Canterbury Stakes – 2023

Track: Fine Weather: Good

The NZ visitor Imperatriz looks very hard to topple launching from the wide draw. James Mcdonald does the steering and he should be able to sit midfield, balance up and run over the top of this lot. Artorious is a headache to catch from a punting perspective and will be flashing late while Golden Mile and Elecrtic Girl both have strong claims for placings.

1. Cascadian (5)

Brings in the class factor and is more than proven at this level. The map is kind from barrier 1, has won first up in the past and should be launching on these late.

2. Artorious (8)

Hasn’t won for over 2 years now. Has started below $10 his next 11 starts without a win and feel no remorse if he gets the job done. Has a horrid running pattern but an outstanding turn of foot WHEN things go right. He can win without me.

3. Kirwan’s Lane (9)

Can’t have.

4. Lombardo (3)

Gun fresh that will land on the speed and give a kick. May lack the credentials of some of these but has a very consistent record and can’t be overlooked.

5. Converge (4)

Didn’t fire last prep. Prefer to see.

6. Old Flame (6)

Will want further. Prefer others.

7. Quantico (10)

Key is the dry track. Not hopeless at all in terms of odds here and will be rocketing late. The barrier isn’t much of a concern given Quantico will settle back in the run regardless.

8. Imperatriz (7)

Goes on top and looks an outstanding bet. Has been nothing short of brilliant over in NZ running ratings that go through the roof. Just has to handle our way of going to put this lot away. Very hard to beat.

9. Electric Girl (1)

Extremely good win fresh. Some query now launching from barrier 1 and usually more effective fresh but this race is within reach if improvement is made off the first up run.

10. Argentia (11)

Can’t have.

11. Golden Mile (2)

Capable galloped that launches from an ideal draw and maps nicely. The form around Mariamia didn’t quite hold up the other day but might have been undone with fitness. Should be strips fitter 2nd up and can give this race a shake.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Bryce Parker’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
8 Imperatriz	8 Imperatriz
11 Golden Mile	11 Golden Mile
4 Lombardo	9 Electric Girl
1 Cascadian	1 Cascadian