Canterbury

COPACABANA (10) finds it hard to win but chalked up the ninth minor placing from 12 starts last time out when beaten a whisker as favourite over 1400m at Newcastle. Placed here at this trip in a BM68 last prep. Very fit and bursting to win another race. BAT OUT OF HELL (2) appreciated the step up in distance when a barnstorming second over this evening's track and journey. Down in class and strips fitter third-up. Great chance to go one better with Nash taking over. MISSILE SEEKER (5) overcame a slow start to drive hard late and just prevail in Saturday company over 1500m at Rosehill recently when second-up. The third-up form usually takes a dip which is the worry, but back in this grade he cannot be ruled out. SISU SPIRIT (7) showed no early dash and disappointed as favourite first-up at Wyong. Gets to his right trip and drops 4kgs so a far better run is on the cards. HOW MUCH BETTER (8) has been good in two runs at the provincials since resuming. Should be competitive.