Canterbury will need to be at the peak of its unrivalled recuperative powers on Wednesday for promising galloper Ready Steady Vetti to confirm a strong off-season three-year-old formline.
The smallest of Sydney’s four metropolitan racing venues, Canterbury has forged a reputation as a superior racetrack in wet weather.
But it will be put to the test on Wednesday after receiving almost 80mm of rain in the 48 hours up to 8.30am on Tuesday.
Officials posted a heavy rating, forcing trainer Matthew Smith to make contingency plans for the John Singleton-owned Ready Steady Vetti.
“If it’s going to be a bottomless track, I would be reluctant to run him,” Smith said.
Ready Steady Vetti is by More Than Ready, a stallion who has a reputation for siring mudlarks.
Smith, however, believes Ready Steady Vetti might be an exception to the breed.
“He didn’t get through (a heavy surface) on the Kensington track when he was first-up which surprised me a bit,” Smith said.
Ready Steady Vetti was beaten almost eight lengths when fifth to Liechtenstein at Randwick but gave a true insight into his ability with a Canterbury placing at his next start.
He chased home Unanimously, the Canberra-trained galloper who was narrowly beaten by established open class sprinter Jest Crewsin’ at Randwick on Saturday.
“Unanimously is well above average so it augurs well for Ready Steady Vetti to show what he is made of,” Smith said.
“Whether it’s on Wednesday remains to be seen.”
Ready Steady Vetti’s maiden win came at his second start at Warwick Farm with Nash Rawiller in the saddle.
Rawiller has been booked to renew acquaintances in the Guineas Restaurant Handicap (1250m) in which Ready Steady Vetti is a $5.50 chance in first markets.
Three-year-olds dominate early betting, highlighted by a $3.80 to $3.20 move for the Paul Perry-trained Stratana.
Stratana has won two of his only three starts, including a commanding 2-1/2 length win against his own age at Canterbury on May 18.
Darley runner Bereft, a Scone carnival flop after a luckless return at Hawkesbury, is another three-year-old well in commission at $5.50.
As insurance against Sydney’s deluge putting paid to midweek plans, Smith took the precaution of entering Ready Steady Vetti for a Rosehill race on Saturday.
AAP TURF
