Canterbury Park hosts a 8-race card with the Kia Canterbury Sprint over 1200m in Race 7 as the key feature race for New Year's Day. The rail is true and conditions are set to be GOOD with fine weather predicted. watch and monitor.
Shannon Buckley is in the saddle today with his Canterbury best bets for this Wednesday below. And if you’re keen to back in his tips, then be sure to join Ladbrokes – one of the world's biggest bookmakers!
Canterbury Racing Tips: Thursday, January 1st 2026
Race 4: Asahi Super Dry BM64 1100m - 4:40pm (AEDT)
(5) Vanessi: Resuming mare who was sound last campaign, finishing in the placings on three occasions. Returns off two solid trials and profiles nicely here with the 3kg claim engaged. Her only career win has come at this track and trip, which is a big tick. Looks to get a suitable run and appeals as a genuine value runner in this field. At the each-way price, she’s worth having something on.
(10) Lull: First-up effort was sound in a Class 1 and she should take natural improvement into this second-up assignment. Draws ideally to settle into a soft run and gets Berry aboard for the Maher stable, which is always a positive. With added fitness on her side, she looks capable of being right in the finish. Each-way odds are appealing.
(5) Vanessi E/W
$9.50/$3.00 (1U/2U)
Race 6: First Hitotsu Yearling BM72 1250m - 6:00pm (AEDT)
(5) Cassiel: This gelding was terrific last campaign but has been slightly underwhelming in his two runs this prep. The gear changes look favourable today with a 2kg claim engaged and he draws the pole position. Expect him to roll forward and dictate on his own terms. This is a very winnable race for him if he can rediscover his best. Definite chance.
(8) Just In Time: Resumes off two sharp lead-up trials and brings some serious form from last campaign, where she recorded two dominant wins. Struggled on the heavy before being spelled, so the return to better conditions is a plus. Draws a nice gate and gets Zac Lloyd, who is riding in terrific form. Rates strongly fresh and maps to enjoy the run of the race. Very happy to be on.
(8) Just In Time WIN
$5.00 (1 Unit)
Race 7: Kia Canterbury Sprint 1200m- 6:30pm (AEDT)
(7) Zealously: Ran a bold race last start over 1100m, only being grabbed late by the talented Kings Secret. Meets that rival much better at the weights this time with a 6kg swing in his favour. Draws awkwardly but possesses good early speed and should be able to push forward and dictate again. The step up to 1200m is a slight query after tiring late last time. Worth keeping a close eye on market moves.
(10) Cigar Flick: Roughie of the field who was excellent through the line last start over 1100m against these same runners. The rise to 1200m looks ideal off that effort and she will strip fitter second-up. Can be a hard mare to catch and is yet to place second-up, but if she reproduces that last run she can definitely be in the mix at big odds. Blow-out hope.
(13) Kings Secret: We were with this gelding last start and he didn’t disappoint, scoring a strong win. Meets similar opposition again but is worse off at the weights this time around. Still, he draws well and gets Atkins back aboard, who has partnered him to four wins. Early market support suggests he remains the one to beat. Likely to improve further third-up and looks a very talented type. Happy to stick and expect him to be launching late.
Also Backing: (10) Cigar Flick WIN $20 (0.5 Units)
(13) Kings Secret WIN
$3.80 (3 Units)
