It really looks like an outstanding night of racing in front of us tonight at Sandown Park where four semi-finals of the Launching Pad series will be run. The series was robbed of some interest late yesterday when the pre post favourite for the event, Silver Lake, was scratched due to illness. However, all four semi-finals still have great depth and finding winners does not look an easy task. The weather in Melbourne has been good, unlike many other areas of the country, so we can expect a fast track.
Elsewhere across the nation this day, Bendigo has seven heats of their rich Gold Rush Maiden on this afternoon, Dapto have six heats of a Grade 5 event, Albion Park have a 5th grade final over the 520 metres, Angle Park have three heats of their Easter Cup, Dubbo has two finals over the sprint distance, whilst down in Hobart two heats of the Easter Cup and five heats of the Easter Plate will be contested. What a night of racing, so let us get down to business and find the punters some winners.
Sandown Park Launching Pad Semi 1 – Race 5 No 3 Mepunga Warrior $4.60 at PlayUp – Huge run here last week from Box 4 when powering home for second behind Aston Lavinia after having no luck around the first bend and down the back straight. We think the 7 will find the lead in this and believe our selection can track him and then prove too strong in the run home.
Sandown Park Launching Pad Semi 2 – Race 6 No 8 Lakeview Cruiser $4.80 at PlayUp – Did not begin well and copped an immediate check last week from box 3, so his effort to finish 3rd was very good. We like him better being drawn off the track so box 8 is perfect. He is our best of the night.
Sandown Park Launching Pad Semi 3 – Race 7 No 4 Kuro Kismet $1.95 at PlayUp – Nailed the start again last week in winning in very fast time. Continues to get better with racing. Middle boxes have been of little concern to him of late and he does seem to like racing middle of the track. Yes.
Sandown Park Launching Pad Semi 4 – Race 8 No 7 Fernando Mick $3.20 at PlayUp – Needs a wide draw to show his best and he has that again tonight. Ultra-impressive last week when winning easily in 29.30. He can repeat that run from this draw and win again.
Sandown Park Race 4 No 9 (into Box 1) Mepunga Reject $2.05 at PlayUp – Zero luck in the run to the first turn last week when finishing well down the track. Has won here in the past from this draw in very fast time. This race lacks the depth of any of the semi finals and he should be winning.
Dapto Race 6 No 2 Zipping Stewie $2.10 at PlayUp – Outstanding winner last start at Wentworth Park taking his record to 4 wins from just 6 starts. Recorded a nice win at this track at his only appearance here. Suited by the inside draw. Looks the goods.
Albion Park Race 4 No 1 Smart Lily $2.50 at PlayUp – She has been very disappointing her last starts over the 600 metre trip. But she does look like she needs more ground, so the step up tonight to 710 metres looks ideal. She is in a kennel renowned for producing good stayers also. Small field also suits. A dog to continue to follow over the coming winter months in the major staying races scheduled at this track.
