Canterbury Stakes – 2022

Track: Heavy Weather: Showers

Ten runners have accepted for the $500,000 Group 1 Canterbury Stakes, since then Zaaki has been scratched.  Each trainer has only one entry, and there are three runners coming into this race first-up.  The early favourite in the betting market is the Richard & Michael Freedman-trained Forbidden Love.  She is coming off a career-best win last weekend, winning the Guy Walter Stakes in dominant fashion. She backs up here with the prospect of another bottomless track. Next in the betting is Lighthouse, who is coming of a 1.5 length defeat by Tofane in the CF Orr Stakes.

Law of Indices flies the flag for the Annabel Neasham stable and is coming off a fair run in the Southern Cross Stakes. Private Eye is resuming after a 119-day break and will love the prospect of a heavy track. Special Reward ran a slashing race in the Apollo Stakes and is entered for the Newcastle Newmarket the day prior, but I have no doubt he will run another big race if he remains in this field.

Speed Map:

1. Zaaki (1)

SCRATCHED

2. Kolding (2)

Doesn’t like the wet. Not interested.

3. Private Eye (7)

Won 2/3 first-up and is 2/2 on the heavy going. Will likely give these a start but if it’s playing even and Bayliss has him close enough, he will make his presence known.

4. Dalasan (6)

First-up here. Yet to run on the heavy going and his better runs are over longer. Prefer others.

5. Special Reward (4)

Ran a big race behind Think It Over in the Apollo Stakes. Nominated for the Newcastle Newmarket on the day prior. Might run a cheeky race if he remains in this field.

6. Wild Planet (10)

Third-up and is going to relish this going. The draw isn’t too bad and if Pike can get him into a nice position, he is better than his price suggests.

7. Dice Roll (9)

First-up and gets the blinkers again. 1/1 on the heavy going and only had one public trial in preparation for this. Watch the money.

8. Law of Indices (5)

Ran boldly in the Southern Cross Stakes but it was well short of his best. Overseas form suggests the heavy is okay but will need to hit a new level to be a chance. I am sure he can.

9. Forbidden Love (8)

On the quick back up. Impressive last weekend in the Guy Walter. Drawn to get a nice run once again but is back 100m and into open company. Will run another big race.

10. Lighthouse (3)

One run at the start of her career on heavy for one win. Figures suggest she is better on top of the ground. Don’t like.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
6 Wild Planet (EW)	9 Forbidden Love
9 Forbidden Love	3 Private Eye
8 Law of Indicies	10 Lighthouse
3 Private Eye	5 Special Reward

Group 1 Randwick Guineas 2022 (Randwick 1600m)

Group 1 Australian Guineas 2022 (Flemington 1600m)

Group 2 Blamey Stakes 2022 (Flemington 1600m)