Gai Waterhouse | Gai Waterhouse Gais Tip Sheet

FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY - CANTERBURY PARK

Rail Position: +6m Entire

WILLINGHAM - Race 3 1250m, T Clark 56.0kg

Willingham is in terrific order. Adrian and I have been very pleased with how he has come into this assignment. He was a good second in his latest start, and we loved the way he travelled in the race. He has a beautiful rhythm and he doesn’t shirk the task when asked. He’ll appreciate getting out to 1400 metres as his preparation progresses, but 1250 metres at Canterbury Park is a very suitable stepping stone for him right now and Tim should be able to have him balanced and travelling comfortably before allowing him to build through his gears at the right time. With that recent improvement and his work at home right up to standard, we expect him to run a very competitive race and be hard to beat.

STEEL STRIKE - Race 5 1550m, A Hyeronimus 59.5kg

Steel Strike is in terrific order. Adrian and I have been very pleased with how he has come on this preparation. He has been consistent in this grade, finishing third in his past two starts, and his latest effort had plenty of merit given he raced a touch fresh early which left him vulnerable late. He’s tightened up since, he’ll carry more fitness and stamina into this run, and 1550 metres at Canterbury looks a very suitable progression at this stage. Adam knows him well and should be able to have him travelling comfortably in a handy position before allowing him to build into the race at the right time, and with natural improvement to come we expect him to be tough to beat.

ASSAILANT - Race 6, 1900m, A Hyeronimus 59.5kg

Assailant is in terrific order and Adrian and I have been very pleased with how he has come into this assignment. He hasn’t been seen at the races since July, when he finished eighth at Rosehill over 2400 metres in Benchmark 78 grade, and that run had genuine excuses as he made contact with another runner and then struggled to secure clear running when it mattered. 1900 metres looks a suitable set-up at this stage as he gets back underway. His work on Tuesday was right up to standard and he has continued to progress through the preparation. Adam should be able to have him settled into a comfortable rhythm before allowing him to build into the race from the 600. With his class drop into Benchmark 72 grade and natural improvement to come first-up, we expect him to run a very competitive race and be hard to beat.