3 minute read

Saturday metropolitan racing in Sydney heads to Canterbury this weekend where it is shaping as a case of third time lucky this campaign for Religify.

The gelding has placed in each of his runs back from a spell and was only narrowly denied victory last start when collared late by Rock Forthe Ladies.

It was still a brave effort by the son of Choisir though who fought determinedly on a Soft 7 surface which has proven to be less than ideal in the past for the Chris Waller-trained runner.

Second on that occasion, he can go one better at Canterbury on Saturday contesting the Ashbury Open Handicap (1550m).

It is a weak field and the gelding clearly is the form galloper of the event.

Getting back on to firmer ground will be beneficial for him and Canterbury will suit his standard racing pattern.

Finding apparent opposition does not come easily either with a majority of the field either appearing outclassed on paper, wanting further of simply struggling for form.

Rory Hutchings should send Religify to the front from barrier 1 and from there will take plenty of catching.

Saturday’s Canterbury program is largely comprised of small fields and the pursuit of value is tough because of it.

At genuine each way odds in a small field, Dark Steel is worth thought.

Eighth runners remain in the Tab.com.au Benchmark 78 Handicap (1250m) and hopefully that field size will hold up.

The sixth event on the card is being billed as a match race between Reincarnate and Sir Plush who have clashed at their past two outings.

Dark Steel brings a breath of fresh air into the event, second up off a slender win at Kembla Grange.

The son of Redoute’s Choice did not beat much on that occasion however showed good determination to do it.

The Team Snowden-trained runner will have derived benefit from the outing and considering how he raced last start, should appreciate settling up on the speed around Canterbury – the track where he broke maiden status just over 12 months ago.

There looks solid pace drawn inside with the likes of Reincarnate and Raijinz both capable of booting up.

This gives Dark Steel’s jockey Josh Parr the option to set the pace, park outside of the lead or tuck in just behind the lead pair.

Sydney Specials: Canterbury – November 5

Best Of The Day: R7; #4 Religify @ $1.95