Sandown Racing Tips
Track: Good 4. Rail: Out 6m entire circuit.
Best Bet: Race 3 – ONEIRA
=====
Race 1: 3YO Fillies BM64 Handicap 1600m
ALEXANDRIA (2) was a big winner on debut she sat back last in the small field and circled them four-wide and ran on too hard. She looks like she still has a bit to learn after being wayward in the straight, but the ability is clearly there. This is obviously harder but the small field suits again.
Dangers:
QUEEN LA DIVA (4) had to chase hard against the girls getting her maiden win last time, she ran away from the runner-up late, there was 7 lengths back to third, that has to be a factor. TALL LADY (3) is another last start maiden winner, she will be up on the speed for a long way getting out to the mile. CROWN DANCER (1) was good at her first go out of maiden grade narrowly missing, and looks well suited with the claim.
Race 2: Maiden Plate 1600m
REBEL ROMANCE (10) has been to the races three times, her latest effort was super after chasing very hard throughout. The margin to the winner was still 2.5 lengths but third was 7 lengths back, which must be noted. That winner was in the first race Queen La Diva so see how the form holds up.
Dangers:
REALLY SWISH (8) will start near the top of the market, he has placed at 4 of his 9 starts but looks to have had enough chances. He looks a great risk at a short quote, he had every chance last time in a harder race and was very plain, this is easier though. JUNGLE JANE (9) wasn’t far away on the Lakeside track, she was closing the whole straight and looks suited getting out to the mile. FIRST WATER (7) was unlucky at his debut after being held-up at a vital stage, he ran on hard when finally clear at the furlong pole.
Race 3: 3YO Maiden Plate 1400m
ONEIRA (16) has been to the races three times, placing at his first couple then was here three weeks ago at Listed level and had no luck. She was held-up from the 400m mark to well inside the last furlong before making good ground late. She drops a stack in class and in this grade, expect her to be up on the speed.
Dangers:
BIRDWING (14) was sent out after an encouraging debut where it was clear she had a lot to learn, she came back at Bendigo 3 weeks ago when not settling well but was still strong late. PIEMONTE (7) ran on well when right in the market on debut last start, he is likely to get back but if he gets the right cart into it, he can run a place. BLANDFORD LAD (2) is on debut for the Gelagotis yard, he has two recent official trials that weren’t too bad.
Race 4: BM64 Handicap 1000m
SQUAW VALLEY (2) comes down from Albury where he was a last start winner, he was mid-field before getting to the middle of the track and running on hard. That was over 900m, he had shown more tactical speed at his first prep so don’t be surprised to see him up on the speed today.
Dangers:
RIVER HOUSE (7) was a very impressive maiden winner at Bendigo last start, that was first-up and although this is harder, that was impressive. A little worrying that he may have been suited by the way the race was run but he looks to have come back well. MONKEY MAGIC (9) will find this easier than her last two since resuming, she has versatility in where she can map also so the jock will have some decisions early. BEAVERBROOK (3) is resuming, he had plenty of racing at his last prep, he has won fresh so watch the betting for any confidence late.
Race 5: BM70 Handicap 1400m
KAZIO (3) won last prep when second-up, he did plenty wrong when resuming but still went through the line hard. He is likely to be giving them a start but his run fresh was encouraging.
Dangers:
LAURE ME IN (5) has been very consistent, only missing a place once in his six-start career, he has run on well at both starts this prep across the border in SA. Hard to line up that form-line but they must be respected from this stable. SARKOZY (6) is a winner at his only third-up run as he is today, he was unwanted last start but ran on well. He is sure to be nearing peak fitness here. DIAMOND BOW (7) has only been fair at two runs back but there may be better run-on horses here.
Race 6: BM78 Handicap 2400m
JOHNNY VINKO (1) has been very consistent at the back-end of this prep, he may need a little luck getting in early and doesn’t have a lot of brilliance but will keep grinding away. He comes back in trip from the 3000m test at the Valley last time so he will certainly be strong late.
Dangers:
RUOMAZA (2) has not missed a place at his six-start career, he had no luck at Geelong two back when held-up at a vital stage then swung very wide at the Valley last time after making a long run and wasn’t far away. This looks no harder and looks a good hope if he can be saved for one late run. THE GATTING BALL (3) has been up a long time but is also very consistent only missing a place in 1 of his last 6 races. He has versatility and has shown that he can race on the pace or come from back in the field. CHAPAL (10) has the good draw and the light weight but is up in class, he hit the line well here on the inner track and draws to get a soft run.
Race 7: BM64 Handicap 1800m
This looks the most open race on the card and a tough 3rd leg of the Quaddie. TIGEEN (4) has had excuses at her last couple in harder grade, two back she pulled up with a respiratory issue then was held-up badly at avital stage for a furlong last time. She maps well to have the last shot at them late.
Dangers:
SAUCY JACK (3) is going well enough and he will be out and running giving them something to chase. RIPPER RIO (1) has three duck eggs next to his name but this is a lot easier than what he has been racing, it may be the confidence booster he needs. CHAPOUTIER (9) will get back but the tempo should be good, look for her late. There is a stack of other chances, play wide.
Race 8: BM64 Handicap 1300m
If the penultimate race was not hard enough, this looks near impossible! CHEAVAUX (5) has been very consistent of late, he is still yet to win out of maiden grade which he did on debut, but gets his chance in an open race. He draws well, is versatile but should get a spot a couple of pairs back with cover, saved for one run late.
Dangers:
Most if not all of them. ABSOLUTE HEAVEN (11) is resuming, she is very consistent and has placed at both of his previous fresh runs. The draw is concerning and he will probably get back, but with the right cover should run on hard. SLY SLONG (15) would have been near the top of selections had she not drawn so horrible. Williams no doubt will have his own ideas and he is rarely wrong. STARVIRGO (12) is back in class from a sales restricted race last time, he looks much better suited back on top of the ground.