We return to the Lakeside track at Sandown this week as the wet weather tumbles down on Melbourne.
The Wizard of Odds has brandied his brolly and is looking for on-pacers to back ahead of this nine-race card.
Sandown Lakeside Race 1
#9 Hesket
Going with Hesket who comes up long odds in this race but should find a favourable on-pace spot on the speed map.
His effort when stepping up from 1000 meters to 1200 metres was brave after finish second behind stablemate Crystal Vain.
Interestingly, the tongue tie goes on for this 1300-metre event.
If that gear change can improve him anywhere from a length to three lengths, then he will run a massive race.
Suggested Bet: Hesket each-way at $20 the win and $6 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Trifecta – 9, 11/ 1, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16/ 1, 9, 11, 14, 15, 16
Sandown Lakeside Race 2
#2 Raise You Ten
Raise You Ten is a very intriguing runner.
He is a seven-year-old gelding who has been acquired by the Ciaron Maher & Dave Eustace camp after travelling across the Tasman from New Zealand.
He clearly must have something to offer if he is being trained by the lead stable in Victorian racing.
Two hurdle trials have been put into his CV since heading to the Maher & Eustace stable which is actually a proven formula to get horses into the zest for flat racing.
The blinkers, tongue and cross-over nose band all come off in a sign that that stable has this horse settled and well within himself to run a good race.
Suggested Bet: Raise You Ten each-way at $20 the win and $5.5 the place
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Quinella 2, 4, 5
Sandown Hillside Race 4
#10 Write The Score
Backing Write The Score to bounce back after a disappointing display a fortnight ago.
The three-year-old filly started a well-backed $2.70 favourite over the mile in BM-64 grade but was posted three deep on the speed and regressed to finish nearly five lengths off the winner.
Barrier 11 may see her posted wide again, but she should be able to find cover this time with a handful of horses kicking up inside of her.
John Allen takes the ride and despite the likelihood he will concede a start, this filly has the talent to round up the leaders.
She handles the wet ground and she is race-fit.
Suggested Bet: Write The Score win at $3.5
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 1, 2, 10
Sandown Lakeside Race 6
#13 Toomuchtobear
Comes out of what looks to be a maiden race full of depth after putting away his opposition with a gritty win over 1400 metres at Bendigo.
The three-year-old gelding from the Chris Waller stable beat off the challenge of Mr Brightside and Festitvus who have since come out and won stylishly.
This race looks like the perfect natural progression into city grade and goes up to the mile which will be suitable for him given the way kept up a strong gallop to the line last start.
He maps to lead this race as well which is exactly where you need to be on the Lakeside track.
Looks the best of the day at Sandown.
Suggested Bet: Toomuchtobear win at $3.4
