Canterbury Silk Road Fillies and Mares series kicks off at Addington

By Mike Love 

The Canterbury Silk Road Fillies and Mares Series gets underway today, with the first of three heats, all worth $12,500, before a $25,000 final on July 10. 

All heats, plus the final, will be run over 1980m at Addington. 

Today’s heat, Race 6, the Ricoh Canterbury Silk Road Fillies and Mares (Heat 1) Mob Pace (6.23pm), has drawn a field of 12,  with the current favourite Sugar Babe ($4.20FF) for Cran and Chrissie Dalgety, drawn favourably in barrier two, with Carter Dalgety to drive. 

Swannanoa trainer Brendon Hill has two charges in the event, and despite second row draws, Hill believes they both warrant consideration. 

“They’re both racing really well. I'm pretty happy with them. They’re no superstars but they're nice enough horses.” said Hill.

Ultimate Seisation, with Ricky May in the bike, has been hit hard in the market, opening at $23.00FF and is now at $13.00FF.  Third up this campaign, she was unlucky fresh up, before finishing less than two lengths from the winner second up, on a 56 second half. The two-win Ultimate Machete five-year-old mare, will need to navigate a second line draw, but does follow out Sugar Babe who will likely press forward.

“She’s a bit older now and has taken a few runs to get her fitness back. Ricky’s driven her a few times now. She's really tough. She can do it.”

Hill’s other runner, Larissa Beaudiene ($7.50FF), will be driven by son Seth.  Like her stablemate, the one-win Bettor's Delight three-year-old filly will need to overcome a second line draw. 

“Her run last week was the best she’s ever gone,” said Hill.

Larissa Beaudiene made up a stack of ground last Friday night when running stylishly into fifth. 

“I’ve just changed a bit of training and a few little things with her, and she’s responding well. She can do a bit of work and we’ve worked out she has a bit of speed.” 

Other chances in the event include the Bruce Negus-trained Classie Linc ($6.00FF), while the remainder of the second line would need to be considered - Lous Pinup Girl ($6.50FF) for Steve and Amanda Telfer and the Riley Harrison driven and Robert and Jenna Dunn trained, Arinitti ($10.00FF) who was super impressive when clearing maidens fresh up.

To see the field click here 

Race 1 of nine gets underway at 4.11pm.

Note: The FF (Fixed Field) odds can fluctuate, so check at tab.co.nz for the latest information.