great Easter Stakes, but back looking a million bucks it's hard to say how they stop him.

☆☆☆☆

MYSTIC PARK hasn't won since a classic performance to claim the Gr.3 Spring Stakes (1600m) at the Cup meeing last November, but he is a grand campaigner and can never be discounted. The Pitman's afforded the OCEAN PARK gelding a long spell and resumed mid-month where he was third last before being urged along and got going late. Should strike a suitable firm track and just needs to manage this weight effectively to play role. Good enough for sure.

☆☆☆

The Te Akau trained sprinter DREAM OF THE MOON will have a weight advantage over a few hopefuls here and the ALL TOO HARD mare trialed up brilliantly in two trips to Ashburton. Finished 2nd at Ellerslie in January and February with a short prep and last won down here in the Airfreight Stakes at the trip. Likely to run handy and the mare does appear well prepared to make an immediate impact so needs to be included in everything.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 4 - 1600m

HAKKINEN / IKIDUNOT / POWEROFPERSUASION

Impossible to bypass HAKKINEN who Te Akau brought south searchiing for a change in fortune. The SAVABEEL gelding kicked off on the right foot coming from near last to finish best and win over 1400m, and based on his northern form will be hard to beat again. Trained on effectively then likely to make to two-in-a-row on the course.

☆☆☆☆

IKIDUNOT was strong in defeating MERCY over 1400m on the Riccarton course a month back after settling handy with another fine Moodley steer getting him home. Set the pace and kicked well to win here in June before a 3rd at Ashburton and LYN PRENDERGAST has the MONGOLIAN KHAN gelding going great guns without overextending him at any stage.

☆☆☆

We can't leave POWEROFPERSUASION out of our numbers as a highly consistent type who loomed up.and fought well resuming over the 1400m at Riccarton. Finished best to win on the poly over 1600m down here in July to wrap up the prep and the mile really is more her thing. Good chance the mare is winding up hard that last bit and we won't be ruling her out going a big race getting out in trip. Looks very well-positioned.

☆☆

BENCHMARK 75 HANDICAP

RACE 8 - 1200m

MISS STARLIGHT / LUNA CAPELLA / AIRPARK HUSTLER

The SWEYNESSE mare MISS STARLIGHT failed to replicate his form of late 2025 until a tidy 2nd to BONA SFORZA in the NZB Stakes to finish the prep in April. Won two on the synthetic before a quality win in the Canterbury Belle (1200m) at Riccarton. Nice late for 7th behind WELL WRITTEN in the Gr.1 1000 Guineas after being hampered near the 1200. Needed that fresh up run and not happy in the Heavy, with the step up in trip suitable. At her very best she can be competitive and despite the draw we like these odds.

☆☆☆☆

The Anna Furlong trained LUNA CAPELLA experienced a nice three-year-old campaign, winning on debut at Timaru, then raced away at the 200m to claim her second at Wingatui. Finished 2nd to HELLO HAYLEY in the Southland Guineas, and 3rd in the Ladies Bracelet at the track/trip and got going late resuming over 1200m at Timaru. We expect much better from the TIVACI mare 2nd-up going up to a more suitable trip.

☆☆☆

AIRPARK HUSTLER could be the surprise package fresh up after finishing his last prep with a victory over 1200m at Wingatui in May. The WAR DECREE gelding was in fine form late last year, finishing 3rd at Riccarton on two occasions and flew late to win over 1400m in Nov before another 3rd over the 1600m. No trial to speak of, although if Lemmy can save him up for one late shot at them, then he's just the type to cause an upset.

☆☆

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