The Bowman v Avdulla formguide for Canterbury on Wednesday

Race

Bowman's mount

Avdulla's mount

Verdict

1

1 – Brave Song ($4) – Excellent on debut when coming from back in the field before going down narrowly behind a smart one. This looks a similar race and he carries an additional 3kg but gets the services of one of the best. Can win.

5 – Phabeni (Scratched)

After scratchings Bowman is in the box-seat to start the day on a winning note.

5 – Nicktock ($8) – With Launch Code and Goresbridge running on Tuesday at Wyong, this race has opened right up. Has to be considered a genuine player.

8 – Vincero (Scratched)

Bowman gets a free hit here but he's no good thing against the likes of Ebanos and Phuket.

3- Shahrazad ($5.50) – She's not the most reliable horse to follow but being at Canterbury gives you confidence. All her six placings have come at this track and she showed something of a return to form last start. Drawn to get the gun run, she's a contender.

5 – Mariqita (Late scratching)

It was a flip a coin job this but the late scratching of Mariqita buts the ball firmly in Bowman's court.

5 – Quick Defence ($6) – He's racing really well this preparation but it's exactly 365 days since he last won this exact race last year. Drawn well and he'll be in the finish but the concern is Bowman hasn't got him home in his last three and this is no easier.

3 – Special Missile ($4.40) – Progressive three-year-old stepping up in grade but has looked good winning his last two. Drawn out a bit but our map indicates he gets the front without too much pressure and could get a soft run in front. If that happens he'll be hard to catch.

There's more to like about Avdulla's mount Special Missile here being lightly-raced, winning with upside compared with Quick Defence, which is at his level but I do concede he is racing well and maps favourably with each-way prospects.

2 – Invienna ($5) – Resumes here for the new stable and if you like her it's encouraging they've booked Bowman. She has an excellent fresh record (6-3-2-0) and looked good winning a recent trial. Needs some luck from the gate and if she gets that she'll be hard to beat.

8 – Volante ($19) – Her last win came four back on a good track and she wasn't disgraced here three runs ago in a strong benchmark 67 but her two runs since have only been fair. Drawn out too which doesn't help either.

Bowman gets another chance to extend his lead here but he will need things to go his way in the run from the wide gate.

7 – Chatelard ($6.50) – I think this filly is under the odds in this race. Takes on a few battle-hardened older gallopers off a narrow provincial maiden win where she went around at $21. Happy to bet around her.

14 – Artistic Beauty ($7) – Comes to town off a solid class three win at Scone and that was on the back of a respectable second in open company at Mudgee prior to that. She has genuine each-way prospects.

I'm in Avdulla's corner here aboard the older mare that's down in the weights with open bush and class three form in recent runs. If it's not hard enough to go from provincial maiden grade to midweek benchmark 67 company, Bowman's mount is likely to get well back in the run and that's never ideal at Canterbury.

5 – Viceroy ($5) – Broke through for a deserved win in an easier race last time out here off a 42-day break. Better suited on top of the ground, racing well but has drawn a tricky wide gate.

4 – Static Lift ($7) – Trialled strongly against Saturday grade horses recently for his return. Has drawn perfectly and has solid fresh stats. He's a genuine player here.

I have to be with Avdulla in this as I think Static Lift is one of the better bets of the day. Bowman's mount Viceroy is going well enough for a race like this, I just think the draw harms his chances drastically.