Midweek Musing

At the Midweeks it is often races for younger horses that command the most interest. Lightly raced types be they two or three year olds offer hope and today's opening event at Canterbury makes for worthy discussion.

From the outset it should be noted that the rail is out 6m for today's card, a rail position that can work off the fence but more than likely suits those who sit on the rails while turning from the 650m till straightening for the run home at the 250m mark.

1200m events for the babies are not yet the norm at this stage of the season, and they can represent a testing trip for the debutant, however, the first starters of note in race one are from reliable yards in this respect. Waterhouse-trained Kiss And Make Up has come through two recent trials, the latter a testing 1050m, and I expect McEvoy to look for the lead from his wide gate. O'Shea-trained Honeywine's only public appearance was a soft short course heat at home, and while he shaped sweetly, the slow figures inform very little as to his talent.

Moving to the raced brigade, both Star Of Monsoon and Foxplay drop back from home track debuts in black type events. Despite the fact that the former colt should have more scope for improvement than the latter filly, I'm expecting the reverse, based upon their stables. I'm also enamoured of the riding change to Schofield on Foxplay, expect her to box-seat, and need little persuasion to play her at $7.50

Finally Detective. I've marked him favourite based on track/distance experience, rider change, trial since his first-up run, application of blinkers and, most importantly, possession of the best form reference, his debut behind stablemate Capitalist in the Breeders Plate.

I'm anticipating a mix of opinions and a great betting heat.