
Sandown is home to the best racing in Victoria this Saturday. Find out who our experts are tipping to take home the cash on the competitive nine-race summer program.
Sandown Race 6
#12 Merry Mac Boy
Merry Mac Boy remains undefeated after an impressive debut campaign. He looks bright, and I dare say he is destined to reach a higher level than Benchmark 70. He is from the flying Peter Moody stable, and he is partnered by the consistent Linda Meech. His jumpouts leading into this event indicate he is ready for a first-up tilt.
Daily Bugle will have market support after an impressive last-start victory at this track. He produced slick late sectionals and has turned his career around after undergoing the ultimate gear change.
Netanyahu looks over the odds from an inside draw. He is racing in career-best form, and he can win again.
Suggested Bet: Merry Mac Boy @ $4.40
Sandown RACE 7
#4 The Nephew
The Nephew will relish the drop in grade and the 2kg apprentice claim. The known backmarker can sit closer in the small field and take luck out of the equation. He made ground at Moonee Valley last start on a meeting that suited leaders. This looks like his chance.
The undefeated Tasman Park gets to 1800m for the first time. He looks talented, and the further they go, the more exciting he seems. The apprentice will need to be switched on from the wide gate for Tasman Park’s most significant challenge to date.
Independent Road was brave at Flemington last start. He looked the winner before the flying Hasseltoff sprouted wings late. He can be competitive here from barrier 1.
Suggested Bet: The Nephew @ $5.50
Sandown Race 8
#14 Wahine Toa
I am bullish about Wahine Toa. She was a brilliant last-start winner at Moonee Valley, and this looks a similar Benchmark 78. She won by three lengths, and from barrier 1, she should get her chance to notch up another victory. She is well-weighted with the apprentice claim, and the drop back to 2400m is perfect. I expect this to be her peak run for the preparation.
Pesto can cook up a win here at double-figure odds. He wasn’t far off the smart Right You Are, and Spanish Kiss last start, and the form out of this race has stood up. He looks poised to strike third-up from a spell from an inside draw.
Never Again is a must for all wider exotics despite the big odds. He is racing consistently this preparation for his new stable.
Suggested Bet: Wahine Toa @ $4.40
Sandown Race 9
#1 Unflinching
Unflinching gamely chased the talented Inundation last start. He drops in grade here, and it is safe to say there are no track record holders in this event. The wide barrier and allocated weight are the main concerns. If he can overcome the challenges, he is clearly the one to beat.
All About Eve ran home well after bombing the start at her latest. She is having a breakthrough campaign, including two consecutive wins when resuming. She will be thereabouts.
Moon And Back can win again after a great victory at Moonee Valley last start. She may need luck from barrier 1 with her pattern of racing.
Suggested Bet: Unflinching @ $3.80