The Easter Cup is the feature event on a sensational program this Saturday at Sandown. Can anyone stop the Melbourne Cup favourite, White Marlin, in the main race of the day? Find out who our experts are tipping to take home the chocolates!
Sandown Race 6
#2 Dashing
Dashing was a moral beaten in the Morphettville Guineas last start. The Magnus gelding made up many lengths only to fall agonisingly short for favourite punters. The class drop is advantageous, and his record at the mile must be respected. I expect him to drift back from the middle gate, and if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground in the early stages, he can figure in the finish.
The lightly-raced Loco will start favourite after an impressive start to his career. The So You Think gelding put his rivals to the sword on debut, and he was game in defeat at his latest outing. A peak performance for the campaign is just around the corner, and he looks well placed jumping from the middle gate. It may pay dividends to keep an eye on the market.
Powerful Eagle looks over the odds after an eye-catching first-up performance. The Ribchester gelding will appreciate the step out in distance, and he has performed well second-up previously. The Peter Moody-trained three-year-old boasts form around some serious gallopers, and I expect him to be thereabouts with even luck in transit.
Suggested Bet: Dashing @ $6.00
Sandown RACE 7
#8 Pinstriped
Sandown Race 8
#8 White Marlin
The undefeated White Marlin turned heads during the spring and, as a result, rocketed to Melbourne Cup favouritism. His trial leading into this event was outstanding, and I expect the Mastercraftsman gelding to be fully wound-up for a first-up tilt. The Gai Waterhouse and Jordan Childs combination must be respected, and the import looks too classy for the local contingent. The market support won’t stop until the barriers open.
After building a picket fence next to his name, the winning machine, Right You Are, will have supporters. He is looking to make it six wins on the trot, and he may prove hard to hold out from an inside barrier. Missing the Australian Cup due to a slight setback is the primary concern.
Barb Raider has been well-specked in early betting. The Rebel Raider mare won the Group 2 Roses over this journey in a previous campaign, and her form this preparation has been good without winning. She is knocking on the door, and from barrier three, she will make her own luck on top of the speed.
Suggested Bet: White Marlin @ $2.90
Sandown Race 9
#8 El Rocko
El Rocko can bounce back after a luckless preparation. The Fastnet Rock gelding is ready to peak, and the mile is perfect for this stage of his campaign. If he can overcome the awkward barrier, I expect him to be savaging the line late. Over the odds!
Monarch Of Egypt will start favourite after a consistent campaign. The American Pharoah is always thereabouts, however, he keeps falling agonisingly short. The mile is his pet distance, and he looks hard to hold out from an inside barrier draw. His winning strike rate is the primary concern.
Blue Soldier can run well at cricket score odds. The apprentice claim is advantageous, and his first-up record must be respected. The War Front gelding is having his first start for a new stable, and I expect him to be cherry ripe on Saturday after an impressive barrier trial. Watch for any late nibbles at the big odds!
Suggested Bet: El Rocko @ $10.00
