Midweek racing selections for the first time in 2022, brought to you by our PlayUp form analyst.
Sandown Hillside
R1 #3 Heir Apparent $5.00 at PlayUp
Thought the favourite is too short, so siding with Heir Apparent here in the opener. Coming off a very good 2nd at Kyneton last start, where he was forced to sit four wide without cover on a very fast tempo, and still boxed on to just miss. His overall time was close to 4L quicker than the class average, so with a more economical run from barrier three this time, and with some race fitness also on his side, he can go one better now.
R2 #8 The Economist $2.70 at PlayUp
Was very good last start splitting Oughton and G1 performer Port Louis here at the track and distance, and is a big chance to go one better. The tempo was very slow in that race, and he straightened up as the widest runner and took time to get into his work. His last 400m sectional was 6L quicker than standard time, and now third up from the inside draw, he should be ready to win.
R7 #17 Sacred Snow $7.00 at PlayUp
Very keen to see the return of this runner, who was last seen dominating a Wangaratta maiden back in April. She won that by 4L, running sub 11 second splits in the lead (very fast!) and easing down over the line. Jump outs leading in to this race have been sound, and I love the booking of C Williams off barrier number two. Watch for her to jump straight on the bunny, and the expected leader bias on the hillside will further enhance her chances.
Warwick Farm
R1 #4 Destiny’s Bounty $4.60 at PlayUp
Siding with the second favourite here, who has a much superior draw to the fav. This runner was very good on debut at Gosford on a heavy 8, beaten only by Overlord who is a proven black type city place getter, and a touted top line horse. He will have taken big improvement off that debut run, and now comes back on to a firm surface to suit as well. The trials leading into the debut run were very encouraging, and with T Berry hopping aboard here that signals intent from the stable for a win.
R4 #3 Sword Point $3.10 at PlayUp
Looks the obvious choice here, the McDonald & Waller combination coming off a very impressive 3.3L maiden victory at Canterbury last time out. The colt was up on speed there, and put the field away easily over the 1550m, and that was off a 7 week break between runs. Stripping fitter here, drawn perfectly in barrier two, and sticking to the mile distance will suit. Looks extremely hard to beat and we are getting a generous price as well.
