A quality field has been assembled for the Group l Canterbury Stakes (1300m) this Saturday at Randwick with Kiwi mare Imperatriz dominating the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Canterbury Stakes.
2023 Canterbury Stakes Speed Map
Lombardo, if he’s ready to go, looks the likely leader. Golden Mile draws inside and should land in a plum spot. Outside that pair, I can’t see much early speed. Given that, I reckon J Mac on Imperatriz will push forward, likewise Electric Girl from gate one.
2023 Canterbury Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Cascadian: Cascadian is an absolute ripper for James Cummings. He is generally around the mark at this level, having a very good Spring prep, which ended with a very game fourth in the Northerly at Ascot behind Amelia’s Jewel. He is a good fresh horse, liked the recent trial and he saves his best for Randwick. Better suited over slightly further but should be strong at the end.
2. Artorius: There is clearly real intent with Artorius to resume a Group l winner given he is being prepped in Sydney and the stable have got Zac Purton to come across and ride. He hasn’t raced since the English Summer prep, where he placed in both the Platinum Jubilee and July Cup, two of the great 1200m sprints on the world calendar. Moved well in a trial win and seemed to work well between races last Saturday. If he brings his best, he could easily spank these.
3. Kirwan’s Lane: You can only assume they would be trying harder in a trial than trying here. He’s secured a start in the Doncaster via the win in The Ingham. This is a run purely to dodge a weight penalty.
4. Lombardo: Goodwood winner who ran once in the Spring, seeing him finish down the track in the Regal Roller. Been given a good break and his jumpout work has been encouraging. His best can see him finish top four but highly doubt he wins.
5. Converge: He’s gone as a horse surely? This time 12 months ago, he was beating Anamoe in the Randwick Guineas, but the wheels have well and truly fallen off. I would be stunned if he trouble these.
6. Old Flame: Nice horse for Team Snowden that resumes. I’d say he too is dodging the handicapper with the Doncaster in mind but he is a good fresh horse and will be strong at the end. Highly doubt he wins, but is one for wider exotics.
7. Quantico: Gee I would be surprised if he ran here. IMO, he would be a chance in the Newmarket next Saturday because he is flying. But he’s not a WFA horse, and drawn wide, back last in the run, he’ll be no chance.
8. Imperatriz: Why is she favourite? I am stunned. She smashed the clock to win at Group l level at Te Rapa last time, but overall, the 1200m-1400m form in NZ is just crap. Roch N Horse, and to an extent Levante, have measured up, but overall, it’s very poor. Egg on the face is possible and she could spank these, but she can win without me.
9. Electric Girl: Ripping win fresh in the Millie Fox. Admittedly she had the suck run in behind but she was first up and did parade like she would improve with the run. Not sure she has the quality to beat these, but map in her corner, she can pinch a first four spot.
10. Argentia: Looks more of a threat in the Wenona Girl but she has come back well. Did more than enough fresh in the Rubiton, closing off with purpose behind Lofty Strike, with that form standing up big time last Saturday in the Oakleigh Plate. Drawn wide, I think they’ll scratch and go to the Wenona Girl.
11. Golden Mile: Golden Mile commands respect. Three year old for James Cummings that comes here five weeks between runs since resuming in the Expressway where he was off the speed and battled away strongly in defeat when second to Mariamia. Has been freshened up with this race in mind…his trial was very plain I thought but worked much better between races. Stable are flying and are very good at placing their runners.
2023 Canterbury Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Golden Mile only runs well for mine. $20 Win/$80 Place.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3950
Group l Strategy Return: $2613.50
2023 Canterbury Stakes Odds
