Mid-week racing returns to Sandown and Kensington this Wednesday. With the autumn carnivals just around the corner, find out who our experts expect to stand up and make a name for themselves!
Sandown Race 5
#3 Another Wil
Another Wil can resume a winner coming off an impressive debut campaign. The Street Boss gelding broke his maiden in fine style second-up at Moe, and his third-up effort at Moonee Valley was full of merit. The addition of Jamie Kah is a positive, and the inside draw looks ominous. The Maher and Eustace camp is currently training winners for fun, and there has been a flood of money for the lightly raced four-year-old in early betting. Big watch.
Countess Jenni is ready to peak. Both runs this preparation have been good without threatening, and I suspect a third-up tilt over 1400m has been the plan all along. From barrier four, the Tavistock mare will roll forward and pilot the field, and if she is left to her own devices on the bunny, she may prove hard to run down. The class rise is the primary concern.
Great Gust is flying this campaign. His fresh win was dominant, and he looked the winner second-up before being grabbed in the shadows. Barrier one puts the Trust In A Gust gelding into all winning conversations, and the 1.5kg apprentice claim could prove a training masterstroke. A danger to the short-priced favourite.
Suggested Bet: Another Wil @ $2.10
Sandown RACE 6
#9 Aiming
Aiming has been crying out for the longer trip since the moon landing. The Maurice mare should be rock hard fit at this stage of her spell, and the consistent four-year-old will appreciate the significant drop in class. Barrier one will allow her to roll forward, and the booking of Damien Lane could prove the difference. Ready to win!
Abseiler is over the odds. The Extreme Choice gelding was an impressive last-start winner at Wagga, and his best form reads well for a mid-week Benchmark 64. The tough and resilient five-year-old is in a model of consistency, and he should get a perfect cart into the race from an inside draw. The 60.5kg is the biggest deterrent.
The Negotiator caught the eye late last start at Geelong. The Dundeel gelding savaged the line, and he entered most punters’ little black book. His third-up record must be respected, and he is undefeated at the distance. Barrier fourteen may decide his fate during the early stages of the race.
Suggested Bet: Aiming @ $3.60
Kensington Race 5
#4 Bat Out Of Hell
Bat Out Of Hell looks excellent each way value. The Hellbent gelding was good without winning fresh at Gosford, and his record second-up over 1400m must be respected. The consistent four-year-old strips fitter after his recent outing, and barrier three will allow him to sit on the leader’s back. If Jason Collett can get the big boy off the paint as they run for the doctor, I expect him to figure in the finish.
Vinnie’s Spirit is knocking on the door! The I Am Invincible gelding hasn’t missed a top-four finish all campaign, and he looks well placed in this company. The predicted heavy track conditions play into his favour, and I expect him to lead the field throughout with a clean jump from the barriers. His recent winning record is the primary concern.
Cadetship will have supporters after two honest performances in this preparation. The Merchant Navy gelding is ready to peak third-up from a spell, and I suspect the James McDonald factor will attract further market support. Barrier five will allow him to sit midfield with cover, and if he is presented with his run at the right time, he can make his presence felt.
Suggested Bet: Bat Out Of Hell @ $8.00
Kensington Race 6
#5 Tympanist
Tympanist grows an extra leg in the wet. The Belardo gelding is a track specialist, and the 1800m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. From barrier six, the enigmatic five-year-old can sit in the one out, one back position, and if Chad Schofield presses the go button at the right time, he can greet the judge before his rivals. This is his acid test.
Edmond is flying at present. The Excelebration gelding has been performing well against some serious gallopers, and he will relish the drop in class on Wednesday. He is rock-hard fit, and he is no stranger to a track with a bit of give in it. The awkward barrier is the primary concern.
Oakfield Wallaby is winning for fun at present. The Dissident mare is building a picket fence next to her name, and with even luck in transit, she can continue on her winning way. She was a brilliant winner first-up, and she traditionally races well at this stage of her spell. The longer trip will suit, and she will get the last crack at them with the predicated tempo up front. Her racing pattern and style will always require an element of luck. A mare in form!
Suggested Bet: Tympanist @ $8.50
