Race 1 – 1:25PM CAPTIVANT @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
Kick things off at Canterbury with a 1200m 3YO Maiden for the colts and geldings. Waterhouse have two engaged and no surprise to anyone that they will provide the speed in the race. #5 ONTHETOE is the predicted leader on the RNSW Speed Map and we tend to agree. He showed good speed to lead his latest trial, while the stablemate #7 SAVAGRAM didn’t quite have the same gate speed. No shock if ONTHETOE kicks up from barrier 1, and #7 SAVAGRAM carts in behind him, finding the often important fence in run here at Cantebury. No huge surprise even if he settles outside the stablemate, half a length off from barrier 3.
We love the booking of Tim Clark on #7 SAVAGRAM and we loved the way this colt trialled. He’s by Savabeel, out of an O’Reilly mare, and actually the full brother to Major Beel. He will need further in time but Major Beel placed on debut over 1000m as a 2YO and then won at 1300m his next start. He won fresh at 1300m his next campaign before going on to win an ATC Derby. SAVAGRAM found the line very impressively in his 1045m barrier trial, making his way into our blackbook. Sharpness will be the key but 1200m first up looks ideal and he maps to get a lovely run in transit. Happy to be with him here at the better odds over the favourite #2 LORAX.
#2 LORAX is the deserved favourite but just feel SAVAGRAM is better value. LORAX presents second up after a very nice run first up this campaign when finding the line impressively. The Zoustar colt actually ran meeting fastest sectionals from the 600m but did have a set up to do so after going slowly early. JMac on and probably why he’s a bit short. If SAVAGRAM can settle closer than him in the run, he’ll be hard to beat.
Suggested Bet:
#7 SAVAGRAM (WIN)
