A wet and ugly day is predicted for Sandown.
Finding horses who can handle what is likely to be a heavy track is the way to venture into this nine-race card on the Lakeside circuit.
Sandown race 1
#9 white russian
It was a case of honing on two of the debutants, and, as such, White Russian presents herself as the better value play than what Ellipitcal does at the current odds.
Both have had three jump-outs to prepare for this 1400-metre maiden event, and it is Ellipitical has the exposed form on heavy ground, but the market has found him.
There is still a little query on whether White Russian can handle seriously wet going, which she is likely to face here, but there was plenty to like about her jump-outs.
Her most recent effort over 1000 metres at Cranbourne saw her respond to light riding, and there is no doubt she will be better served beyond 1400 metres.
She should get an economical run from barrier four, and John Allen being booked on debut signals intent from the stable.
Suggested Bet: White Russian win at $4.80
Suggested Exotic: Quinella 4 & 9
sandown race 2
#11 flying agent
Flying Agent might be the only one here who can genuinely handle the heavy going based on the exposed wet form of this field.
He is a jumps horse and is still working his way into full fitness after a pleasant enough first-up run.
Since his resuming effort at Sandown Hillside in BM-70 grade, he has had a steeple trial which he won.
He will be settling midfield and hitting the lane late. Hopefully, he is within striking distance at the home bend.
It’s worth a gamble at the long odds, given his heavy track form; it reads 16 starts for seven wins.
Suggested Bet: Flying Agent each way at $20 for the win and $5 for the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 2, 8, 10, 11
Sandown race 7
#8 marcolt
It was a very sound return from Marcolt who resumed in BM-64 grade at Pakenham over 1400 metres.
He was too far away from the leaders to make any impact from a winning perspective during that first-up run, but was hitting the line nicely for a horse lacking race fitness.
There is no doubt he will benefit big time for having had such a solidly run race to use as a platform for this second-up assignment.
We are yet to see his adeptness at handling heavy ground, but given how well the Patrick Payne stable is going, we just have to respect this runner.
Drawing the middle pin looks a good scenario as Billy Egan can settle him midfield with some cover, typical of the Payne racing style.
Worth an each-way play.
Suggested Bet: Marcolt each-way at $10 the win and $3.3 the place.
Suggested Exotic: Boxed Trifecta – 3, 4, 7, 8
Sandown race 9
#9 japery
Another Patrick Payne runner to be with.
Japery has been toiling away without much success of late, but this race looks perfect for him.
He came out of an 1100-metre straight race at Flemington on May 21st, where he was well-tried in the market. However, he failed to handle the assignment.
The field seemed slick for him, and getting up to 1300 metres on a turning track from an inside gate suits him much better.
There is a feeling the stable will set positive instructions to Michael Dee to use this galloper’s strong fitness base to full effect.
Suggested Bet: Japery each way at $6 for the win and $2.20 for the place.
