Sandown Lakeside hosts an eight-race meeting on Wednesday, with the track rated a Soft 7.
Wind and rain are expected on race day, so the track conditions should remain rain affected.
The rail is positioned 6m out for most of the circuit before returning to the true position from the 400m to the winning post. Runners with the ability to handle the surface and hold a position may be advantaged.
The speed map and early positioning will be important factors in assessing the card. Our race analysis focuses on the key runners, main winning chances and betting opportunities.
Here is the race-by-race preview for Sandown Lakeside.
SAPPHIRE SIREN (4) resumes without a public jump-out but has a sound first-up profile.
The Bill Papazaharoudakis-trained mare won by 1.5 lengths when returning over 1200m at Pakenham last preparation after closing strongly from the back of the field.
She has also shown she can handle a staying trip, having easily accounted for her rivals over 2100m at Sandown at the end of her previous preparation.
The mile should not present a concern, and she maps to take up a forward position for Teo Nugent.
| 4. Sapphire Siren (5) J: Teo Nugent 59.5kg x131xT: Bill Papazaharoudakis |
ZAMBALES (9) brings a strong class profile to this Maiden after competing in four Group 1 races last preparation.
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained colt last raced in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes, where he finished fourth, beaten 2.09 lengths.
He has since trialled well, cruising to the line in heavy conditions to win a recent jump-out with something in reserve.
The likely tempo should assist his chances, and Ethan Brown can settle just behind the leaders from the draw.
| 9. Zambales (4) J: Ethan Brown 58kg 2954xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman |
GHANA’S AKAN (6) was competitive when resuming over 1100m at Caulfield.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly covered ground throughout, racing three and four wide, but still fought on to finish fourth, beaten 2.17 lengths.
She now meets Resolutely, who finished second in that race, 2kg better at the weights.
Her second-up fitness should be an advantage, while the rise to 1200m is suitable, given she finished fifth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes over this distance last preparation.
Ethan Brown takes over from the apprentice and should be able to settle her close to the pace.
| 6. Ghana’s Akan (6) J: Ethan Brown 57kg 425×4T: Ciaron Maher |
GIGGENBACH (2) raced over this course and distance for the first time last start and gave a good account of himself.
The Price & Kent Jnr-trained mare settled a long way back before finding the line well to finish 1.15 lengths fourth.
She’ll strip fitter and was only beaten a neck in her previous third-up race.
She once again draws wide but we have Blake Shinn to navigate.
| 2. Giggenbach (10) J: Blake Shinn 59kg x9634T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr |
PARVATI PARTY (7) has been given time since her strong performance in the Deane Lester Flemington Cup.
The Lucy Yeomans-trained mare finished fourth, beaten a neck, and was only narrowly denied after racing consistently throughout.
Her previous win came over 2125m at Sandown, where she handled a wet surface and scored by three-quarters of a length, with almost three lengths back to third.
She has won two of five starts on heavy ground, which is an important reference for Wednesday.
Caitlin Hollowood retains the ride and claims 3kg.
| 7. Parvati Party (6) J: Caitlin Hollowood 57kg 16414T: Lucy Yeomans |
KILLENAULE (15) produced an encouraging first-up run over 1500m on the Hillside track.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding drew wide and settled back before working home strongly in heavy conditions. He was one of the runners to make ground against the pattern, but fitness gave out late and he finished second, beaten three-quarters of a length.
He should improve with that run under his belt and has a relevant second-up reference, having won by 3.5 lengths over this distance at Ballarat last preparation.
With several runners likely to press forward, the expected tempo should assist his closing style.
| 15. Killenaule (7) J: John Allen 58kg 618×2T: Ciaron Maher |
QUEEN CHRISTINE (9) is chasing a third consecutive win and returns to the Lakeside circuit.
The Symon Wilde-trained mare led throughout last start and scored by two lengths after receiving a well-judged ride from Linda Meech.
She was even more dominant two starts ago at Warrnambool, winning by six lengths on heavy ground.
Meech remains unbeaten aboard the mare, and the good draw should allow them to adopt familiar tactics.
| 9. Queen Christine (4) J: Linda Meech 57kg 17611T: Symon Wilde |
CELESTIAL ZARA (11) resumed with a narrow win over 1200m at Murtoa and should improve with that run.
The John McArdle-trained mare settled close to the pace and finished well to score by a neck, with six lengths separating third.
The rise to 1400m is suitable. She won second-up over this distance at Geelong last preparation, scoring by 2.25 lengths.
From the draw, Jamie Mott should be able to give her a comfortable run near the speed.
| 11. Celestial Zara (4) J: Jamie Mott 58kg 312×1T: John Mcardle |