Canterbury racing preview & quaddie tips | Friday, February 17
| What | Canterbury Races |
| Where | Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 |
| When | Friday, February 17, 2023 |
| First Race | 6pm AEDT |
We’re racing under lights at Canterbury Park on Friday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program commencing at 6pm AEDT. The rail has moved out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting and the track is currently listed as a Soft 7. However, with some clearing days ahead for racegoers, we’re expecting an upgrade into somewhere closer to a Good 4 for Friday evening.
Best Bet: Sophia’s Magic
Sophia’s Magic is yet to win since arriving in Australia, but we think she can get on the board this Friday. This will be her third consecutive start at this course and distance this time in, and things just haven’t gone to plan on this daughter of Charm Spirit. Her latest attempt was an unlucky effort on February 1 when jockey James McDonald attempted to pinch a break on a mid-race move turning for home. He almost pulled it off too, but was caught late by Field Legend and Above And Beyond who trialled Sophia’s Magic as she took off. She only went down less than a half-length and now finds herself back in BM64 after her last two performances were in BM72. This means Nash Rawiller will take the reins and she’ll be forced to lug 60kg, but she earns it against this lot. With even luck with cover throughout this 1900m contest, Sophia’s Magic is very hard to beat.
Best Bet
Race 6 – 
#3 Sophia’s Magic (3)
5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg)
Next Best: Lipscani
We’re taking a risk on Lipscani who makes his debut for team Hawkes on Friday night and should be right in this first-up assignment. He’s had two barrier trials since returning from a gelding operation and both have indicated he’s starting to mature in his racing. The first trial came at Rosehill on January 27 and chased home nicely in behind Grand Crusader. He then proceeded to win a trial in soft fashion on the synthetic surface on February 6 at Rosehill as well. He looks to be improving every time he steps out for the team and we feel he can be competitive on debut. Zac Lloyd returns to the saddle on Friday night and from barrier two should find a lovely trail in behind the speed, before showing a strong turn-of-foot as he’s shown in his trackwork.
Next Best
Race 2 – 
#2 Lipscani (2)
3yo Gelding | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Zac Lloyd (a2kg) (58.5kg)
Best Value: Night Of Power
Night Of Power has been consistent his last couple of starts and we feel he’s not far away from finding a win. His latest two performance have been eye-catching finishes over the 1600m at Randwick and possible out of his grade in BM88 and Open company respectively. He was near enough to last in both before flying over some tiring horses and his form behind horse like Banju, No Compromise and Love Tap rates well in this BM78 grade. He’s got a hefty weight to carry, but with top weight gets class performer Jason Collett on his back. They need to be a little more positive with a nice draw and stepping back to the 1550m; however, if they’re willing to do that this Bjorn Baker-trained eight-year-old can get a much-deserved win here.
Best Value
Race 5 – 
#1 Night Of Power (4)
8yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Jason Collett (61.5kg)
Friday quaddie tips for Canterbury races
Canterbury quadrella selections
Friday, February 17, 2023
- 1-3-6
- 1-3-12
- 5-6-9-10
- 5-7-8-9-12
Investment: $180 for 100%