Sandown takes centre stage again this Wednesday with a cracking eight-race program set to light up the midweek.
There’s a stack of quality on show, with a handful of short-priced favourites stepping out as they build towards bigger targets later in the Melbourne Autumn Carnival. That includes our Best Bet in Race 5, coming out of the Charlotte Littlefield yard.
For full analysis and selections across the entire card, dive into our complete Sandown Preview below.
POLITELY DUN (2) drops back to midweek company after turning in a pair of solid efforts at Flemington.
The Danny O’Brien-trained gelding has been knocking on the door without breaking through, sticking on well along the inside when stepping up in trip a fortnight ago to finish just over a length from Dictionary.
He looks set to enjoy another economical run from a favourable draw and brings a fitness edge into this, with Jordan Childs sticking solid in the saddle.
| 2. Politely Dun (3) J: Jordan Childs 61kg 80244T: Danny O’brien |
THE BENCHMARK (5) shapes as a promising type for the Michael Mehegan stable.
The Frosted three-year-old caught the eye at Pakenham last time out, charging home strongly after covering a bit of extra ground in transit and flashing late to finish within three-quarters of a length of the winner.
He was only just getting into his stride over the final stages and with a much kinder draw this time, the step up in trip looks ideal for further improvement.
| 5. The Benchmark (4) J: Lachlan Neindorf 58kg 2T: Michael Mehegan |
This shapes as a thin affair, which should play right into the hands of ENCHANTED JENNI (1) returning from a short break.
Lucy Yeoman’s mare has been kept fresh with six weeks between runs after a strong effort on the Caulfield Heath, where she charged home from a four-wide position to finish second over the mile.
The big weight is the obvious query, but with several rivals rising sharply in grade, she profiles as the runner to beat – especially given her recent hat-trick of wins, which kicked off right here over the track and trip.
| 1. Enchanted Jenni (2) J: Beau Mertens 61kg 11152T: Lucy Yeomans |
HEADBANGER (9) returns from a short freshen-up still chasing her maiden win, but there’s plenty to like about what she’s shown so far.
The Grahame Begg-trained filly has hinted at ability across her three career starts, highlighted by a strong debut second at Hawkesbury where she nearly led all the way.
She was just as solid at Cranbourne last month, working through traffic from midfield to hold on well for third behind Jewel Bandit, with that form reading even better since.
The key pointer is her recent jump-out win, where she flew the gates and quickly put a gap on her rivals. On the back of that, she looks primed to return in top order and run a bold race fresh.
| 9. Headbanger (6) J: Jordan Childs 56kg 2×73T: Grahame Begg |
YES WE ARE (3) shapes as a four-year-old with plenty of upside.
The Yes Yes Yes gelding has been ultra-consistent to date, finding the money in all five career starts and returning from a break with authority at Sale a few weeks ago, scoring by a neat two-length margin.
He’s got a sharp turn of foot when asked and carries 60kg again with Brad Rawiller staying aboard from another ideal draw. If they’re within striking distance at the right time, expect him to be charging late.
| 3. Yes We Are (1) J: Brad Rawiller 60kg 213×1T: Charlotte Littlefield |
BOLD STRIKE (2) steps out over further second-up and profiles as a major improver for the Ciaron Maher yard.
He missed the kick badly over 1200m here a few weeks back and was left with plenty to do, but still powered up along the inside, accelerating sharply and hitting the line strongly.
The extra ground is exactly what he’s been crying out for and the rise to 1400m looks ideal. From a soft draw, he should enjoy a perfect run in transit and if he jumps cleanly this time, he’ll be very hard to beat.
| 2. Bold Strike (2) J: Robert Whearty 59kg 524×3T: Ciaron Maher |
JAMESJOHNO (1) lines up second-up after another honest fresh effort when finishing third at Stawell.
The Archie Alexander-trained gelding was put under pressure a fair way from home, but stuck on gamely under strong riding to find the line and collect a cheque.
He’ll take plenty of benefit from that run after a long spell and, as a proven track-and-distance winner with a senior rider engaged this time, he shapes as a genuine threat to the favourite.
| 1. Jamesjohno (2) J: Jordan Childs 59.5kg 221×3T: Archie Alexander |
MR BANNOCK (7) caught the eye when sent out at big odds first-up at Geelong, charging home down the outside to grab second after covering plenty of extra ground.
He returns to Sandown 2kg lighter, with his previous visit here best forgiven after things went awry last June when he faded out late and finished near the tail.
The Camelot four-year-old still has plenty of upside coming off such a long layoff and looks to have come back in terrific order as he continues to stretch out in trip.
While 1800m is likely short of his absolute best, a soft draw and the addition of an experienced rider should see him build nicely on what was a very encouraging return.
| 7. Mr Bannock (5) J: Daniel Stackhouse 57kg 219×2T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes |