Phil's Best Bets for Saturday (31/12/05) - Early Mail

HAVANA WIND 1st - $2.70 / $1.40
CANTERBURY Race 1 No 1 at 12:20
NIVEA VISAGE HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: looks like he's come back a better horse this preparation. Has been sharp in his gallops too so don't be surprised if he does something fresh but is going to be a genuine force once he gets into the right races.

HULKHOGAN 2nd - $1.20
CANTERBURY Race 4 No 7 at 14:20
KROSS HOME ENTERTAINMENT HANDICAP (1200m)
Your comment: Another one to get some cash out of will be the John Hawkes-trained HULKHOGAN when it's produced.

WARM RIDE 2nd - $1.70
CANTERBURY Race 5 No 1 at 15:00
PEPPERS HUNTER VALLEY HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: His record now stands a (9:2-5-0). Should improve on that this campaign.

WARM RIDE 2nd - $1.70
CANTERBURY Race 5 No 1 at 15:00
PEPPERS HUNTER VALLEY HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: One of the standout video horses this week and confirmed his potential this preparation when a standout in the sectional times.

ARTISTIQUE 1st - $3.90 / $1.80
CANTERBURY Race 7 No 2 at 16:20
DE BORTOLI WINES HANDICAP (1550m)
Your comment: Artistique gave a glimpse of her ability when motoring-up late along the inside and expect her to salute when next presented - possibly over 1400m or 1500m.

DANCESTEPS 1st - $16.30 / $3.90
CANTERBURY Race 8 No 9 at 17:00
BOOK NOW FOR GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL HANDIC (1200m)Your comment: Has the pedigree to go a long way so hop on early and enjoy the ride

LAYLIA 4th
CANTERBURY Race 8 No 11 at 17:00
BOOK NOW FOR GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL HANDIC (1200m)
Your comment: Stood out as the horse to follow from the Hawkesbury meeting. A well bred Redoute's Choice three-year-old filly from the Bart Cummings camp

SCISSION Scratched
CANTERBURY Race 8 No 7 at 17:00
BOOK NOW FOR GOLDEN SLIPPER FESTIVAL HANDIC (1200m)
Your comment: Have something on her on Saturday.

WILLY LEICA 2nd - $1.50
DOOMBEN Race 2 No 2 at 12:55
WASHPOOL LODGE TWO METRO WINS HANDICAP (1350m)
Your comment: A long-striding type, who has had some problems, he won in easy style at Ipswich 1700m on December 29. The stable is expecting another win very shortly, probably at the Gold Coast.

FASHIONS AFIELD Forget it ran - got knocked down at vital stage!
DOOMBEN Race 6 No 6 at 15:30
QRSE RACETREE FOR MARES VO ROGUE PLATE THRE (1350m)
Your comment: She can go on with it now she is a 3YO.

TOUR OF DUTY Scratched
ECHUCA Race 8 No 1 at 17:07
ECHUCA CARAVAN PARK COLTS GELDINGS & ENTIR (1412m)
Your comment: Tour of Duty is a 2200m stayer.

EMPEROR FU SAN Scratched
KEMBLAGRANGE Race 6 No 4 at 16:38
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)
Your comment: Could even get a decent price about him next start.

VEEDUB 3rd - $1.60
MOONEEVALLEY Race 1 No 3 at 12:45
BRETT PREBBLE HANDICAP (2040m)
Your comment: Will definitely pay to follow.