By Jason Adams
The big guns all progressed through Thursday night’s heats, setting the stage for a vintage edition of the Group 1 Sportsbet Sandown Cup next Friday night.
The opening heat began with fireworks as one of the fastest stayers ever seen over Sandown’s 715m, Electrify, produced the quickest run of the series (41.565). There were nervous moments in transit as he weighed up whether to push underneath or circle around Paw Quinby, but once clear it was pedal to the metal. Power Squeeze finished second to qualify, while the mighty Magpie Hector also advanced as one of the fastest third-placegetters.
Electrify (3) defeats Power Squeeze (7) and Magpie Hector (2) in Heat 1 (41.565)
The second heat was a procession from Ayden’s Warrior. Sent out a short-priced favourite, he did exactly what was expected and won impressively. Vodka And Ice closed late but never genuinely threatened to reel him in.
Ayden’s Warrior (1) defeats Vodka And Ice (2) in Heat 2 (41.588)
The third heat was an absolute rollercoaster. Superstar stayer Without A Trace exploded from box 1 but was quickly joined by Amron Toy, creating pressure early. Lightning Quick soon emerged and suddenly Without A Trace was under siege. Somehow she lifted again, swinging wide and charging to what was arguably her slowest, but most courageous victory. Mepunga Lara finished runner-up, while Amron Toy also advanced as one of the two fastest thirds.
Without A Trace (1) defeats Mepunga Lara (8) and Amron Toy (2) in Heat 3 (42.007)
It sets up a magnificent final next Friday night, with the box draw certain to make predicting the winner no easier.
