2023 Canterbury Stakes
Distance: 1300m | Conditions: WFA | Rail Position: True | Track Condition: Good 4
Randwick Racecourse plays host to the Canterbury Stakes this Saturday, with an 11 horse field accepted to contest for the $600,000 Group 1 over 1300m. Last year’s edition was won by Richard and Michael Freedman sprinter Forbidden Love, but this year there’s a foreigner looking to spoil the party. Let’s try find a winner!
SPEED MAP
Doesn’t appear there’ll be a great deal of genuine tempo for this one. Lombardo looks as though he could take up the running or even Converge from the soft draw. We can expect to see Electric Girl push up from the inside draw with Golden Mile, Old Flame in behind and Imperatriz not too far off either. This will leave Cascadian, Artorious and Argentia to have last crack at them providing there’s any pace.
1.
Cascadian
A smart horse first-up and is coming off a solid Spring campaign which finished off with a 4th in a Northerly behind Amelia’s Jewel. We’ve seen his best over further and on a softer deck but is generally competitive at this level.
2.
Artorius
Resuming off a terrific European stint where he placed in both a Platinum Jubilee and July Cup. Fair first-up record, astute jockey aboard and could absolutely blitz these if pace is right and he’s at his best. No knock.
3.
Kirwan’s Lane
Ingham winner last prep and is looking for further than this. Looking to others.
4.
Lombardo
Resuming after a long break following going amiss in his only run over the spring. Won a Goodwood prior and has shown promise in his jumpouts but can’t see him winning this. Place chance.
5.
Converge
Simply hasn’t delivered despite some big expectations following his juvenile seasons. May see some improvements on a dry track but not expecting him to trouble these.
6.
Old Flame
The talented import resumes here but feel is just trying to dodge the weight penalty for the Doncaster. Good horse fresh and could be competitive but would save him for wider exotics.
7.
Quantico
Drawn the carpark and will get back. Nice horse but not WFA level.
8.
Imperatriz
Highly-touted Kiwi mare looking for four on the bounce and her fifth Group 1. Latest win came when she blew them off the track in the BCD Sprint in fast time. JMac aboard big tick but obvious query being untested on Australian ground. Is short enough.
Goodness she's good!🧡💙
Imperatriz bolts up in The G1 BCD Group Sprint despite a loose horse for company.@opie_bosson with a masterful ride for Mark Walker and @FortunaRaces. pic.twitter.com/DtLxvABxdw
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) February 11, 2023
9.
Electric Girl
Was far too good for them fresh in the Millie Fox. Drawn well and maps in her favour. This may be a little out of her class but could run a cheeky race.
10.
Argentia
Nice return in the Rubiton, closing off well behind the Oakleigh Plate quinella. Drawn poorly and is up against it here but not the worst. Thought she would go to the Wenona Girl instead so fact they’ve accepted for this suggests she’s going well.
11.
Golden Mile
Another Cummings runner who commands respect. Was a bold effort fresh in the Expressway behind a smart mare in Mariamia and has now been kept fresh for this. Stable is flying and is right amongst the chances here.
TIP
Artorius
Price: $7
Imperatriz deservedly on top, she’s just too short for mine
However, in a small field with plenty targeting races further down the track, Artorius looks the play here. His best smokes most of these if tempo is right so think he’s the value. Wary of Golden Mile.
NAVAL CROWN CLAIMS THE PLATINUM JUBILEE FOR @godolphin.
Artorius ran a monster race storming into 3rd whilst Home Affairs finished down the field. pic.twitter.com/oAoYr3HuDV
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) June 18, 2022
