SANDOWN LAKESIDE May 9
BEST BET: KING’S AUTHORITY R2#1
BEST VALUE: WEAPON R8 #18
Race 1: 8-6-1-9
Challenging card. Going here with recent frequent non-winner LYCURGUS but Singapore bound D Moor in the right form as is O’Brien stable. Trip suits now 3rd run in, no luck Caulfield tougher race and with subtle gear change. DIVINE COMMAND is 1st time 2400m but trained by Weir – why worry, form solid. CHOYSA has won 3 last 4 out to 3000m this prep. Won’t be any doubting it either. BRINGIT (Weir) has a rare stable gear change (winkers off).
SUGGESTED: LYCURGUS to give Moor, more.
Race 2: 2-5-6-3
Probably the race we least likely have to over-think and analyse. Market says KING’S AUTHORITY, back gelded this preparation, trialled well to do so and last prep fresh run alongside possible star in EURACK. Hard to ignore. HOT SHOT HARRY was off a break coming to finally win maiden emphatically and has Callow. Yes. REDCORE is a lot better than how the Caulfield 0 looks. BEAVERBROOK is fit and hovering.
SUGGESTED: On tough day – this should win KING’S ATHORITY plus good quinella with 5.
Race 3: 6-1-7-9
Tough race, Best form is through the Weir trained Grey Shadow win Caulfield last time and going that way off that via runner-up and overs the on-pacer KEANO TOWN, ahead of BLONDIE (clearly overs on best form), CHATEAU GRIFFO (with gear change) – and leaving out FREEZE OVER. promoting MISS LEONIDAS who has trialled well for fresh run, and a gear change.
SUGGESTED: Backing judgement again – KEANO TOWN.
Race 4: 3-2-1-9
Nature of the day – race: even, competitive and hard to nail it decisively. Import HARDINGTON showed me enough 2nd up at Ballarat to think this isn’t a race too far – especially with no standout form line. LAUGHING HEIR was $101 when it was placed Caulfield in that messy race where Self Sense beat the unlucky Kiwi – this easier of course and so are the odds. BRIGADIER is banging on well, ERAMOSA looms large with weight pull.
SUGGESTED: Bit of value HARDINGTON.
Race 5: 3-6-4-9
Ok let’s get into a tough quaddie. I liked WINKLEMANN at Flemington but was ridden too aggressively and didn’t help himself. From this draw, can make options to suit with winning jock D Lane back. GROOVIN wants Sandown 1400m and has Oliver, HELLAVA BABE is better suited here. Other hopes include TIFFANY’S LASS who has come back well.
SUGGESTED: Stick with WINKLEMANN.
Race 6: 6-2-13-16
None would surprise here, sorry I know that doesn’t help but it is just that sort of race. Ask me to narrow and I’ll put HIGH SIERRA on top off back of two grade boosting wins – D Moor back from 2040m off 7 weeks so good grounding. DON’T GET EXCITED (2 runs back) has Galaxy Raider form, had tough run since tougher race Caulfield last time. LASAYETTE has broken through (albeit it Echuca Bm58) for Weir and then they rarely go backwards and this right race to move forwards. ENSUING has shown as much ability as most of these – obviously 1200m to 1500m a plus.
SUGGESTED: HIGH SIERRA fit option, tough race.
Race 7: 4-5-6-11
No easier, no recent winning form, many concerns. Think REMOVAL is best option. 2 runs in now, no luck latest Adelaide, has won 3rd up before, around $5.5 satisfactory. SACRED SHAM can roll forward to first corner with top pick and both have riders to get this right. MAGICUS can not be had on recent form but resumes with gear changes and expectation. LIBERTY SONG is now gelded and this is a clearly winnable race.
SUGGESTED: Breath in. REMOVAL best option.
Race 8: 18-5-3-14
WEAPON was 4.9 lens (at $3.9) from Furrion at Ballarat. We saw what this top level bound Weir galloper did as expected at The Bool. Happy to make top pick. Was good Bendigo Guineas previous. ENIGMAN resumed a gelding at Flemington and ran into the in-form Milwaukee – no knock there. I BOOGI looks well placed here, stable waiting for the right race. SILENZ was impressive Echuca who like many Weir runners can continue to improve well placed in grades.
SUGGESTED: Tough again, WEAPON has the appealing form.
QUADDIE:
3-4-5-9
2-6-13-15-16
4-5-6-11
5-18
$80 for 50%