We are staying in Melbourne this week with racing at Sandown on the Hillside Course on Saturday. The rail is +5m for the entire circuit which would normally be advantageous to runners setting the pace, however Sandown’s long straight often makes it hard to lead the whole way.
Starting early in the day with a look at Race 2, Ive Handicap (1400m), and Enna’s Dream. We like to see horses who have previously run well at Sandown, and this filly ticks that box with one win and two placings from three starts at the track.
Her runs at 1400m have all been at Sandown (3:1-2) and she appears to appreciate the sting out of the track with two wins from four starts on soft going. Barrier 10 should not be an issue with a long straight before the turn, although we should expect to see her settle in the back half of the field. La Fracas could be the danger if he goes on with it following his 2L maiden win.
Jumping ahead now to Race 6, the Quayclean Handicap (1600m), and we will be hoping for a hat-trick from the in-form Hard To Cross. Patrick Payne seems to have him set nicely this prep with two wins from three starts, and Jaylah Kennedy keeps the ride after a good steer last time out at Sandown.
Cross does jump significantly in the weights from 52.5kg to 61.5kg before Kennedy’s 3kg claim, however he has shown us that he can carry this well in previous starts. He is four wins from five starts at the track and distance, has a 30% strike rate on soft tracks and should get a nice midfield run from gate 5.
Wondereach is our last runner in Race 7, Lockettled.au Handicap (1000m). We are looking for him to defy the Sandown straight with a repeat of his last start performance, where he jumped from barrier 2 and led the whole race. Gate 1 this time, and with most of the speed drawn wide we expect to see him push forward and control the race on the rail. Mrs Chrissie meets him even on weights this time in, and it could go right down to the line.
The quaddie for keeping matters interesting late in the day. Here are our numbers:
1/5/9/13
2/13/14/18
4/8/13/16
4/6/8
Good luck and enjoy the meeting.
As published on Thoroughbrednews.com.au