Sandown
Race 1 – On A Journey
Jockey – Ben Melham
1000m – Barrier 5
Promising two-year-old On A Journey kicks off her racing career in town this afternoon. The daughter of Royal Meeting has just one trial to her name but made a distinct impression, crossing the line untouched with the winner, albeit doing a few things wrong along the way. Jockey Ben Melham leaves from an ideal draw and can let his filly roll in the early parts, likely to land in the first half of the field before looking to kick on in the home straight.
Ten of the twelve starters here are on debut so we’ve plenty to learn out of this one. Of the raced, Dirty Harry went fast in the lead at Cranbourne and knocked-up late, beaten under three lengths by Simply Steffi, who wasn’t far away in the Ottawa Stakes at Flemington on Saturday. He’ll be forward again and can be in this for a long way. One of the main chances. Buggsy went forward and was given a push to win his latest Caulfield trial in slick time. Only Martial Music (6 x winner) and Jigsaw went faster on the morning. Draws well and could take catching, strong claims. Each way chances to Brookelinda, Money Honey and Mistifyzou. Probably doesn’t end there.
On A Journey will improve on whatever she does today, better for the race experience and with added fitness under her belt. She looks to have her share of ability and no surprise to see her measure up in this company. Each way claims.
Currently, On A Journey is a $10 chance in the market.
Sandown
Race 3 – Em Sixty
Jockey – John Allen
1400m – Barrier 2
Resuming galloper Em Sixty begins his preparation over 1400-metres at Sandown this afternoon. The talented four-year-old enjoyed an excellent preparation last time in, completing a winning hattrick at Flemington before sent to the paddock for a well-earnt break. His return has been anything but straightforward, however is back on track and a pair of recent jumpouts suggests he’s in for another successful campaign. Jockey John Allen leaves from an inside gate and can let his gelding find his feet in the early parts, lobbing in the second half of the field before looking to run on in the closing stages.
Small field but the speed looks solid enough with Wise Inlaw and Xarpo to roll across from the outside, while expect Test Of Love and Everain to be thereabouts on settling. Test Of Love has won two on the bounce and gets in well after the apprentice claim. He draws for every favour in the run and no surprise to see him go on with it here. Hardest to beat. Xarpo was an impressive first-up winner but has failed to fire in two second-up attempts. If she rings her fresh effort here she’ll e in the finish. Next best. Each way chances to Everain and Wise Inlaw.
Em Sixty will likely find these too sharp first-up, better for the run and over more round next time out. He’ll likely turn for home in the second half of the field and look to hit the line late.
Currently, Em Sixty is a $9.50 chance in the market.
Sandown
Race 6 – Wuddzz
Jockey – Sarah Field
1800m – Barrier 1
Talented stayer Wuddzz is first-up since September when he heads to Sandown this afternoon. The eight-year-old son of Complacent raced well last time in, notching wins at Warrnambool and Randwick, and has returned in terrific order for another winter campaign. Apprentice hoop Sarah Field leaves from the inside alley and can let her gelding drift back in the early parts, finding cover midfield or worse before looking for room to run on late.
A few will roll forward in search of the top here, with Pantile Warrior to come across from towards the outside, while expect Morryl Moral, Savisanta and Figlio D’argento to hold their positions from nearer the rail. European import Pantile Warrior made a sound local debut in stronger grade at Caulfield a month ago, tiring from the lead late behind Sneaky Sunrise and suited out in trip today. Draws wide but can find his position in the long run to the first bend. Expect him to be in this for longer, one of the main chances. Zakouma was an impressive first-up winner and looks ready for the rise in grade today. He’ll go back from the outside gate and be working home late. Strong claims. Each way chances to Lario and Figlio D’argento.
Wuddzz will improve from the run today, better over more ground and on a track with some juice in it. He’s pulled out some handy fresh runs in the past, look for him to be warming up late.
Currently, Wuddzz is a $51 chance in the market.