Canterbury Tips & Preview | Wednesday 26 August

He’s only made two appearances at the races since debuting, but Tannin stamped himself as one to follow by winning easily at Gosford in June, while he went for a break after finishing down in the order in Listed company at his only other start. Having had the benefit of a trial, he looks well placed to hit the ground running.

Having returned to action with a fine performance to finish third, beaten just over a length here back in June, Defensemen has been kept fresh since only just missing over 1400m in Saturday metro company at Randwick last month. He’s been kept up to the mark with a nice trial since that race, while he’s drawn to receive every chance under Nash this week and is a touch of overs in betting, in my opinion.

He was well in the market but turned in a sub-standard performance in Saturday metro company last time out, but Champagne Hero’s form prior to that run was strong and consistent. In peak order now and back to the midweeks, can should be able to find his way forward and make all of his own luck on the speed.

We haven’t seen Café Au Lait at the races since April, but her autumn prep this year returned some strong results, and she found form around some classy opposition. With a view towards racing in stronger company than she faces this week, she’s got options in the run from the rails draw, while the booking of James McDonald further strengthens her claims this week.

While only making two appearances at the races so far, Phantom Major couldn’t have don’t more without winning his first start at Newcastle, while natural improvement saw him too good for maiden company here at Canterbury at his only other start. This is harder, but he’s got plenty of upside and is another whose winning claims are enhanced by the booking of James McDonald.

Melanite improved for two competitive performances to fill the minors first and second up this time at Hawkesbury and Gosford respectively, while he was sent forward and hit the line to win in BM72 company at Randwick at his latest task. This looks to be perfect placement again from the John Thompson yard and Kerrin McEvoy can give him every opportunity again from the inside draw.

While yet to strike this time in, Three Arrows has continued to improve with racing recently and was only just denied in races on the Illawarra Grange and here at Canterbury at his two latest starts. In peak order today, this looks his opportunity to win.