Midweek racing selections below, from Sandown Hillside and Kensington.
Sandown R1 #9 Silly Point $4.20 at PlayUp – Giving this horse another shot, coming off what was arguably a delating performance at The Valley last start. He had every chance in running behind talented winner Snapper, but could only manage fourth. His debut run however, here on the Lakeside circuit, was very impressive and if you can forgive and forget last start, he should run a bold race. Looks to be a lack of speed here, so he will jump and dictate from the front.
Sandown R2 #2 Daily Bugle $2.70 at PlayUp – Comes here second up off the back of a very strong debut win at Pakenham, where he sat off speed behind only moderate sectionals, and unleashed with the fastest closing splits of the entire meeting to get up and win, 3L quicker than any other runner in the race. He steps to 1400m now with race fitness and experience, and looks to have his fair share of talent. Speed looks genuine enough in this race that will allow for his get back run on pattern. Save on #1 Lightsaber who was equally impressive when winning last start, and maps for an easier run today.
Sandown R8 #1 Bel My Pago $13.00 at PlayUp – Strong each way bet here to end the day on the to-weight, who looks to have returned this prep in great fashion. Her first up run last start was full of merit, getting back and running home in the fastest last 400 and 200m of the meeting. Three times placed second up, drawn well in barrier two and holds a claim from that top weight. Although she is probably looking for something further than this now, L Smith places his horses well, and with some tempo in front she will give a sight.
Kensington R5 #6 Marsannay $2.50 at PlayUp – Rock hard fit here and dropping back to a much easier contest this time, after contesting Saturday class races as well as a Gosford Guineas attempt first up this prep. Yet to finish out of the placings on wet going, he gets the services of Nash Rawiller from an inside draw which should give him every opportunity. Very well weighted for a midweek bm72, with luck in running he could be very hard to beat.
Kensington R7 #6 Brookspire $3.70 at PlayUp – First up here, this lightly raced 3yo filly resumes off the back of one trial over the 1080m at Randwick where she was not asked for an effort, but would have brought her on nicely for a first up run. She was placed on debut behind Tastebud last prep here over 1250m, then came to this track and distance and defeated Exoboom. That form line is strong, with Exoboom subsequently winning his fair share of races at provincial and metro level. Handles soft going, should get back from the wide draw and crucially build momentum out wide when needed.
