Sandown is home to a thrilling program this Wednesday afternoon. With eight competitive events on the card, who will take their autumn opportunity with both hands? With many winning chances in each race, find out who our experts are keeping their eyes on!
Sandown Race 5
#11 Eye Of The Eagle
Eye Of The Eagle savaged the line first up at Pakenham. The Alpine Eagle gelding demolished his rivals, and he looks well placed to make it back-to-back wins on Wednesday. From barrier four, he can sit closer to the speed, and his second-up record speaks for itself. The 1300m is advantageous, and I expect him to go through his grades successfully in the coming months.
Smashing Eagle needs to bounce back after a second-up flop. The significant class drop benefits the Shalaa gelding, and the bigger Sandown straight suits his racing pattern. The 62kg is the primary concern.
Stretto looks over the odds. The Nicconi gelding has a near-perfect second-up record, and his fresh run was eye-catching without threatening. From a middle gate, I expect Damien Oliver to be positive, and with even luck in running, he can figure in the finish at double-figure odds.
Suggested Bet: Eye Of The Eagle @ $4.80
Sandown RACE 6
#4 Alchian
Sandown Race 7
#4 Gringotts
Gringotts has made an impressive start to his racing career. His last-start win at Pakenham was first-class, and the Per Incanto gelding can continue his upward trajectory on Wednesday. He is ideally placed in barrier three, and I expect him to camp on the leader’s back in transit. He will figure in the shadows if the gaps appear at the right time.
Who Dares will start favourite after a dominant fresh win. The 1400m will suit the Deep Field colt second-up, and he will make his own luck on top of the speed. If he gets an easy time up front, the race may be over as they come through Corrigan’s Dip.
White Bear was good on debut at Wodonga. The Shamexpress has been freshened since, and his barrier trial leading into this event was ominous. I expect him to sit several pairs back in the running line from the middle gate, and if they go too fast through the middle stages, he will be there to pounce late.
Suggested Bet: Gringotts @ $5.50
Sandown Race 8
#12 Eagles Crag
Eagles Crag looks poised to strike second-up from a spell. The Fastnet Rock gelding was good without threatening fresh, and the form out of the race has stood up all autumn. The drop in grade is significant, and the handicapper has been lenient with the allocated 57.5kg. He has been well-backed since markets opened.
Unusual Culture will have supporters after producing a breathtaking win at Sandown last start. She snatched victory out of the jaws of defeat in a hot-form race, and she can win again from an inside draw. The jump in grades is the primary concern.
Extreme Flight can win despite drawing the car park. The Extreme Choice gelding was good first-up at Moonee Valley, and he strips fitter here. He races well at Sandown, and his record at a distance puts him into all winning calculations.
Suggested Bet: Eagles Crag @ $5.00
