Canterbury Stakes: What you need to know
CANTERBURY STAKES
Run at Randwick since 2014, 1300m, $500,000, weight-for-age.
HISTORY
* First run in 1929 when won by Amounis
* Elevated to Group One in 2013
* Run at Canterbury except for at Rosehill in 1973-75, 1980-81, 1997-98, 2004-07.
* Before 2004 run over 1200m. 2008 run over 1550m.
NOTABLE WINNERS
* Happy Clapper (2018); Le Romain (2017); Holler (2016); Cosmic Endeavour (2015); Appearance (2014); Pierro (2013); More Joyous (2011-12); Yell (2004); All Our Mob (1997); At Sea (1988-89); Manikato (1982); Baguette (1971); Sky High (1961-62); Holdfast (1930-31-32).
TALKING POINTS
* The unusual distance serves as a lead-in to the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) two weeks later or a drop back in distance to the Galaxy (1100m).
WHAT THE KEY PLAYERS ARE SAYING:
“He’s refreshed and bulked up nicely since his solid first-up effort at Caulfield. This is a beautiful second-up target and he should find this distance right in his comfort zone” – Kementari’s trainer James Cummings
“I wasn’t disappointed with him first-up and he has done extremely well since,” Trapeze Artist’s trainer Gerald Ryan
“Although it is very strong, it just seems a nice race to kick off her preparation and we know she runs well at Randwick. She’s in good order” – Anthony Freedman’s racing manager Brad Taylor on Shoals
“For some time we’ve been wanting to start him up over 1300, 1400 metres” – Fell Swoop’s trainer Matt Dale.