A wet and wild midweek racing program to round out the month of March, with many venues around the country today either postponed, or running on a heavy track. Here are out expert selections from Sandown today.
Sandown R3 #1 Prince Of Helena $3.30 at PlayUp – Coming off a really strong run over 1400m here last start, where he attacked the line very nicely from back in the field, passing most runners on his way to the post. Fourth up now and comes out to 1600m for the first time, and he looks as though this extra distance will really suit. A very consistent horse who has only missed a top three finish once in his career, he carries 1kg above the minimum after the claim and can position closer now he finally draws a better barrier.
Sandown R4 #11 Wild Charlotte $6.50 at PlayUp – Resumed last start in a Stony Creek bm64 with an exceptional win, streaking away by close to 3L on the line. She was slow out and settled down behind a slow speed at first, but it increased well from the 600m onwards. She got clear running inside the last 300m and pounced, recording the 3rd fastest last 200m split of the entire day. Second up now, and she would have taken improvement off that fresh run. The step to 1200m is perfect, as is the dry track, and she can yet again settle off a handy tempo and be presented to win.
Sandown R5 #6 Bold Manner $7.00 at PlayUp – Big fan of the way in which this Pins filly won on debut at Stawell, and tipping she could go on with it here. She was forced to sit three wide no cover up on the speed, working hard throughout, and still managed to pull away for a comprehensive victory. She looks perfectly suited here to barrier one in a field where she can go forward and set the tempo. Fitter, better for race experience and sticks to the distance as well. Other main chances include Charm School & Elidi who are both at bankable prices at well in what looks an open race.
Sandown R8 #8 Excelleration $1.70 at PlayUp – Best bet of the day here in this very exciting and untapped gelding, who resumes off a summer break. He has only had the two career starts, one being a very impressive debut demolition job at Terang, and then he finished second behind Fundraiser over 1400m on the Hillside circuit after spotting them a huge start. Resumes off two very solid trials here, and looks primed for the 1400m journey first up. He will likely spot them a start again, as is his get back pattern, but the speed looks genuine enough for him to run on. His run ratings are much higher than any other in this field, he simply should be too good.
