Trainer Richard Litt has a strong record with former Godolphin horses, and he will unveil another ex-Godolphin recruit, Aleppo Pine, in a 1000m Benchmark 78 at Randwick this weekend. However, before that, Balkans aims for his fourth win for the stable in the TAB Handicap (1200m) at Canterbury on Wednesday.
Balkans Chasing Another Canterbury Victory
All three of Balkans' wins for the Warwick Farm trainer have come at Canterbury. Litt said if conditions suit, the five-year-old should be competitive. “He's pretty on the mark to do something so I don't want to waste a run if everything doesn't align,” Litt said. “I'm a little bit on the fence, it's a big field and the track's a bit soft. The horse needs good ground, he's in at the wrong time of year, and has a big weight so I've got to put all those things together.”
Litt praised jockey Siena Grima, who rode Balkans last start when the horse finished a close third at the inner-west track two weeks ago. “He's very, very, well, Siena rode him beautiful last start, the race mapped out nicely and he found the line good. He's at peak fitness now and he's ready to rock and roll,” Litt said.
Grima has been booked again for Balkans, who carries the same weight as his last run. Litt has a Benchmark 78 at Rosehill on Saturday week as a back-up and is quietly confident of a weekend win. “He was only a cheapie ($30,000), he's a lovely horse and he will win a Saturday race when everything aligns for him and I hope that's this preparation,” he said. “At the end of the day he's no world beater, there's no point protecting them. These horses have to run because they can't earn money in the box, I just really need that track to improve a bit.”
Aleppo Pine Set for Debut
Three-year-old Aleppo Pine cost Monarch Racing $100,000, and Litt is confident he will prove a shrewd purchase, similar to stakes winner Barber. The gelding won on debut for James Cummings, contested Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper lead-ups, and was stakes placed before joining Lindsay Park. He won one of six for the Hayes team and has settled in well at Litt's stable.
“We're just kicking him off over the 1000m and he's going to be a really good addition,” Litt said. “I was really happy with his trial the other day. He's slotted in to our system really well, a lot better than others do. He had a bit of time in the paddock after leaving the Hayes' and he's come here and has done very well.”
Tom Sherry will ride Aleppo Pine, while Siena Grima partners Romeo's Choice in the Benchmark 94 over 1200m on Saturday. Romeo's Choice has contested the Takeover Target and Bob Charley AO Stakes in his two runs back. “He's a good consistent horse, he's around that mark now so everything has to go his way,” Litt said. “His run was great the other day in a tough field.”
Wednesday Canterbury Meeting Selections
Race 1 - 12:50PM CACTUS IMAGING PLATE (1550 METRES)
7. Wairarapa wasn't fancied on debut but ran well for third over 1450m. Improvement expected, extra 100m a plus as she is out of an Oaks winner. Dangers: 9. Scoish Maloish, 1. Farset, 5. Reschs Milk. How to play it: Wairarapa.
Race 2 - 1:25PM OLE KIRK @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
7. Consulate made her debut in Victoria in February and ran fairly. Encouraging trial back in Sydney, drawn well with a claim. Dangers: 4. Lone Piper, 1. Castelbella, 2. Demerzel. How to play it: Consulate WIN.
Race 3 - 2:00PM IRRESISTIBLE POOLS AND SPAS HANDICAP (1250 METRES)
11. Predation showed promise before his first run in the Kirkham at Randwick. Gelded and returned with two solid trial wins. Dangers: 2. Klocke, 3. By Napoleon Hill, 1. Defensemen. How to play it: Predation EACH-WAY.
Race 4 - 2:35PM INGLIS XTRA BONUS PLATE (1250 METRES)
4. King For A Day made a handy debut and finds a more favourable setup. Drew well and up in trip. Dangers: 7. Claudel, 12. Saloon Passage, 8. Gatwick. How to play it: King For A Day WIN.
Race 5 - 3:10PM RANVET HANDICAP (1550 METRES)
4. Mo Chroi is an import first-up since winning at Fairyhouse a year ago. Merit in recent trials. Dangers: 3. Full Hao, 6. Dubai Warrior, 7. Emballee. How to play it: Mo Chroi WIN.
Race 6 - 3:45PM ASAHI SUPER DRY HANDICAP (1900 METRES)
4. Elle Hudson has returned in good style with two handy runs, including a game second at Warwick Farm. Into his distance range now. Dangers: 10. Velaris, 13. Think I Will, 8. Allegro Miss. How to play it: Elle Hudson EACH-WAY.
Race 7 - 4:20PM TAB HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
6. Zouripper is a handy galloper having his first run for Joe Pride. Competitive in this grade. Dangers: 14. Island Dec, 16. Eton, 1. Balkans. How to play it: Zouripper EACH-WAY.
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