Tips and previews for racing at Canterbury on Wednesday

Ray HicksonAugust 25, 2026 — 5:00pmSelections based on a soft trackRace 13. Tannin stretched out to win on debut like a nice horse and that saw him start favourite in a listed race at Eagle Farm where he didn’t run to expectation. Freshened up and trialled strongly in behind them recently. 4. Unhinged has shown promise by placing in two starts and was favourite when bumping into Tron Bolt before a spell. 2. Tenenbaum disappointed when $1.22 in the Clarendon on Hawkesbury Cup day, perhaps he was in the wrong part of the track but he was still only fair. Chance to produce something fresh.How to play it: Tannin to win.Race 210. Affari was a drifter in betting first-up two weeks ago but her run was excellent as she ran into second alongside a stablemate with some raps on her. Imagine she’s better for that, should run a competitive race. 2. Cantero may have bumped into a handy one on debut when runner-up to Savagram a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps a better draw sees him closer this time and he’d be a logical threat. 1. Defensemen has put in two handy efforts this time in and it’s six weeks since his narrow defeat to Proxima Dea at Randwick. Has claims again.How to play it: Affari to win.Race 31. Champagne Hero was a strong winner at Canterbury two starts back and that’s a better pointer than his last start at Randwick. It was the race Puntin stretched them out and he raced wide in midfield. Blinkers back on, back in grade, good chance to bounce back. 3. Cheval De Bois had every possible chance in front when odds-on two weeks ago. Perhaps he’s not a front-runner and at his first run at the trip was found out. Perhaps he can fare better. 6. Standard Deviation has trialled since his first-up fourth over 1550m earlier in the month in a race the leader had them off the bit a long way from home.How to play it: Champagne Hero to win.Race 44. Café Au Lait is a market watch first-up but does appear to be well-placed to be very competitive fresh. Kept improving last time in to win third-up. Trialling well. Gate one gives her every chance. 11. You’re The Choice has found one better in both runs back including at this track first-up. Softer draw and weight drop are pluses and in an open race she’s a threat. 9. Sphere was an easy maiden winner when resuming before leaping in class and striking a race dominated near the speed.How to play it: Café Au Lait to win.Race 56. Harry’s Evidence was strong at the end of 1100m when resuming after tracking the speed. He’ll be fitter and the rise in distance is only in his favour. Proven in this class and a good each-way chance. 2. Monte Veebee raced on the speed when resuming over the same course two weeks ago and boxed on pretty well to hold second. He’ll be better, draws to put himself right there and should run a nice race. 8. Phantom Major comes off a strong maiden win earlier in the month over a subsequent winner where he swept home over the top.How to play it: Harry’s Evidence each-way.Race 65. Melanite was game under big weights on heavy tracks in his first two runs then up to midway level and down in weight he proved too strong at Randwick. Some handy form out of that race. Should get a nice run again from the inside. 1. Ruination was placed behind Attica last spring and took on a group 3 first-up before a handy second at Warwick Farm in March. Fresh for this and trialling well. 12. Taxation is a promising mare that impressively won her first two starts before disappointing a shade before a spell. Rested after beating one home in March on her return. Barrier looks an issue but very wary of her.How to play it: Melanite to win.Race 74. Cobra Club proved too good leading all the way at Illawarra Grange then far from disgraced up sharply in class behind Avista at Randwick in a good form race. Can put himself on the speed here and if he’s able to control will take some running down. 5. Three Arrows is going well without winning and only has to hold form from his last start second in a similar race to be thereabouts again, albeit a trickier draw here. 11. Red Rags To Bulls broke through with an easy win at odds-on at Newcastle earlier this month and while she is a backmarker if they’re running on she can be in the finish.How to play it: Cobra Club to win.Best Bets: Race 1 (3) Tannin; Race 3 (1) Champagne Hero.Best Value: Race 5 (6) Harry’s Evidence.Supplied by Racing NSWFrom our partners