Friday night racing is here, and our Neds Canterbury Best Bets are ready to point you in the right direction as we look to kick off the weekend with a few winners.
WATER CITY (1) looks ready to break through for trainer Ciaron Maher after two solid efforts this preparation.
Last start at Hawkesbury, she was bumped but worked strongly to the line for third over 1100m on a Soft 5, beaten half a length.
Two starts ago, she finished third over 1000m after beginning slowly and being shifted behind runners from a wide draw.
Fitter third-up with a first-time tongue tie, James McDonald and a good draw give her a strong winning setup.
| 4. Water City (1) 58.5kg33 | |||
| Raced twice to date. At debut, 3rd of 8 in a Super Mdn at Hawkesbury on October 8 over 1000m, 1.5 len behind Revolina carrying 55kg at $17. Second-up 3rd of 10 in a Mdn at Hawkesbury on October 27 over 1100m, slow going 0.7 len behind Time To Dance with 55.5kg at $3.50. Racing well. Leading prospect. | |||
KOOLIBAH (3) is building towards a strong run for trainer Chris Waller after two encouraging efforts this preparation.
First-up over 1550m at Kensington, she was slow and awkward to begin, then had to settle back after being shifted behind runners from a wide barrier before finishing strongly for second.
Last start, she again found the line well for third over 2000m at Randwick, making a solid effort stepping up to the distance for the first time after a seven-week break.
She should have come on nicely since then, and if James McDonald can navigate the outside barrier, she can be in the finish.
| 3. Koolibah (5) 58kg26×23 | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up came home strongly from last on the turn; 2nd of 9 in a 5yo+ Bm72 at Randwick Kensington on September 9 over 1550m, 1.2 len behind Darn Cute with 58kg at $6.50. Second-up 3rd in a small field in a Bm78 at Randwick on October 31 over 2000m, 2 len behind Columbus with 52kg at $3.80. Rates highly and should run well. | |||
MONTE VEEBEE (6) can appreciate the drop in class for trainers Robert and Luke Price after a solid last-start fifth at Randwick over 1100m.
Slow to begin, he settled midfield two-wide, was still looking for a run turning in, then kept chasing once clear in the final 200m.
He has a good course-and-distance profile, including a first-up second at Canterbury over 1250m on a Soft 5, where he led along the fence and fought on until the winner got the better of him near the 100m.
James McDonald can use the inside draw to secure a great run and give him every chance to win.
| 6. Monte Veebee (1) 58.5kgx2745 | |||
| Most recently 5th of 9 in a Bm78 at Randwick on October 31 over 1100m, 2 len behind Better Late carrying 53kg at $12. Before that 4th of 14 in a Bm72 at Rosehill on September 30 over 1200m, 1.75 len behind West Of Dalby carrying 59.5kg at $31. An inside draw is a big advantage. Top 4 player. | |||
BENEATH THE ROCK (2) made an excellent first-up return for trainer Kris Lees, racing up near the leaders before taking over at the 300m and racing away to win by 3.03 lengths over 1200m at Newcastle.
Last start, she settled second but was slow early, found the front turning in and kept battling for third at Warwick Farm over 1300m.
The form has since been franked, with race winner You’re Not The King going on to win the Greys race at Flemington on Oaks Day.
William Stanley’s claim brings her weight down to 58kg, and from the draw he should be able to give her a great run.
| 2. Beneath The Rock (1) 58kg31×13 | |||
| Third-up today. First-up favourite; raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 3 len in a Bm64 at Newcastle on October 3 over 1200m defeating Imperial Royale with 59kg at $2.90. Last start tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 3rd of 11 in a Bm72 at Warwick Farm on October 21 over 1300m, 1.5 len behind Youre Not The King with 58kg at $4.20. Finds a nice race and is one of the major players. | |||