Mid-Week racing heads to Sandown this Wednesday afternoon. With autumn in full swing, who can take their careers to the next level and break through for a much-needed city win!
Sandown Race 5
#6 Madame Du Gast
Madame Du Gast can peak here after a flashing first-up run. The De Gaulle mare has an excellent second-up record, and the drop back to 1400m is advantageous. From an inside draw, she can camp on the leader’s back and get the run of the race. She is well placed at Benchmark 70 level, and with even luck in transit, I expect her to figure in the finish.
Despite drawing the carpark, Shohei can make her presence felt when the whips are cracking. Her fresh win at Newcastle was first-class, and she has the talent to go through her grades in the coming months. She has the Hawks polish, and I expect her to attract plenty of market support.
Proscenium Arch looks over the odds. The drop in class is significant; she can bounce back after the rare last-start flop at Flemington. The So You Think filly is still learning her craft, and from an inside draw on Wednesday, she can surprise her more credentialed rivals.
Suggested Bet: Madame Du Gast @ $6.00
Sandown RACE 6
#13 Postwick
Sandown Race 7
#3 Loco
Loco is one of the better bets on the program. The So You Think gelding was brilliant on debut at Pakenham, and he meets a similar field here. I am glad he is staying at the mile, and from an inside draw, he looks ominous. If the gaps appear on straightening, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Watadeel will have supporters after a consistent preparation to date. The Dundeel gelding finds an easier class on Wednesday, and he boasts form around some serious gallopers. The wide barrier draw is the primary concern.
American Liaison is a must for all wider exotics. His win two starts back was tough, and he ran well at his outing without threatening. Damien Lane can push forward from a middle gate, and if he finds the lead uncontested, he could look the winner on straightening.
Suggested Bet: Loco @ $3.00
Sandown Race 8
#10 Reckoning
I am happy to have a throw at the stumps with Reckoning. He was the winner last start at Pakenham, and I expect a peak run on Wednesday. From barrier four, he should get the run of the race, and he is ready for the mile at this stage of his preparation. The Nick Ryan camp is flying, and Mark Zahra is arguably the most consistent jockey in the country. Big watch!
Seonee will start favourite after an eye-catching last-start win at the track. She sprouted wings late and proved too classy for her rivals in the shadows. She is well-weighted, and the 1600m looks advantageous. The 3kg apprentice claim could prove a masterstroke, and I expect further market support before the barriers open.
Saint Bathans is ready to peak third-up from a spell. The Maurice gelding savaged the line at his latest outing, and he should get all the favours in transit from barrier one. This is his most straightforward assignment for some time, and if Dean Holland presses the go button at the right time, he can make his presence felt.
Suggested Bet: Reckoning @ $11.00
