Midweek Sydney racing is at Canterbury on Wednesday and it looks another promising betting meeting.
CARLUCA (Canterbury Race 2 No 3)
Racing in a purple patch of form and offers great value in the small field. On pace and dug deep to beat Moss Trip around Hawkesbury two runs back then gave Lead Choreographer a scare around WFarm last time when a close runner-up – they gapped third. It’s worth noting the fifth (Know How) and sixth (Ataraxia) placed horses from that race have subsequently stepped out and won in city grade. Carluca has the tactical pace to take up a handy position and on form should be the favourite. But he isn’t.
BET: WIN
ODDS $6.50 @Bet365
RENEWAL (Canterbury Race 3 No 4)
The money came for this Hawkes-trained three-year-old when he debuted at Newcastle off a sharp barrier trial and he was never going to get beaten. Travelled sweetly for Brenton Avdulla back in the field before accelerating when asked and powering away for a convincing win. This is harder, but he should derive some improvement from the run and drawing gate one is always an asset. There should be enough pace up front to bring him into the action at the business end.
BET: WIN
ODDS – $5.50 @ Bet365
MARSUPIAL (Canterbury Race 5 No 3)
Marsupial is the best bet on the program. Split Tango Rain and Isorich when resumed at Rosehill off some strong trials and that form has really held up. Thrown into the Heritage Stakes second-up but after missing the start was hunted along early then got onto heels when the pace slowed. Ended up beaten 3-1/4 lengths behind stablemate and the undefeated Viridine. Has contested Group races at three of his six starts so won’t know himself back to a midweek Benchmark 70. Gets enough pace to suit and getting Hugh Bowman aboard is the final tick.
BET: WIN
ODDS $2.30 @ Luxbet
HOOF HUSTLER (Canterbury Race 6 No 12)
This is a speculator but I am confident we’ll see sharp improvement from this Chris Waller-trained former Kiwi. Had his first run in Australia over 1600m at Warwick Farm when always out the back – beaten 5-1/4 lengths. His only win back in NZ was over 2100m so no doubt he’s looking for ground and jumps to 1900m here. There appears genuine pace/pressure engaged which should ensure this is a staying test so the improvement could come. What I really liked about his Oz debut was the way he ate up ground after the line. He was only getting warm at the end of that 1600m. Kerrin McEvoy goes on – a worthy gamble.
BET: WIN
ODDS $16 @ Sportsbet ($21 PowerPlay)
