Yard to the Post - Canterbury Classic Day
Race Day: Canterbury Park on Saturday, 27 December 2014
The tight turns of Canterbury were the scene of a close and competitive day of racing. It was a rare feature Saturday meeting for the south-west Sydney track. Christmas holidays had dampened the size of the crowd, and some of the fields, but there was more than enough on-track entertainment on offer.
Chris Waller's Amovatio (pictured above) won the December Handicap from Scream Machine, using his rapid turn-of-foot to good effect on a track that had been favouring leaders. The Jason Coyle trained runner-up had found some trouble in the run, but he wouldn't have caught the winner, who put the race to bed in one flash of Tommy Berry's whip.
A race later, the popular favourite Ball of Muscle (Jo Pride) just couldn't hold out an impressive Barbed (Godolphin) over the last 50 metres in the feature 1200 metre Listed Canterbury Classic. The two younger sprinters staged an exciting finish, the small crowd in the stands rising to their feet to try and lift the runner-up home.
A race-by-race analysis of the day is provided from the mounting yard to the finish. The complete guide from your team at the track.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | GOOD 3 |
| Weather | OVERCAST |
| Bias | ON-PACE |
All The Race Finishes
Race 1 TAB REWARDS PLATE
'A genuine youngster does the job.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Perignon | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 15 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Look to the Stars | David Vandyke | Adam Hyeronimus | 2 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Racy | Gary Portelli | Jason Collett | 12 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
MARCO MAN was the best in the yard, despite his long odds. CHAMUNDA looked well, but she didn't have much strength to her frame. OTTER was big and had scope. STRAVIGO and RAMLA BAY didn't impress. STRAVIGO was quite chunky and had improvement to come.
In The Running
FIERY REDHEAD led from RACY, LOOK TO THE STARS and OTTER. CHAMUNDA, MARCO MAN and JOYFUL PASSION had no speed early, while DANE SLUGGER was stuck wide with no cover. A rolling FAIR TEMPO was set up.
The Result
PERIGNON (1st) made a strong run and got past the two strongest on-pacers, LOOK TO THE STARS (2nd) and RACY (3rd).
The Interest
A much better run in transit gave PERIGNON a chance this time after a game debut at Wyong. She looks like she could get further, there just might be a risk that she lacks the power to match the genuine speedsters in the Magic Millions over 1200m. Both RACY and LOOK TO THE STARS were solid from their on-pace spots. DANE SLUGGER had no luck after a rare 'iffy' Bowman ride. Godolphin's OTTER already looks like a stayer, he stuck on like one too. MARCO MAN traded at enormous odds despite looking quite a nice type in the yard. Forgive DANE SLUGGER.
Race 2 HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP
'A race run to Baker's tune.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Music Magnate | Bjorn Baker | Hugh Bowman | 4 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Inz'n'out | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 2 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | I Am Zelady | Phillip Stokes | Blake Shinn | 6 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
INZ'N'OUT paraded like the best sprinter and was ready to go. I AM ZELADY is a nice type too, she just wasn't 100% fit, while MUSIC MAGNATE was hard-fit. URATTA BELLE and AINZALI were lighter and lacked power compared
In The Running
INZ'N'OUT jumped to the lead and set a FAIR TEMPO. I AM ZELADY missed the start but pushed forward and sat outside the lead, giving MUSIC MAGNATE the perfect trail behind.
The Result
INZ'N'OUT (2nd) gave a kick, but he layed out and MUSIC MAGNATE (1st) worked past him. I AM ZELADY (3rd) hung on for a place.
The Interest
Not much doubt that INZ'N'OUT is the best 1200m horse, but he just didn't have things quite go his way. MUSIC MAGNATE was good on the line and could get a little bit further. He was very fit in the yard though so don't expect much higher ratings this preparation. I AM ZELADY had improvement to come and missed the start, still a horse that can be followed. The On-Pace Bias just didn't suit DUPE'EM, who might be ready for 1400m now. Follow INZ'N'OUT and I AM ZELADY. Forgive DUPE'EM..
Race 3 TAB PLACE MULTI HANDICAP
'Bowman and Baker get an early double.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coolring | Joe Cleary | Hugh Bowman | 8 | 56.5 | |
| 2 | Snippets Land | Peter & Paul Snowden | Christian Reith | 1 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Darciwood | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Brenton Avdulla | 5 | 55.0 |
In The Yard
SNIPPETS LAND was the best in the yard, a big and strong galloper. MR JACKMAN also looked well. COOLRING was fit and well, but not the strongest. DARCIWOOD was just about fit enough, just some improvement to come.
In The Running
Bowman was aggressive on COOLRING sending him to the front at a STRONG TEMPO. DARCIWOOD and FORT SUMTER were on the pace, with FORT SUMTER a bit wide. MR JACKMAN and SNIPPETS LAND were just off the leading pack.
The Result
COOLRING (1st) charged around the tight turns and kept going, from SNIPPETS LAND (2nd), who worked home well. DARCIWOOD (3rd) stuck on ok for a place.
The Interest
Bowman rode the track perfectly, once again beating an impressive horse into second. Not many excuses for the beaten brigade. FORT SUMTER was wide, but also out of his grade. SNIPPETS LAND might be the one to follow after a patient ride here, he looks a nice one. Follow SNIPPETS LAND.
Race 4 IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS HANDICAP
'Big, strong and just too tough.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peace Force | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Brenton Avdulla | 7 | 60.0 | |
| 2 | Mamwaazel | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Hugh Bowman | 5 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | First Class Ticket | Allan Denham | Ms Samantha Clenton | 1 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
PROPER MADAM looked fit and well, but just a pony compared to PEACE FORCE, who is impressive. MAMWAAZEL and NISROC looked fine. FIRST CLASS TICKET always looks lean and light.
In The Running
PEACE FORCE was stoked up to take the lead from MAMWAAZEL, who had jumped well. A STEADY TEMPO was set up.
The Result
MAMWAAZEL (2nd) moved up to challenge, but PEACE FORCE (1st) kicked back. FIRST CLASS TICKET (3rd) kept trying to just get a place from NISROC (4th).
The Interest
The On-Pace Bias helped negate the big weight of PEACE FORCE, who has the rare combination of a quick sprint and a tough fight to the finish. She can continue her rise, but it might have to wait until next preparation. After a few runs this campaign it won't be long before she is sent for a spell. No big knocks on any of the others, catching the winner off a Steady Tempo on a track favouring on-pacers was a difficult ask for a group of less-powerful types.
Race 5 DECEMBER HANDICAP
'Berry bounds past in a flash.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amovatio | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 3 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Scream Machine | Robert Smerdon | Tye Angland | 1 | 58.5 | |
| 3 | Black Jag | Chris Waller | Serg Lisnyy | 8 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
SCREAM MACHINE and BLACK JAG looked well. AMOVATIO, YOU'LL NEVER, LAIDBACK LARRY all looked good too. BILOXI was fine, but had the strength of a sprinter. ROSE OF CHOICE looked unsettled again. MONTON and ORIENTAL LADY didn't impress, although the latter had put some condition on her lean frame - a good sign.
In The Running
BILOXI went to the lead and set a FAIR TEMPO, from BLACK JAG on his outside and LAIDBACK LARRY with the trail behind. MONTON was sluggish and got back with YOU'LL NEVER.
The Result
AMOVATIO (1st) got to the outside and sprinted best to beat SCREAM MACHINE (2nd) who worked home after getting held up slightly. BLACK JAG (3rd) just hung on for a place from MONTON (4th), who ran on gamely down the outside.
The Interest
It was a crowded finish, but the top two were dominant. AMOVATIO has the strength in his fore-quarter that can drive a rapid sprint - he dropped on them in a flash. An interesting betting move on ROSE OF CHOICE given she didn't look at her best in the yard. She did OK after getting a bump from the first two. BLACK JAG is coming along well and YOU'LL NEVER is just a bit dour these days, he wasn't far away. Follow SCREAM MACHINE and AMOVATIO.
Race 6 CANTERBURY CLASSIC
'The Pumper stings favourite backers.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barbed | John O'Shea | Jim Cassidy | 3 | 54.0 | |
| 2 | Ball of Muscle | Joseph Pride | Jason Collett | 6 | 54.0 | |
| 3 | Dothraki | Peter & Paul Snowden | Blake Shinn | 1 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
DOTHRAKI and BALL OF MUSCLE looked fit and strong but no real knocks in the race. HEART TESTA was in good shape. FARE WELL lacked the power of others, but she looks fine. CRADLE ME was 'nuggety' as always.
In The Running
BALL OF MUSCLE got to the lead and set a rolling FAIR TEMPO, from THAT'S A GOOD IDEA and BARBED, who got the box seat. DRIEFONTEIN was trapped wide with no cover.
The Result
BALL OF MUSCLE (2nd) kicked, but BARBED (1st) got off his back late and just got there. DOTHRAKI (3rd) ran on solidly.
The Interest
The trial of BARBED was good and he has great form at his best, coming 3rd to Chatauqua in the Hawkesbury Guineas. A nice type of horse, he just might be better than the favourite BALL OF MUSCLE, despite getting the gun run. Good to see HEART TESTA parade well and put in a solid run, he is back on song. DRIEFONTEIN had no luck (stuck wide) and fought bravely. CRADLE ME was blocked for a run late, while FARE WELL didn't seem to handle the tight home turn. Follow DOTHRAKI, BALL OF MUSCLE and BARBED. Forgive DRIEFONTEIN and CRADLE ME.
Race 7 TAB.COM.AU HANDICAP
'Waller followers get the cash.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Religify | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 3 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Terra Amata | Kris Lees | Ms Samantha Clenton | 5 | 57.0 | |
| 3 | Tahitian Black | David Pfieffer | Hugh Bowman | 10 | 60.5 |
In The Yard
RELIGIFY looked well, strong and fit. Old boy EARNEST ERNEST was looking good with a shine to his coat. Mares OH SO ADORABLE and TERRA AMATA were both ok, along with ABSALON.
In The Running
RELIGIFY was taken to the lead and set a FAIR TEMPO, from OH SO ADORABLE, ELUSIVE TOUCH and TERRA AMATA. EARNEST ERNEST was awkward early, over-raced and strode up out wide mid-race.
The Result
RELIGIFY (1st) kicked and was too strong beating TERRA AMATA (2nd) who was solid and TAHITIAN BLACK (3rd), who worked home well.
The Interest
RELIGIFY was too good and that's the end of the story. Don't be too harsh on OH SO ADORAB LE, who raced with the classy winner for half the race and had to give him weight. EARNEST ERNEST also had some excuses, but he isn't the most reliable type. Follow RELIGIFY.
Race 8 MORE THAN READY HANDICAP
'Better luck and the Pumper's magic.'
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magical Stance | Ron Quinton | Jim Cassidy | 14 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Diamondsinthenight | David Pfieffer | Brodie Loy | 1 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Drago | Anthony Cummings | Tye Angland | 4 | 59.0 |
In The Yard
MADE TO ORDER was the nicest type and fit enough after a freshen. MONTICELLO and CAST IN STONE looked fit and ready, but both were just a bit keen in the yard. DRAGO looked fit and lean. MAGICAL STANCE was well on the back-up, but not an obvious stayer with some muscle and strength in his frame.
In The Running
PHRASES ran across to lead and set a STRONG TEMPO, from MAGICAL STANCE, who worked up to an on-pace position. ULTIMATE GAZE also was wide and had to work very hard to get forward, giving MAGICAL STANCE some cover. MADE TO ORDER got the box seat.
The Result
MAGICAL STANCE (1st) got to the outside and just was too good for them. DIAMONDSINTHENIGHT (2nd) worked home along the rails and DRAGO (3rd) got another placing. MADE TO ORDER was held up early in the straight.
The Interest
He doesn't come across as the most obvious stayer, but MAGICAL STANCE is very genuine and he was simply too good for these. After working early, Cassidy kept him in a good rhythm and he tried hard right to the line. DRAGO once again teased punters with a placing - a win seems a long way away! SLIVOVITZ (layed in) did OK given his position in the run and BEST OF THE REST (blocked) didn't get any luck at a crucial stage. MADE TO ORDER did lose her momentum, so perhaps is worth a small forgive. Follow MAGICAL STANCE. Forgive BEST OF THE REST.