Big day of midweek racing coming up, and PlayUp form analyst Lewis Willoughby has cast his eye over Sandown, Warwick Farm and Terang to find his five best plays of the day. Check them out below!
Sandown R3 #9 Lady In The Sky $4.00 at PlayUp – Has been running very consistently this prep, and probably deserves more than the one win she has been able to record. Worked home very strongly last start over this track and distance in a big field, running the 2nd fastest last 200m split of the race. Although the race shape did suit those back in the field, I thought her efforts within the closing stages were very strong on her own accord. Holds weight here, and finds a much easier and smaller field than last time. From the wide draw, I think it’s time for the team to push the button and ride positively, putting her in a forward position in running. Peak fit now and ready to win. Selections: 9-3-2-6
Sandown R6 #1 Witchfulthinking $2.50 at PlayUp – Comes here off an unbelievable 8L domination job at Terang in easier grade over 1400m, where she found the lead and never at any stage looked like getting beaten, even easing well down over the line. Yes, that was an easy race, but to win in that fashion with the fastest 1200m sectional of the program, shows she is clearly city class. Two runs back at Geelong she started $4 against The Astrologist, who has since won again in Saturday grade. The big claim for in-form apprentice Will Price really helps, and she will find the lead again with ease and take some catching. Could make it a two bet play with White Hibiscus. Selections 1-9-7-12
Warwick Farm R2 #1 Jimmy’s Dream $2.40 at PlayUp – The most exciting race on the program here, in where there looks to be a handful of chances, but i’m keen on the top weight. Resumes off two trials which have been extremely good, they have elected to ride quiet in both and he has produced a sizzling turn of foot through the line each time. J McDonald hops on here for the race start, which I think is a massive push seeing he hasn’t been on any of the trials or previous races, and is not a prominent rider for the stable. From barrier 9 I expect them to ride quiet again, and although he has 59kg he should be fit and forward enough to finish off down the outside. Selections: 1-6-5-3
Warwick Farm R4 #5 Strawb $2.60 at PlayUp – Think this mare looks a very good bet in R4, coming here second up and has trialled since an incident in a BM78 race on The Hunter day at Newcastle where she arguably should’ve been a late scratching after hitting her head in the stalls. She SP’d as the $2.70 favourite in that race, and it was a complete forgive. The trial since at Newcastle was very strong, pushing the button inside the last 100m and picked them up quickly. She is one from one at the distance, and with four wins from eight career starts, she is an undoubtedly talented mare. Selections: 5-7-9-3
Terang R6 #5 Mandragorian $5.00 at PlayUp – Coming off a 6th place at Yarra Valley last start, which may look ordinary on paper but was actually much better than it seemed. He settled last in running that day, which was an impossible winning position for the way that the track was playing, effectively ending his chances after a few metres. His last 200m out wide was extremely impressive, and through the line he continued to make ground against the pattern. The sting out of the track here at Terang should be right in his favour, and all things equal we will see him go very close. Selections: 5-1-9-8
