Australia: Recommendation brings consistency into Canterbury Sprint

The gelding Recommendation rallied through the final furlong to win the Razor Sharp Handicap at six furlongs at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney, Australia, by a nose on Dec. 9, ending a three-race losing streak.

Recommendation has been so consistent that the losing streak was the longest of his 12-race career, which includes six wins.

The admirable record has left the 4-year-old Recommendation among the leading chances in the Canterbury Sprint at Canterbury Park outside of Sydney on Sunday evening.

Recommendation is part of a field of nine that includes Insurrection, who was second in the Razor Sharp Handicap after setting the pace, and Brudenell, who won for the seventh time in 13 starts in a handicap at 5 1/2 furlongs at Randwick on Dec. 9.

Recommendation closed from farther back than normal to win the Razor Sharp Handicap for his second stakes win. He is quick enough to lead or race from a stalking position.

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A stalking trip may be vital in the Canterbury Sprint, considering Brudenell and Insurrection typically set the pace.

Insurrection has won six of 13 starts, including three of his last five starts. He was unlucky to lose the Razor Sharp Handicap, having won his previous start in the Warra Handicap at five furlongs at Kembla Grange on Nov. 25 by leading throughout.

The six-furlong distance of the Canterbury Sprint may provide a test. Insurrection is winless in six career starts at six furlongs, including two seconds and thirds.

Brudenell has won two of four career starts at six furlongs, including his last start at the distance in a handicap at Rosehill Gardens on Aug. 5 in which he led throughout.

Canterbury Park has an eight-race program beginning at 10:40 p.m. Eastern or 7:40 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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