Race 3: (R65 1600m)
Tempo: Average
Outstanding placement by the Kevin Myers stable for their form galloper (1) VALLEY KING, a course specialist and freshened after an unlucky defeat on Day 3 of the carnival over 1800m when backed off the map but was shuffled back mid-stages and forced to make his run in the inferior ground carrying 59.5kg. Back to 1600m with an important 2kg claim and his preferred wet track conditions, the one to beat ridden positive as he was winning prior. Over the odds and 2nd pick is the promising staying mare (8) GRAFFITI ARTIST ($13) resuming, first-up off one trial, a fast heat at Ashburton and made good ground from the rear. With plenty of time to build momentum at 1600m on this big track, she’s worth a play on the place line and winning hope if the favourite does not show up.
Suggested Bets: VALLEY KING & GRAFFITI ARTIST (Value)
Race 4: (R65 2000m)
Tempo: Average
Even speed predicted, possible for more tempo if (4) NOBLE LEE goes forward as it did winning on the poly last start. It was an overdue win and has always promised more. Stepping up from maiden grade and finds a poor race with many of these runners battling for their form at present. Another last start maiden winner appealing at odds is (5) OVERHEATED ($17) raced on heavy tracks twice for two career peak runs, the rise in class offset by the quality of field and his preferred footing, rates a Top 3 chance.
Suggested Bets: NOBLE LEE & OVERHEATED (Roughie)
Race 7: (3YO SW 1200m)
Tempo: Above Average
Feature race, the Canterbury Belle Stakes. Rare to see a filly improve at the trials between their 2YO & 3YO season as much as (1) SWEETEST THING appears to in her two performances at Ashburton and Timaru. Gave away too much ground in her first preparation and the 1200m chute race first-up at Riccarton is an ideal target for this filly chasing black-type. The pace in the race favours her racing style and that comes from (2) OUTBACK GIRL who saluted at massive odds first-up for the Faulkner stable and wasn’t a total shock as showed ability with former trainer Samantha Wynne. Again will give a sight, 1200m is a stretch with her speed. (3) GLAMOUR EXTREME was held up at a key stage and chased gamely behind her and (14) NICCITA never got a run, bailed away on the fence, she too showed ability at the trials and missed by the market early for this race. A genuine Top 4 chance.
Suggested Bet: SWEETEST THING (Best)
Race 8: (Open Hcp 1800m)
Tempo: Above Average
Kevin Myers brings another well-placed galloper to the races in (2) SUNSET BOULEVARD a standout performer in our trial reports in both of his trials this time in and has improved his ratings since joining the Myers stable. Open to further improvement and is a natural stayer, 1800m is ideally short of his best but does appear to find a race with the right amount of speed to ensure he gets to finish off chasing (1) RIVIERA REBEL our expected leader and former charge (6) SHAWSHANK going to 1800m for the first time. Best at odds is (11) CANHEROC fourth-up a profile he’s won off previously and speed on to suit.
Suggested Bet: SUNSET BOULEVARD (Next Best)
