Sandown plays host to a fantastic mid-week meeting this Wednesday afternoon. With eight competitive events on the card, who will stand up and be counted? With autumn racing in full swing, find out who our experts are keeping their eyes on!
Sandown Race 5
#1 Nixie
Nixie was brilliant last start winning at Kyneton. The Nicconi filly is ideally drawn in barrier four, and the 2kg apprentice is advantageous. She should be rock hard-fit at this stage of her campaign, and she will lead them a merry dance on top of the speed. If they leave her alone in the middle stages, the race could be over at the top of the straight.
Charm Me was an impressive winner on debut at Yarra Valley. The Spirit Of Boom filly has the Peter Moody polish and looks perfectly drawn in a middle gate. If she can stay out of the speed battle early, she may prove too strong for her rivals late.
Tanto savaged the line last start at Ballarat. The Churchill filly is ultra-consistent, and she can figure here with even luck. The Damien Lane and Mathew Ellerton combination must be respected, and she has been well-supported since markets opened.
Suggested Bet: Nixie @ $16.00
Sandown RACE 6
#3 Hasseltoff
Sandown Race 7
#2 Defiant Diva
Defiant Diva can peak third-up from a spell. Her last run was teasing, and she is meeting easier opposition on Wednesday. The apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke, and she should get the run of the race from barrier three. If the gaps appear at the top of the straight, I expect her to figure in the finish.
There You Go is the class runner of the field. The Niagara mare can be positive from barrier one, and her second-up record should concern her rivals. The allocated weight is the primary concern.
Botany looks over the odds. Her fresh run was ok without threatening, and she can improve second-up from a middle gate. American Pharoah mare is talented, however, she mixes her form. The Peter Moody and Ben Melham combination will attract plenty of market support.
Suggested Bet: Defiant Diva @ $3.70
Sandown Race 8
#2 Deep Speed
Deep Speed is knocking on the door! The Deep Field colt looked home and hosed last start at Pakenham, and he will give a good sight on Wednesday. From barrier eight, I expect him to push forward, and he may prove hard to run down if he can pinch some cheap sectionals. His winning strike rate is the primary concern.
Sheer Class is flying. The Nicconi gelding has won his last two provincial races convincingly and deserves his chance in town. The 1400m is advantageous, and he looks dangerous from the perfect inside draw. The Hayes camp is flying, and Luke Nolen is turning back the clock!
It is D-Day for Rhinoceros. He is always thereabouts, however, he can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. If he can recapture his mojo, he can figure in the finish. The biggest concerns are the awkward barrier draw and the winning strike rate.
Suggested Bet: Deep Speed @ $10.00
