Randwick Guineas Day at Royal Randwick this Saturday features a double dose of elite racing action, with the 2024 Canterbury Stakes showcasing a small but high-quality field of sprinters.
The Everest winner Think About It is tipped to return to winning form first-up in the 2024 Canterbury Stakes this weekend. Photo: Steve Hart.
Trainer Joe Pride holds a strong hand in the race with his returning Everest champion Think About It the clear favourite at short odds of $1.85 through Ladbrokes.
The So You Think gelding boasts an impressive record of 11 wins and 2 thirds from just 13 career starts, including an undefeated first-up record and a flawless 4-for-4 record at Randwick.
Following a well-deserved break after a surprise third-place finish in the Giga Kick Stakes at Rosehill, Think About It has put in two strong trial runs at Warwick Farm and appears primed for a winning return.
With jockey Sam Clipperton in the saddle and drawn outside barrier, he is the one to beat in this reduced field of seven runners.
Pride also saddles up Coal Crusher ($11) in the Canterbury Stakes.
The six-year-old comes into the race with a slight fitness advantage as he goes for his third run this campaign.
Following a narrow runner-up finish in the Expressway Stakes and a fifth last weekend, Coal Crusher should appreciate the drop in weight and the familiar track and distance.
The main danger to Think About It is expected to be Espiona ($3.90) from the Chris Waller stable.
Waller opted to withdraw her from the Newmarket Handicap in Melbourne in favour of this race against a smaller field over a longer distance in Sydney.
The daughter of Extreme Choice finished a close third in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at headquarters and is tipped to perform well again back in Sydney, chasing her first win since last year’s The Invitation.
Rounding out the best in betting are Pericles ($6.50) and Lady Laguna ($10).
Pericles, a gelding from the powerhouse Godolphin stable, has put in two solid runs this campaign after narrowly missing out on the Golden Eagle prize in the spring.
Lady Laguna, following a recent winning streak of three, will be looking to bounce back after a second-place finish in the Millie Fox Stakes.
The Canterbury Stakes is scheduled as Race 7 at 4:00 pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s 10-race card at Royal Randwick.
2024 Canterbury Stakes Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1x111x113x | THINK ABOUT IT | Joseph Pride | Sam Clipperton | 8 | 59kg | 117 | ||
| 2 | 92x1132x62 | PERICLES | James Cummings | Tom Marquand | 1 | 59kg | 110 | ||
| 3 | 10x3441x25 | COAL CRUSHER | Joseph Pride | Adam Hyeronimus | 5 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 4 | 04x765824x | BANDERSNATCH | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Jordan Childs | 3 | 59kg | 104 | ||
| 5 | x1576x3633 | MALKOVICH | Bjorn Baker | Joshua Parr | 4 | 59kg | 103 | ||
| 6 | 17x21714x3 | ESPIONA | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 57kg | 113 | ||
| 7 | 3123×21112 | LADY LAGUNA | Annabel Neasham | Tyler Schiller | 6 | 57kg | 107 | ||
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.
THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The post Think It About It Poised for 2024 Canterbury Stakes Glory appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au.
