Racing heads to Sandown Hillside and Randwick-Kensington for the Wednesday midweek meeting.
One of the best bets of the day comes up early in the program at Sandown in what looks to be another set of juicy cards in both Melbourne and Sydney.
Sandown Race 2 (1400m)
#1 lightsaber
Love what this three-year-old by Zoustar did when breaking his maiden status last start after being very heavily backed late in betting.
The Peter Moody-trained galloper was posted wide up on the pace last start but kept surging to the line when holding off Frontman who had the perfect run stalking the leaders.
From barrier three, he can get a far more economical run in transit and with the rail out nine metres he should be able to boot clear and hold off the finishing surge of Daily Bugle who looks the main threat.
Suggested Bet: Lightsaber win at $3.2
Sandown Race 3 (2400m)
#1 shepherd
He was a well-beaten odds-on commodity in the Marong Cup at Bendigo last start after being revved up the 800 metre mark and asked to make a sustained three wide run.
In what is now his fifth run this campaign he will be at peak fitness and the quick-back up from Saturday with the addition of blinkers should spark him up to get back into the winners list.
Will Price has been booked to take an extra two kilos off this five-year-old gelding’s back and he should be allowed to stride to the front and pinch a race winning lead around the final bend.
Hopefully it’s a Peter Moody race-to-race double for us.
Suggested Bet: Shepherd win at $3.2
sandown race 5 (1600m)
#9 translator
Translator look sets to absolutely peak into his third-up run this preparation stepping up to the mile.
He was caught in an awkward spot last start where he had to settle midfield on the rails, biding his time for a run which came at the top of the straight.
The Nigel Blackiston-trained gelding knuckled down really well late in the race to run second and hit the line like a horse wanting the extra 100 metres.
He does have the ability to race handy to the speed and with not much speed engaged up front here he can kick up from the inside gate and hopefully sit on the leaders back and prove too good.
Suggested Bet: Translator each way at $6 the win at $2.10 the place
sandown race 6 (1400m)
#4 alburq
Going to give this horse one more go.
He has only had one win in 20 career starts but he gets a golden opportunity to break through for the first time since December 2019.
Mark Zahra has been booked for the ride. He should be positive from the nice barrier with Alburq and should be able to find a spot one pair back behind the leaders.
The step-up in distance to 1400m, combined with what looks to be a slowly run race should suit a horse of his racing style who has a solid enough turn of foot to outsprint his opposition here.
Suggested Bet: Back Alburq to win at $3.2
RANDWICK-KENSINGTON RACE 6 (1000M)
#4 EPIC DAN
Epic Dan was desperately unlucky not to get the win first-up at this track and distance when he flashed home late to just miss.
He’s been such a competitive performer as these midweek meetings in recent times and even more so when there is a bit of give in the ground as expected today with the forecast rain.
His wet track credentials consist of 18 starts on soft ground for four wins and four minor placings while his 12 starts on heavy track consist of three wins and five minor placings.
When rain comes during the Kensington meeting the advantage is to be drawn in the middle or wide barriers and Epic Dan comes up with barrier seven of 11.
Hopefully jockey Keagan Latham can navigate a passage towards the outside fence and rattled home late to reel in the leaders.
Looks a good each-way proposition at the double figure odds.
Suggested Bet: Epic Dan each way at $14 the win and $4 the place
