After intense discussion with the trainers, we've decided that our regular horse racing expert, Tim, needs another week in the paddock to freshen up for a big campaign ahead. So once again, Wednesday racing comes to us care of "The Maverick" with his preview and best bets from Canterbury in Sydney and a twilight meeting from Sandown in Melbourne this week. Follow along and let's find some winners!
BEST BET: Canterbury Race 4, You Make Me Smile
BEST VALUE: Sandown Race 2, Daily At Dawn
Canterbury Racing Tips – Wednesday 23rd January
RACE 4
You Make Me Smile, with Kathy O’Hara on board, looks the one to beat in Race 4 at Canterbury. He’s third-up here after a strong win last start leading all the way. With a good jump, should find the rail with roughy Grand Finalist the only challenger for the lead from the outside barrier. Hopefully he’s not too much of a pest and You Make Me Smile should be able to control the speed and put them away in the straight.
RACE 7
The top weight in the final race from Canterbury brings us a likely type in the Chris Waller trained Aperitif. Resumed last start at this track and despite travelling wide around the bend, kicked clear in the straight to win well against decent opposition. Has struggled second up in the past which is a bit of a concern, but she can reproduce the run of last start, then there's should have the measure of this field.
Sandown Racing Tips – Wednesday 23rd January
RACE 1
Monarch Court looks a good way to kick start our day at Sandown. Unplaced in his first two career starts, but had some excuses on both occasions. The blinkers are being added here by Darren Weir and with some clear running should be right in the mix with Mark Zahra on board. Should settle midfield and ahead of the main rivals in Kashiwa and Zabelarina.
RACE 2
Daily At Dawn offers some great value in the second race of the day. This filly has two wins from three starts over the 1200m distance, both in her last campaign in October. Has been freshened up and resumes here for Danny O’Brien with Damien Oliver in the saddle. The speed should come across from the outside and she should settle in behind the leaders and be ready to pounce in the straight at nice each-way odds.
Each-way bet, $9 win $3 place
RACE 8
A field of 14 for the last race on the Sandown card and we’re with Good Idea to notch up a hat-trick of victories. Has won by large margins the last two stars over in South Australia and comes across with a bit of weight relief that should see him well suited here. From barrier five he should lob in a handy position, just watch for Teodora who will be looming late from the back. Hopefully Good Idea will be too far in front by that stage for Teodora to catch!
