Canterbury Wednesday
Gai has made no secret that Canterbury is her favourite track in Sydney. Last time the mid-week races were at this track, Gai trained a treble. Tomorrow the Lady Trainer has some really good horses entered and some genuine winning chances.
Danas Best (race 1 number 2). This gelding won a race over the same distance at Canterbury two weeks ago. For that win he only goes up two kilograms which really should not hinder him too much. Danas Best looks a stayer all over as demonstrated in this recent win where he grinded his way to victory. In the end it was a nice tough win and if he puts in a similar performance tomorrow he should go close.
Forever Loved (race 2 number 7). This filly is by High Chaparral so maybe the 1100m of tomorrow’s race might be a little short. The filly however has recently won a trial by 3.5 lengths and on that trial performance she might be thereabouts.
Our Desert Warrior (race 3 number 7). This staying prospect has not done a lot in his career to date and the 1550m first up will most probably still be a little short of his best trip. Having said that, the gelding did beat the talented Twisted Emotions at his first start which was over this trip.
Hydro (race 4 number 1). This beautifully bred colt is a winner of a recent trial against Whittington and recent winner Rockford. He is out of multiple Group One winner Aqua D’amore and he has been set for a great first up run by Gai. According to Gai’s daily trackwork reports which can be seen on her website, Hydro has been the star of the daily August trackwork. If he brings his best to this race he can be right in the finish.
Ecuador (race 6 number 4). This gelding has one of the unique records in NSW racing. He also has talent to burn. At his first start Ecuador ran second, but was flattened repeatedly in the straight. A protest was fired in but was dismissed. At his next start Thomas Huet rode the gelding out four wide for the trip. He crossed the line first (it should have been by 15 lengths) but it was by an inch. There was a protest and unfortunately this time the protest was against Ecuador and it was upheld. So another second place. At his third start Ecuador was sent out the $1.35 favourite where he kicked out to a huge lead but was run down in the shadows of the post. Another second. At his 4th start over the mile at Gosford he won by 7 lengths. He should be unbeaten. Tomorrow’s race is over the unsuitable distance of 1100m but natural talent and class should see him go very close.
Oceans (race 7 number 14). This mare is a winner; that is when she meets a class of horse that is similar to her she holds her own really well and wins regularly. Maybe this race is just that tiny bit above her level but she will do her best as she always does and will be thereabouts also.
Verdict…
Need the run : Our Desert Warrior, Forever Loved and Oceans
Can win : Hydro, Danas Best
Should win : Ecuador
Hawkesbury Thursday
Gai has a huge hand in this meeting with some really nice horses running including two spring contenders in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
Spurtonic is nominated for the fifth and the sixth races. Whichever one he runs in he will probably be favourite and will be very hard to beat. At his last start at Canterbury he was simply dynamic. He burnt the grass against the bias from the back of the field and his closing sectionals were amazing. He will be very hard to beat on Thursday
In the Hawkesbury Gold Cup both Julienas and Kinnersley have great chances. Julienas has been in work for a long time and he should really enjoy the mile first up. This imported stayer has plenty of talent and if he has come back in his best form he is clearly the classiest horse in the field. Kinnersley ran dead last at his first two starts this time in, and then turned around his form to record at great third at his last start. There was no coincidence in this form reversal. At Kinnersley’s first start the track was heavy and he had 60kg. At his second start this time in the track was again heavy and he was asked to carry 58kg. At his third start, the recent great third placing, the track was dry and he carried just 57kg. He was beaten just half a length. Kinnersley has always preferred a dry track. In the Cup on Thursday Kinnersley has 56kg, the track will be dry and the gelding loves the 1600m. He is a huge chance.
Order Of The Sun in the last also can win and might just start favourite. He is unbeaten and is nominated for the Cox Plate as well as the Caulfield Guineas. There is a chance he might be something special.
All of Gai’s runners on Thursday at Hawkesbury have definite chances and they will all probably start close to favourite. It will indeed be a big couple of days for the Lady Trainer and we have to expect her to pick up at least a couple of these races on the way. Good luck.
By Zeb Armstrong
