Plenty has been made of the Sandown Hillside track that raced last Saturday. We return to the Lakeside circuit here, with the jumps course positioned on the outer section of the track. It was rated a Heavy 9 on Thursday before being upgraded to a Heavy 8 on Friday morning.
Generally, the surface tends to play fairly, largely because it doesn’t endure the same level of traffic as the main circuit. It often allows horses with strong flat ability to be more competitive than they might be at more testing, traditional jumps venues.
The weather looks set to improve over the coming days, with only light misty showers forecast intermittently throughout the weekend. As a result, the track shouldn’t deteriorate too much further and is expected to race somewhere in the Soft 7 to Heavy 8 range.
Race 1 – BM120 Hurdle (3400m)
(4) FERAGO – The class runner of the field. Finished fourth in the Geelong Cup less than 12 months ago, which reads very well for his flat capabilities. Jumped well and powered down the outside to score at Casterton and should only improve from that run. Sandown looks ideal.
(1) GOLDEN CRUSADER – Happy to forgive one poor run from a good horse. Better suited back at Sandown where his jumping and flat ability come into play. The month between runs is where he does his best work and a much-improved showing is expected.
(3) ONGATITI – Dominant 10-length winner on Warrnambool Day 1 before a brave third on Day 3. Just found the first two a bit sharp late. Will run well again but probably needs to improve a few lengths to be a confident bet.
(2) ANDY WIN – Very honest horse going well both on the flat and over jumps. His maiden hurdle win rated slower than the other winners there. The rise in distance looks a positive and he could be competitive again.
Selections:
(4) Ferago
(1) Golden Crusader
(3) Ongatiti
(2) Andy Win
Suggested Bet: (4) Ferago & (1) Golden Crusader
Race 2 – Australian Hurdle (3900m)
(1) HIGHLAND BLAZE – Has earned the top weight, but good horses carry it. Terrific run first-up over the jumps at Warrnambool when charging from a long way back and just missing. The bigger track and added distance here will suit perfectly. Should settle closer this time and looks ready to peak fourth-up.
(3) MR WATERVILLE – Beat two of the maiden hurdle winners from Warrnambool on the Thursday by seven lengths and looked to still have plenty in reserve. Has winning form over 3400m overseas so the distance holds no fears. Had an easy steeple trial since, which keeps him ticking over nicely.
(2) THE STORYTELLER – Did beat Highland Blaze at Warrnambool, but had fitness on his side that day. Was paddling late and the 3900m at Sandown presents a completely different challenge. No doubting he’ll be fit enough, but this is a tougher staying test.
(4) FENGERADA – Not sure he has the class of some of these, especially after a tough run at Casterton last start. Extremely heavy conditions bring him into calculations but he still looks unlikely.
Selections:
(1) Highland Blaze
(3) Mr Waterville
(2) The Storyteller
(4) Fengerada
Suggested Bet: (1) Highland Blaze & (3) Mr Waterville
Race 4 – Australian Steeplechase (3900m)
(1) STERN IDOL – Champion jumper. Not much more needs to be said. Will have to lump 76.5kg, but champions carry big weights and he’s proven he can do exactly that. Loves Sandown and maps to get the perfect setup once again.
(4) CASTROFRANCARU – An intriguing runner considering he has finished within 2.5 lengths of Stern Idol previously, and that was with only a 5kg swing. He gets a 10kg pull at the weights here. Didn’t look comfortable at Casterton but the return to a bigger track and longer trip at Sandown suits. The blowout chance in the race and appeals as a strong place bet at the current odds.
(5) SING FOR PEACE – Looks under the odds in the market for mine but does have genuine place claims. Has a sharp turn of foot on the flat and jumps well. A first look over the bigger fences under race conditions against proven A-grade jumpers is another level of challenge though.
(3) FABALOT – Has been a terrific horse for a long time but doesn’t seem to finish off quite as strongly as he once did. May struggle to lead and control things with Stern Idol in the race, but can still run into the top four for exotic players.
Selections:
(1) Stern Idol
(4) Castrofrancaru
(5) Sing For Peace
(3) Fabalot
Suggested Bet: (1) Stern Idol
Each Way: (4) Castrofrancaru
Best Bets
Best Bet: Race 4 (1) Stern Idol
Value Bet: Race 4 (4) Castrofrancaru
Other Plays
Early Quaddie:
1,4 / 1,3 / 1,2,4,5,12 / 1,4
Approx. $40 for 100%
Multi:
Ferago Place
Highland Blaze Place
Castrofrancaru Place
