Yard to the Post @ Canterbury Park
Race Day: Canterbury Park on Saturday, 09 January 2016
In between Gosford's feature twilight meeting and the Magic Millions at the Gold Coast today, Canterbury hosted a lacklustre meeting that gave young apprentice jockeys the chance to ply their trade.
With the premier hoops north for the weekend, apprentices won eight of the nine races on offer, only Sam Clipperton notching a win for the professionals in a tactical battle taken out by MARENOSTRO (Race 4). James Innes Jnr scored a treble in races 5, 6 and 9.
By far the best finish of the day was DENMAGIC's close victory in Race 3 (photo above). The three-year-old daughter of DENMAN was ridden perfectly by Taylor Marshall and narrowly nosed out Waller duo PIONEERING and CHANDANA after a testing 1,550 metres.
In other races, two mares that have been on the edge of black type races bounced back to the winners stall. SAVOUREUX was expertly guided by Sam Clenton and sprinted through the inside from last in Race 7, before PALAZZO PUBBLICO took out Race 8 after some good market support.
The track played well with both on-pacers and swoopers able to win. A full review from the Yard to the Post is provided below.
Track Info
| Rail | TRUE |
| Conditions | SOFT 5, upgraded to a GOOD 4 (last 2 races) |
| Weather | FINE |
| Bias | FAIR |
Race 1 SCHWEPPES HANDICAP
The French filly flies under the radar
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Fern | David Payne | Ms Jess Taylor | 1 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Detective | Peter & Paul Snowden | Paul King | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Jeanneau | Robert Smerdon | Christian Reith | 8 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
Good types in the 2yo race, DETECTIVE and DISSOLUTE both in good shape, JEANNEAU fit and will be surging late.
In The Running
FRENCH FERN went through to lead DISSOLUTE with DETECTIVE in the box seat, who pushed up after being a touch slow. DETECTIVE lost some momentum on the turn when he couldn't find a run. Overall, an honest FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
FRENCH FERN (1st) kept gong to hold DETECTIVE (2nd) at bay, who warmed up into the race once he found clear room. JEANNEAU (3rd) warmed up down the outside to grab DISSOLUTE for the other place.
The Interest
FRENCH FERN had the scope to progress to longer distances and once she got control here it was always going to be hard for the others to sprint past her carrying 51.5kg. The stable expects the big-striding filly to keep improving and she may get more ground. No knock on DETECTIVE and JEANNEAU is ready for 1400m now, she hits the line hard every time. Despite the small field, it could be a good form race. Follow FRENCH FERN, DETECTIVE and JEANNEAU (up to 1400m).
Race 2 TAB HIGHWAY PLATE
Calm in the yard and never in doubt
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rose of Man | Terry Robinson | Brodie Loy | 7 | 55.5 | |
| 2 | Gunnaza | Mick O'Neill | Andrew Adkins | 9 | 59.0 | |
| 3 | Bring a Secret | Nick Olive | James Innes Jnr | 2 | 54.5 |
In The Yard
ROSE OF MAN looks the best in yard, a muscular type with power to sprint. CRIES OF JOY 95% fit, GUNNAZA and MITCHELL ROAD strong but sweating up, HAMMOND LANE 'no-frills' type. BRING A SECRET very keen, thrown jockey twice, but horse looks well.
In The Running
GUNNAZA went through and took up the running, from MITCHELL ROAD, who came 2W and pushed HAMMOND LANE wider. ROSE OF MAN was at the back on the inside after jumping a touch slowly. BRING A SECRET snuck up the inside into the box seat.
The Result
ROSE OF MAN (1st) found space and powered home for an easy win. GUNNAZA (2nd) kept fighting on to pip BRING A SECRET (3rd). There was a gap to the rest.
The Interest
A very strong win to ROSE OF MAN (paraded best), who had the most reliable form-lines over 1100m. Apprentice Brodie Loy pumped his fist as he crossed the line after a difficult week in which he changed stables. GUNNAZA was very good too, the best of the on-pacers. Do you forgive BRING A SECRET after the pre-race antics? Only time will tell. Follow ROSE OF MAN and GUNNAZA.
Race 3 JAMES BOAGS HANDICAP
Three strong fillies hit the line together
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmagic | David Pfieffer | Taylor Marshall | 1 | 56.0 | |
| 2 | Pioneering | Chris Waller | Koby Jennings | 8 | 60.0 | |
| 3 | Chandana | Chris Waller | Sam Clipperton | 6 | 57.5 |
In The Yard
BOLD ADVENTURE, CHANDANA (touch warm) and TYCOON FLUTTER nice types, DENMAGIC ready, PIONEERING tough and fit, HONEY CARA leaner.
In The Running
BOLD ADVENTURE went to the lead from HEAVENLY MUM and set a rolling STRONG tempo from DENMAGIC in the box seat. PIONEERING was meant to go forward, but couldn't muster and was back of midfield. CHANDANA and AURORA GLOW were out the back.
The Result
PIONEERING (2nd) took off wider on the turn with no trail and fought bravely, just missing out to DENMAGIC (1st) came into the clear and fought on. CHANDANA (3rd) was right there in a very close finish after getting the trail off PIONEERING.
The Interest
What a finish, a nose by a nose! DENMAGIC is flying, PIONEERING is super tough and CHANDANA is a talented filly. The short-priced fav' (CHANDANA) had every chance to catch them though after getting the perfect trail into it out wider. A great run by the winner who stepped up from 1200m and raced near the strong speed. PIONEERING is a beauty and she is one to follow on soft tracks in the future. As for BOLD ADVENTURE, he drifted in the market like he had no chance and Paul King rode him into the ground. Disappointing. Follow PIONEERING, DENMAGIC and CHANDANA.
Race 4 MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS HANDICAP
Horses for courses always holds true
steady tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marenostro | Gayna Williams | Sam Clipperton | 3 | 59.5 | |
| 2 | Cauthen's Power | Chris Waller | Andrew Adkins | 6 | 56.5 | |
| 3 | Zin Zan Eddie | Matthew Smith | Koby Jennings | 1 | 61.0 |
In The Yard
FINAL DECISION stands out in yard, strapping type. ZIN ZAN EDDIE fit and ready,a compact genuine type. MARENOSTRO looks OK fresh, more muscle.
In The Running
MARENOSTRO took up the running from stable-mate CAUTHEN'S POWER, who worked up on the outside. ZIN ZAN EDDIE was in the box seat and FINAL DECISION just behind, over-racing a touch given the STEADY tempo only. FINAL DECISION wobbled a touch entering the straight.
The Result
MARENOSTRO (1st) picked up into the straight and held on late from CAUTHEN'S POWER (2nd), who stuck on in the finish. ZIN ZAN EDDIE (3rd) loomed for a moment nearer the inside, but was held late.
The Interest
MARENOSTRO had conditions to suit and did the job. As for the others, CAUTHEN'S POWER (touch one-paced) lost no admirers, ZIN ZAN EDDIE (1550m a touch too far) was OK and FINAL DECISION (over-raced, track too tight?) had his excuses. This was the ultimate case of horses for courses, all four gallopers are going fine. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 5 TAB REWARDS HANDICAP
Baker's tough guy grinds home best
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mr Steal | Brian Lawlor | James Innes Jnr | 2 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | King's Officer | Terry Robinson | Ms Jess Taylor | 1 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Red Dubawi | Kerry Parker | Brodie Loy | 7 | 55.5 |
In The Yard
WHITE DOVE a nice type, RYE holding condition OK too, they look the best. MR STEAL big and tough, no real knocks.
In The Running
MR STEAL was ridden out from the barrier to lead from RED DUBAWI, who worked up on the outside. KING’S OFFICER had the nice trail back on the inside. An honest FAIR tempo was set up.
The Result
MR STEAL (1st) kept lifting to the line to show his stamina, holding KING’S OFFICER (2nd) at bay, who had come to the outside and loomed up. RED DUBAWI (3rd) fought on bravely.
The Interest
MR STEAL is about as one-paced as they get, a big type that loves to get to the lead and grind the others into the turf. He did that today and showed way too much stamina late. 2000m+ next for him. KING'S OFFICER was probably flattered, he had the perfect run. RED DUBAWI was brave, but never wins, and WHITE DOVE (4th) simply had too much weight. RYE is peaking on his run and needs a spell or less distance. Follow MR STEAL (up in distance in a race he can lead.
Race 6 MORE THAN READY @ VINERY HANDICAP
A blanket across the Canterbury track
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mana | Joseph Pride | James Innes Jnr | 7 | 57.0 | |
| 2 | Embley | Bjorn Baker | Christian Reith | 8 | 60.5 | |
| 3 | Pradnya | John Sprague | Blaike McDougall | 1 | 54.0 |
In The Yard
GAME PIE looks good, STYLISH LAD ready now. Small tough types MYDREAM, LIKE XENA, CAPTAIN SCOTT, PICO TURQUINO well, MAJASKA muscular 1550m a risk?
In The Running
A good line out apart from GAME PIE, PICO TURQUINO and CAPTAIN SCOTT, who were slow. MAJASKA worked up to the lead from CAPTAIN SCOTT, who did a lot of work to get outside the leader out three wide, ensuring a STRONG tempo set up. LIKE XENA was under pressure up in between the leaders. PRADNYA got the box seat.
The Result
A blanket finish! MANA (1st) and EMBLEY (2nd) came to the outside and made a strong run, getting past PRADNYA (3rd), who fought on just behind them. A whole stack of horses in behind.
The Interest
Hard to read too much into this race, MANA a good solid galloper, but there was only 1.8 lengths between the top 9! GAME PIE didn't get the clearest of runs, but still may not have won (he would have been much closer though). You have to forgive roughie CAPTAIN SCOTT, a mad ride by Nick Heywood! MAJASKA is worth another chance too back in distance. Forgive CAPTAIN SCOTT.
Race 7 CELLARBRATIONS HANDICAP
Classier mares show up the boys
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Savoureux | Kris Lees | Ms Samantha Clenton | 12 | 59.0 | |
| 2 | Typhoon Jolie | John Sadler | Christian Reith | 1 | 58.0 | |
| 3 | Shadow Lord | Joseph Pride | Nick Heywood | 6 | 58.0 |
In The Yard
SHADOW LORD fit/well, SAVOUREUX also in good shape third-up. Northern River gallopers PRINCE MAYTED and SINGLE CHANCE look well.
In The Running
TYPHOON JOLIE moved up and rolled along at an honest FAIR tempo, from LUCKY NEWS, who worked up on the outside. SHADOW LORD went back and SAVOUREUX was restrained. DISGRACEFUL wasn't quick to jump.
The Result
SAVOUREUX (1st) darted through nearer the inside to catch TYPHOON JOLIE (2nd). SHADOW LORD (3rd) fought on and made ground.
The Interest
Two classier mares show up the boys, TYPHOON JOLIE perfectly ridden by Reith, a horse that probably needs 1400m now but he made use of her by getting rolling early. It was SAVOUREUX's day though, she can quicken nicely on her day over this distance range. SHADOW LORD honest as always. DISGRACEFUL plain. No Follows or Forgives.
Race 8 TAB MORE THAN JUST WINNING HANDICAP
A firming track sets the scene
strong tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Palazzo Pubblico | Matthew Smith | Andrew Adkins | 3 | 58.0 | |
| 2 | Alucinari | John O'Shea & Tom Charlton | Sam Clipperton | 5 | 55.0 | |
| 3 | Awasita | Kris Lees | Ms Samantha Clenton | 12 | 61.5 |
In The Yard
The tough speedy ALLEZ CHIVAL ready to go, all mares fine though. AWASITA touch of class, THUD solid, HEBDEN and ALUCINARI OK for Godolphin.
In The Running
HIGHLY GEARED jumped very well, too well! ALLEZ CHIVAL came out after her (loves to lead) and they pressured each other, setting up a STRONG tempo. PALAZZO PUBBLICO cruised up on the inside. THUD was out the back. AWASITA stuck wide with no cover in midfield.
The Result
PALAZZO PUBBLICO (1st) popped off the rails and went to the lead, from ALUCINARI (2nd), who ran through the pack but was held late. AWASITA (3rd) kept coming wider.
The Interest
Two of the classier horses at peak ratings were PALAZZO PUBBLICO and AWASITA and they put in the best runs. PALAZZO PUBBLICO has been up and down over her career, famously embroiled in the Brent Zerafa scandal, but throughout all of that she's been potent on a dry track over 1100m. Everything went right for her today, as opposed to AWASITA, who was left stranded. As for ALLEZ CHIVAL, she went too hard and may have reached her mark. HIGHLY GEARED could be forgiven too after getting challenged on the hot speed. THUD only plain, horses out wide weren't making that much ground. Forgive AWASITA.
Race 9 TFE HOTELS HANDICAP
All the way in the last
fair tempo
Bias:
Fair
| Place | Silk | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Gate | Kgs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esgrimidor | Todd Howlett | James Innes Jnr | 11 | 54.5 | |
| 2 | Raido | Kris Lees | Taylor Marshall | 6 | 55.5 | |
| 3 | Voilier | Gary Nickson | Brodie Loy | 2 | 56.5 |
In The Yard
VOILIER a very solid type and gets the gun run from the barrier. PRINCE HARADA also a nice type, ready to run well.
In The Running
ESGRIMIDOR had lots of early speed and took up the running, from RAIDO on his outside and EL SASSO up three wide. A FAIR tempo was set up. RELIGIFY couldn't muster early and was back in the pack. PRINCE HARADA slowish and moved up to midfield on the rails.
The Result
ESGRIMIDOR (1st) kept kicking in the lead to hold off RAIDO (2nd), who challenged gamely. VOILIER (3rd) stoked up from behind the leaders and couldn't catch them.
The Interest
A light weight (51.5kg), good jump from the gates and drying track all helped this speedster get the prize. That made it three wins for James Innes Jnr on the day. Interesting runs from VOILIER, who continues to look like a slightly 'one-paced' type of sprinter, and RELIGIFY, who's form is really tapering. ONEMOREZETA (4th) did enough from the back. Follow VOILIER (up to 1200m, honest tempo).