Happy Zipping Classic Day!
We'll be on a good track at Sandown today for a cracking 10-race card on the Hillside course.
The rail is in the true position and the track should play fairly.
Race 1
Three horses are having their second career starts but it’s the unraced types that provide us with the lead in the market.
Brazen Boy is a $2.4 favourite after a booming trial in Adelaide. Horrific unders.
Love the jump outs of Forbes. The Freedman stable won this race last year with Hanseatic and he might be one to look at going into the Blue Diamond next year.
As for the rest, Sunfall is big odds and will likely get a nice run midfield and Anamoe is the pick of the horses who have already had a start.
Suggested bet: No bet. Sit and watch.
Race 2
La Mexicana has the runs on the board but she’s hard in the market and no value at $2.5.
Hindaam returned to form with a smart win at Bendigo last start and has to be a winning hope.
Star of Uma brings the Adelaide form line and Damian Lane takes the ride.
Tough to suggest anything aside from the three above.
Suggested bet: No bet. Another sit and watch race.
Race 3
Kemalpasa returned to the winners list after triumphing at Flemington. He comes to Sandown and steps to 1300m for the first time in his career which is a bit of a query but he’s drawn beautifully.
Wild Vixen is racing in good form and will be the danger to the favourite as will Blazejowski.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 4
Keep an eye on the betting for Prophet’s Thumb. There was some money around for her before she got scratched at the barriers at Flemington. If she has come through that unscathed she’ll be a big improver here.
Express Pass is a good horse. He’s drawn a little bit awkwardly here and might be caught wide with no cover.
Tavisan will go well fresh and maps to either lead or sit outside lead.
Suggested bet: Prophet’s Thumb each-way.
Race 5
Looks a race in three here.
Tough to knock the win of Kenya at Mornington when first-up off a spell where he absolutely bolted in.
Buffalo River went way too hard in front leading the field in the Group 1 Cantala at Flemington. He maps favourably here but that run might have just about cooked him.
Junipal was an emergency in the Cantala and failed to gain a start. Was a bit disappointing in the Toorak Handicap when he was well backed. If the top two picks cut up each other he’ll be the one storming home over the top.
Suggested bet: No bet.
Race 6
Aysar has panels on this lot. The only query is whether or not he might be at the end of preparation given he’s been up for a little while.
Sweet Reply looks to be the weak link in the market. Comes out of what looks to be a fairly meek form race, despite having not much luck in the run she’s going to have to produce something special to bet the favourite.
Valanetti looks a nice progressive filly. She kept grinding away to the line to breakthrough for her first career win. Huge odds here but can fill a place.
Suggested bet: No value in this race. No bet.
Race 7
Miami Bound comes into this race after finishing midfield in the Melbourne Cup. This is a much easier assignment and she’s drawn to get a lovely run. Any rain will help her chances even more.
Sin To Win was very good when breaking his losing streak last start. However, couldn’t suggest backing him at the $3.8 quote.
Carif and Etah James are the next best and it’s hard to suggest any of the others in this race, who, on paper, look clearly outclassed.
Suggested bet: Miami Bound win.
Race 8
Brimham Rocks was brave in defeat behind Ashrun and Sound last start. Gets a more favourable set up and he’s nice each-way odds here.
Avilius will clearly be tough to beat despite finishing second last in the Melbourne Cup. He hasn’t won in a long time but gets his chance to win the in the twilight of his career.
Sound gets the golden switch here. Inside barrier to outside barrier. He’s always to stop and start in his last three starts. Finally gets the chance to build up his momentum without being halted.
Suggested bet: Brimham Rocks each-way.
Race 9
West Wind has notched together three wins in a row and maps nicely here. Should bounce to the front and try to lead from start to finish.
Homesman was super disappointing last start behind the smart Purple Sector. He had an easy time in front and failed to fire a shot. He can definitely improve here.
Pacodali is one from one at the track and distance and comes up double figure odds.
Pappalino is an intriguing runner from overseas. This is his first-up run in Australia. Look out for him to be hitting the line late in the race.
Suggested bet: West Wind each-way, Pappalino small each-way.
Race 10
Tricky Gal on top here. Brings a completely different form line to this race than the mares that have been running around in Melbourne.
Akari was heavily backed start and didn't have much luck. She’ll need more luck from barrier one but she’s double figure odds and happy to take those odds each-way to see if she can overcome the inside gate.
Game of Thorns ran well for the new stable last start. Damien Oliver stays aboard which is always a positive lead.
Suggested bet: Small each-way Akari.
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