CANTERBURY SPRINT (L)

RACE - 1200m

ZEALOUSLY / SPYWIRE / DISNECK

Jockey Robbie Dolan almost got ZEALOUSLY over the line in the Gr.2 Herald Sprint (1000m) at Caulfield, only to be overhauled in the final stride by REY MAGNERIO. The HARRY ANGEL gelding did beat SHEZANALISTER over 1200m at Warwick Farm, and battled away for 2nd over 1100m at Randwick last start, so super fit and potentially can offer a tad more but will need to overcome this wide gate. Willing to take draw out of play and hope some space opens up late.

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SPYWIRE got the job done for us at Kembla Grange over 1000m in November, before being nailed late when 3rd over 2209m at Wyong. The Maher-trained TRAPEZE ARTIST gelding was unlucky when trapped out on a limb in the $3M 3YO Sunlight Plate slot race on the Sunshine Coast and didn't stand a chance as an inexperienced horse up against some standout types. His two-year-old Magic Millions campaign wasn't a total flop, with a 3rd to STORM BOY in the 2YO Classic offering some promise, but burnt out in the straight after blazing away early in the Blue Diamond. Stable will get a win out of him soon.

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Trainer Bjorn Baker tested DISNECK at the Randwick 1200m trip three times in four weeks last summer, and the result was same every time - an emphatic win. Ended up 12L off them early in the Southern Cross at Rosehill next time up and kept coming for a tidy 4th place finish. Won over 1200m at Randwick in October, and that’s the horse we want to see turn up here. Rough few runs to finish his campaign, however the TRAPEZE ARTIST gelding should be fitter after an 800m jumpout at Hawkesbury to prepare. Can go much better here, especially on a firm surface, although even better with the run behind him and this gate isn't the kindest.

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BENCHMARK 72 HANDICAP

RACE - 1250m

HELLFIRE EXPRESS / ZULFIGAR / SYDNEY BOWLER

Hate the big weight HELLFIRE EXPRESS has been handed, but the 3kg claim has this HELLBENT gelding sitting on 58.5kg and he can sprint well fresh so it might not be too much of a burden. Last won in a Midway at Randwick in June, then two more runs before a spell. Most importantly, a good draw for this and the Nathan Doyle trained galloper has looked very slick at times. If prepped forward by the team, then a strong resuming run is possible.

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ZULFIGAR is a handy sprinter from the Richard Litt Warwick Farm stable, who returns to Canterbury Park after winning on the track over 1200m two weeks back, racing away from the 200m and appears in a strong position to do it all over again. The EXCEED AND EXCEL gelding had been building in two runs back before the nice victory, although this is a sticky gate which will make it difficult. Still looks in the right frame of mind to play a role.

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Had the Ashes test been conducted on a Sydney wicket, the outcome might have been different, though this particular SYDNEY BOWLER has demonstrated some fair ability on a green pitch. The DEEP FIELD gelding possesses an ok fresh up record, but has won three from seven at the trip for the O'Shea/Charlton stable. Finished 3th here in September, then 3rd at Kensington in the next, although probably worth following in here returning to the track.

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RANVET PLATE 3YO

RACE 2 - 1900m

KUMBAYA / PRECISE STAR / SALT SPRAY

Chris Waller has a mortgage on this race with his NORTH PACIFIC filly KUMBAYA appearing in a good position to feature. Her trials showed very little before working home ok for 5th on debut at Gosford. Similar result here when hampered early over 1550m and made some ground. Much better along the rails when 2nd at Hawkesbury up to the mile the pedigree seems to suggest the extra distance here will be beneficial.

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Tommy Berry will ride the ZOUSTAR gelding PRECISE STAR who is out of the exceptional G1 winning mare DEAR DEMI, who won the 2012 Crown Oaks and fetched $700,000 as a broodmare when owner John Singleton sold off his stable. Kept chasing over 1300m at Hawkesbury in November, followed by another solid effort over 1550m here at Canterbury Park two weeks ago. Bred to be a strong type, so likely to appreciate the step up to this distance.

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Another of the Waller runners, SALT SPRAY could be worth considering based on this geldings pedigree couple with the appreciation of more ground. This New Zealand bred three-year-old is by OCEAN PARK, out of a fine mare in COOL STORM (One Cool Cat) and related to the brilliant mare FLYING FREE (Heroicity) who won 8 from 10. Led last start after being forced forward, although better suited with those two runs behind him and up in trip.☆☆

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