You could not have asked for a better field for the final of the Canning Trophy (530m) at Cannington on Saturday with Star Recall heading an impressive line-up of talented up-and-coming chasers.
Star Recall and fellow Linda Britton-trained littermate High Recall bookend the field from boxes one and eight respectively.
Both are Perth Cup finalists, both are notable ‘lid-pingers’ and both are more than capable of running away with this race although from the prized rails alley Star Recall has a decided advantage.
Star Recall (pictured with Britton) produced the best qualifying time of 30.37 from the heats, but she may need go quicker than that in the final against quality in-form opposition.
Rapido Kid, also from Britton’s kennels, has won three of his past four while Astronomic and Takahashi are racing in superb touch.
After displaying glimpses of potential in the initial stages of his career Astronomic is really starting to put it all together as he matures and he looks to have a fine future ahead.
Victory in the Dawesville Cup at Mandurah in early February kick-started his recent surge and has he has now saluted in four of his past five attempts.
Astronomic’s times have been consistently good, the concern for him here is that he jumps from the lemon against rivals that can set a slippery pace out in front.
Takahashi has reeled off six wins on the trot and her effort to score in last week’s heats was her best yet.
After copping interference Takahashi was pushed wide and to the rear of the field on the first turn but she never gave in and found a way to thread a path through the field before finishing brilliantly to salute by two lengths.
This is much tougher field but if she is within striking distance on the final bend she has the running power to storm over the top.
Recent Group 1 Temlee winner Zelemar Fever and Dyna Nalin return to Cannington for the first time in several weeks following the conclusion of their Melbourne campaigns when they contest the Prime Trophies Free To All over 530m (Race 4).
The pair are genuine big guns and their presence in this race is likely to overwhelm the other runners, although Te Amo is a chance if she can (and she should) improve on her effort to run fourth last week.
Luba Monelli has not missed a trick since stepping up to the 642m journey four starts back.
She should caulk up her fifth win over the distance when she goes around in the TABtouch Nationals Here Aug 23 Mixed Grade 4/5 (race 7).
Best Bet: Luba Monelli (Race 7)
Best Value: Cheeky Bling (Race 6)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 1, 5, 7
Race 6 – 1, 3, 5, 6
Race 7 – 2
Race 8 – 4
$20 for 166.66%
