Kia Friday Night Racing at Canterbury Park on Friday, January 30, unfolded as a sharp and competitive seven-race meeting, building steadily toward a commanding feature performance in the KIA Evening Star. Under lights and in front of an engaged midweek crowd, the evening delivered authority at the top end, consistency through the middle, and a strong closing flourish that rounded out a well-paced programme from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
The night’s defining moment arrived in Race 6 – KIA EVENING STAR, where Ivan’s Hero stamped his class with a decisive victory. The 6 yo bay gelding, trained by Chris Waller and ridden with confidence by Ms S Grima, travelled smoothly before asserting clear control late. Owned by Mrs V L Klaric and I Cajkusic, Ivan’s Hero stopped the clock at 1:32.63, holding off Bat Out Of Hell, who chased resolutely, while Centenario finished on for third in a race worthy of its $80,000 status.
Earlier, the meeting opened with a composed display from So Rebellious in Race 1 – TOYOTA FORKLIFTS HANDICAP. The 3 yo bay colt, prepared by Gary Portelli and guided by Ms A B Collett, showed professionalism from the outset and never looked in danger, recording a winning time of 1:32.84. Viva Mauricio worked home for second, with Defendant staying on behind them.
Momentum continued in Race 2 – DRINKWISE PLATE, where Scrumptious delivered another polished performance for the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable. The 3 yo bay filly responded strongly under T Clark, showing speed and control to score in 1:13.15. Impuriteze made a late attempt to close the margin, while Alphard completed the placings.
Albany Road added further success for the Waterhouse–Bott partnership in Race 3 – THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE HANDICAP. The 3 yo bay gelding was ridden patiently by R Bayliss before accelerating decisively to win in 1:03.91. Agarwood stuck on well for second, with Shaggy holding third in a fast-run contest.
Consistency remained the theme in Race 4 – CATANACH’S JEWELLERS HANDICAP as Watson proved too strong late. The 3 yo chestnut gelding, again from the Waterhouse and Bott yard, was confidently handled by T Clark and crossed the line in 1:12.07, with Calga Power and Johnny following him home.
Experience came to the fore in Race 5 – SCHWEPPES HANDICAP where Tokyo Star delivered a measured staying performance. The 5 yo bay mare, trained by Fabio Martino and ridden by T Berry for owner D Sergi, maintained a steady rhythm to score in 1:55.38, edging out Emballee, with Marebello filling third.
The evening concluded on a positive note with Monte Kate taking honours in Race 7 – HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP. The 5 yo grey-brown mare, trained by Robert and Luke Price, was well-positioned throughout by Ms M Fitzgerald and finished strongly to stop the clock at 1:13.08. Maybe Moet ran on gamely for second, while Berezka completed the frame.
Overall, Canterbury Park Race Results 30 January delivered clarity, control, and quality, with Ivan’s Hero standing out as the performance of the night in a meeting that flowed smoothly from start to finish.
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