Sandown racing form and free selections, Wednesday December 7
MIDWEEK racing continues at Sandown this Wednesday with a quality eight-race card which features some rising stars of the turf.
One of the feature races of the day is the Up For The Challenge Handicap which includes talented import Plein Ciel for Darren Weir which impressed plenty of punters last time out.
That’s the quality on track at Sandown this Wednesday so sign up to CrownBet.com.au and take advantage of its Wednesday racing bonus bet deal.
Race 1 – The Cove Hotel Handicap (1400m)
American Rush was a quality winner at Seymour last start where it won as the short-priced favourite. The Hayes/Dabernig-trained filly is bred to improve with racing and it will appreciate rising back up in distance to the 1400m.
Zolani didn’t quite fire at Moonee Valley last start, but this looks a touch easier and its form prior looks good. The Ciaron Maher-trained filly was a winner on debut at Echuca by 3.25 lengths and it was only narrowly beaten second up at Swan Hill. It looks the horse to beat if it bounces back.
Race 1 tip: Zolani to win ($3.80) at CrownBet.com.au
Race 2 – Argyle Maintenance Plate (1300m)
Fast Tycoon has more experience than most in this field with four starts. The Hayes/Dabernig-trained gelding has finished second at its last two starts which included a narrow placing behind Power Up Rise at Moonee Valley last start. It looked a touch unlucky to not win and it should get a great chance of breaking maidens in this.
Misty Sea has improved in two runs to date and trainer Darren Weir will likely have it firing for this. The Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock-owned colt finished fourth on debut before running third at Kyneton behind a nice type last start. It should be at each way odds for this and it should run well.
Race 2 tip: Fast Tycoon to win at Sportsbet.com.au
Race 3 – Hyland Race Colours Plate (1400m)
Run For Raffin hasn’t done much wrong in five career starts. The five-year-old gelding has finished second in four of its five starts and its only failure came on a slow track at Moe. It ran 2.75 lengths behind a nice type in Adalita last start and that form should hold up well for this. Michael Walker will need to find a spot from barrier 11, but it shouldn’t be ruled out.
There’s no doubting the form of Craig Williams at the moment and he rides Astley here. The John O’Shea-trained colt by Exceed And Excel hasn’t lived up to expectations, but a much better effort is expected at midweek level. It has placings behind the likes of Mandee and Tiffany’s Lass which have both performed well at the Metropolitan level. Looks tough to beat.
Race 3 tip: Astley to win at Bet365.com
Race 4 – Quayclean Handicap (2400m)
Red Sensation broke through for an overdue win last start and it looks the type to continue on with it now. The Darren Weir-trained gelding scored a 1.75-length win where it ran as the $2.20 favourite, but punters are getting a better price here. It’s currently on the second line of betting at $3.80 and it should run accordingly.
Adam O’Neill lines up the current $3.60 favourite Desert Samurai which has mixed form. The five-year-old ran sixth in the Bendigo Cup which is incredibly strong form for midweek level. It then ran second at Bendigo in a rating 64-grade race and getting back to that distance will bring it into contention. There’s no doubting its ability, but the win rate of two from 23 starts is a concern.
Race 4 tip: Red Sensation to win ($3.80) at Sportsbet.com.au
Race 5 – Up For The Challenge Handicap (1400m)
Plein Ciel is a German-bred horse for Darren Weir which won in fine style last start. The son of Mamool had two overseas starts for two placings before leaving the opposition in its wake on November 17. It has the right connections to continue progressing through the grades and it brings a fair amount of class to this field at midweek level.
Comeback could provide a threat to the favourite if it brings its best. The Shane Fliedner-trained gelding won at Mildura before taking on a tough field at Caulfield where it ran better than expected. It finished fifth at odds of $31 and it backed that up with a solid showing last start. It could sit on the pace and kick strongly in the straight.
Race 5 tip: Plein Ciel to win at CrownBet.com.au
Race 6 – Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1300m)
Gingie is fresh up for trainer Nikki Burke and although this distance might be a touch short, its form is strong enough. The four-year-old mare finished sixth behind Daniela Rosa at Sale last start which is strong form and its form prior included wins at Sandown and Caulfield. It looks a strong chance at $15 to feature in the placings.
Lasayette gives Darren Weir another strong winning chance after it looked the goods last start. It won by 3.25 lengths over Kilowatt which has subsequently won and the winner of two from six starts looks likely to continue its rise through the grades. $3.60 on offer with bookmakers is a fair price.
Race 6 tip: Gingie to place ($4.40) at CrownBet.com.au
Race 7 – Yarramalong Racing Club Handicap (1600m)
Oncidium Ruler is fresh up for Mick Kent and it has been well-fancied in the betting. The five-year-old opened at $2.90 after it showed plenty of ability last campaign and despite the weight of 59kg, it should be tough to beat. It was good enough to run second behind O’lonera at Caulfield two back which looks strong form for this level.
Four-year-old On Wings is a last start winner for Darren Weir which scored a handy one-length victory at Ballarat. The son of Medaglia D’Oro has form around the likes of Hursley and Music To Midnight, which is why punters have backed it into second favouritism at $3.80. Expect that price to settle around the $4 mark come race day.
Race 7 tip: Oncidium Ruler to win ($2.90) at WilliamHill.com.au
Race 8 – Thebigscreencompany.com.au Handicap (1800m)
Mount Omei is a quality runner for Chris Waller which was strong when finishing second last time out. The four-year-old by Fastnet Rock finished a nose behind I’ll Fly Away at Moonee Valley and arguably it should have won. It looks a strong hope in this and despite opening at $2.90, its odds have drifted out to $3.20 which is good value.
Sweet Melody opened at $3.90 and has drifted to $4.80, but punters should include it in their bets. The Weir-trained runner won fresh up this campaign before running back-to-back placings and it won’t have to improve much to figure in the finish.
Race 8 tip: Mount Omei to win ($3.20) at CrownBet.com.au