Sandown’s Hillside circuit takes centre stage this Wednesday, featuring an eight-race line-up sure to keep punters engaged.
With the rail out and a Soft 5 rating on the cards to kick things off, expect some even contests and plenty of value to be found across the program.
There’s a chance of showers in the forecast, so it’s wise to stay alert for any late shifts in track conditions as the day unfolds.
On the hunt for a few winners? Let’s get stuck into what Sandown has lined up this Wednesday.
CRUSADER VOYAGE (8) returned in excellent shape over 1300m here last start.
The Chris Waller-trained Camelot colt finished off strongly to grab second, just 2.25 lengths away, indicating that stepping up to a mile second-up should suit perfectly.
Last campaign, he performed admirably in tougher Sydney company, including a narrow third on debut.
With not much speed expected in this race, Mark Zahra should be able to roll forward and settle in a prominent spot.
EXPANDING POWER (9) delivered an outstanding debut last start over 1208m at Moe.
The Enver Jusufovic-trained filly jumped well but had to go back from the outside gate, then charged home in the heavy going to finish just 1.25 lengths away in second.
She’ll take plenty of benefit from that experience and will strip fitter second-up.
With Craig Williams taking the ride, he should be able to settle her closer from a better draw, especially with limited early speed in the race.
EXUBERANCE (9) was last seen finishing at the rear of the field in the Listed Bendigo Guineas back in April. The Mark Walker-trained mare has been prepared for this first-up run with three jump outs, the latest of which was particularly encouraging. She was narrowly beaten when resuming last prep before going on to win impressively second-up. From the low draw, Blake Shinn should be able to give her a lovely run on speed.
BLINDEDBYTHELIGHT (11) could not have been more impressive winning first-up at Bendigo last start.
The Moody & Coleman-trained mare enjoyed a perfect run just behind the leaders before sprinting clear in the straight for a dominant four-length victory.
She’ll have taken further improvement from that outing and was narrowly beaten second-up last preparation in an eye-catching performance.
The step up in distance looks ideal, as does the prospect of a slightly drier track.
SHINY NEW DEEL (5) will relish the drop in class after a brave effort over a mile here last start.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding was made to work early from a wide barrier to find a forward spot and showed plenty of fight to finish just under a length away in third.
Although he didn’t fire over 1800m two runs back, he’s now at peak fitness and looks ready to tackle the trip again.
He’s drawn wide once more, but with Blake Shinn aboard, he should be able to find cover and settle in a good position.
BLUE HAWAIIAN (16) has been in terrific form this preparation, recording three seconds and a win from her four starts.
The Moody & Coleman-trained mare finished off strongly in heavy conditions last start over 1200m at Seymour, running 1.75 lengths second.
That race has turned out to be a strong form reference, producing two subsequent winners.
She was six weeks between runs, so she’ll strip much fitter here and looks well suited stepping up to 1300m for the first time.
OBSERVER (10) looks set for a bold first-up run after two encouraging jump outs.
Now with Ciaron Maher, the colt raced well fresh last prep, just caught on the line first-up at Pakenham before bolting in by five lengths at his second start.
As we’ve seen with many Godolphin gallopers who change stables, they often improve with a new environment.
He has the early speed for Mark Zahra to either lead or take a box seat.
OVERACTIVE (5) responded well to Blake Shinn last start, and the top jockey might finally help him break a long run of outs.
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained gelding finished off strongly after being held up, grabbing second by a length with third a further 2.5 lengths away.
He’ll appreciate the slight rise in distance and is now at peak fitness.
A genuine tempo will suit, and I’d expect him to be charging home late.