Race 2 – 4:15PM Brad Masters Plumbing Handicap (1000 METRES)
Like how #1 HARMONETT has trialled up for her return to the track. Her Balnarring jump-out was very strong on December 31 before being given a soft jump-out at Mornington on January 14. Not overly mad on horses having a 1000m jump-out prior to resuming at the same trip, but given she was throttled right down late, I’m less concerned.
Despite the fact she does go well at Mornington, the move to Sandown shouldn’t be a negative for this mare. She will balance up early and has the turn of foot to reel them in late. She’s never won fresh, but she’s also found a new lease on life since joining the Vin Hall stable and this looks the most suitable fresh contest she’s tackled. Her Mornington win on November 12 produced a rating that will win this – think she can run up to something like that and prove awfully hard to hold out.
#4 PLAYLIST has promised the world but delivered an oyster. Not willing to totally write her off as she’s in the powerful Grahame Begg stable and she was bumped at a crucial stage at Pakenham last start, but she is verging on tipping into ‘dawn warrior’ status.
#5 TALLADEGA GIRL has jumped-out solidly between runs. No issue with the drop back to 1000m – in fact it looks a plus. Leading jockey Damien Lane up is a positive.
Suggested bet:
Backing #1 HARMONETT
Race 4 – 5:25PM Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1300 METRES)
#9 SATTVA looks the best of the day if she runs up to her jump-outs. She has produced two outstanding bits of work at Cranbourne leading into this and from gate three she’s going to get a gun-run for Jamie Mott. This is her first outing for the Freedmans having formerly been with Mark Walker. Tongue tie going on suggests they may have got on top of a little issue. Ticks a lot of boxes, if there’s one little concern it’s the increase in distance from 1200m to 1300m with the change in venue, but still think she should be a commanding favourite.
#6 IRREVERANT is the danger. She’s definitely better suited 1300m @ Sandown Hillside than 1200m @ Mornington – so the move works for her. Form last campaign is solid and jump-outs have been strong.
Suggested bet:
Keen #9 SATTVA
Race 7 – 7:00PM ModTech Group Electricians Handicap (1800 METRES)
Not often previewing 1800m races but #1 SUPER MIRAGE caught the eye with his Cranbourne trial on December 8, his first for Gavin Bedggood. That strong trial win signalled he had settled into his new stable well. On the back of that effort he was heavily backed to win first-up over a mile at Pakenham but he just got too far back in a slowly run race. The sectionals tell a story: 6th best last 200m split of the meeting – the race wasn’t run to suit but his effort was better than it looked. He only had the one jump-out leading into that so should strip notably fitter and with the blinkers going on up to 1800m expect him to be ridden more aggressively. Got him marked favourite – surprised he isn’t.
Suggested bet:
Backing #1 SUPER MIRAGE
