The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Sandown Hillside meeting
THE wait is over. He’s back. Herald Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley returns and suggests punters keep their powder dry until late in the day.
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THE wait is over. He’s back. Herald Sun’s leading form analyst Michael Manley returns and suggests punters keep their powder dry until late in the day.
Michael is leaning towards Ruettiger as his best for the afternoon, but you’ll have to wait until the ninth and final race. He reckons A Lotta Love looms as another solid option in the seventh race.
Race 1: Ladbrokes.com.au Handicap (1300m)
SHOKO (6) won trial impressively at Cranbourne recently. She’s a well bred filly being by Sebring and is a half sister to Mimi Lebrock. Morgan/Widdison stable often unveil a smart two year old at this time of the year. KENEDNA (1) led throughout when successful at Geelong at her second start. MONTOYA’S SECRET (2) was beaten by a smart filly in Sebring Dream last start at Flemington over 1400m. Drops back 100m. BAY HARMONY (3) is racing consistently and won in determined fashion at Pakenham.
Suggested bet: Shoko the win.
Race 2: Ladbrokes Park Handicap (1500m)
YELLEN (3) resumed with excellent run at Cranbourne running on from last to finish second. Has two wins from three starts second up. Should be able to take up a handier position. The two mares who will carry 51 kilos after three kilos claims CLEMENCY (7) and TESTABILITY (10) both are promising mares who will race forward and be hard to get past. NIMINYPIMINY (5) raced handy last week at Sandown Lakeside and fought in quite well for fourth to Spreadeagled. MA JONES (4) ran on well to win at Bendigo last week. HOLY COW (2) has struck form but drops back in distance after Adelaide 2000m placing. DIG A PONY (1) has claims.
Suggested bet: Yellen each-way.
Race 3: Ladbrokes Mega Margin Handicap (1600m)
ATLANTIC CITY (7) had a tough run last start at Flemington as he had to work in the early stages from barrier 10 and was left vulnerable in the closing stages and then battled on well for fourth behind Loyalty Man. Has barrier two and Oliver goes on. REZAK (1) ran on strongly to win over 1600m at Sandown Lakeside last start. DIVINE MR ARTIE (2) is racing in great fashion. Came from a long way back last week with Tango Rock and was just beaten in the final stride. LES DARCI (8) ran on well in Adelaide last start in the Port Adelaide Guineas to finish fourth. WAR LEGEND (4) finished third in the same race and then finished fourth in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes. EL GRECO (3) has claims.
Suggested bet: Atlantic City each-way.
Race 4: Ladbrokes Bet Better Handicap (1800m)
LONGERON (4) was held up at a crucial stage last week at Sandown so run can be forgiven. He won’t have to contend with as much early speed as he did last week. Will work forward and is a winner this track and distance. SYSMO (2) battled on well at Caulfield last start and Tony McEvoy has taken the cross over noseband and tongue tie off. TURNITAROUND (1) has lived up to his name winning his past three starts. Up five kilos on Flemington win. EXTRA NOBLE (6) was disappointing at Flemington last start.
Suggested bet: Longeron the win.
Race 5: Ladbrokes Handicap (1000m)
Open race. With TOOTHLESS (6) in they will go at a cracking pace. PILLY’S WISH (4) has been disappointing at her last two starts but better suited with the sting out of the track and also 1000m. SECRET BLEND (8) hasn’t finished further back than fifth in 14 starts. Should take up a handy on speed position. KLISHINA (2) found the track too firm when she resumed at Flemington when beaten less than four lengths by Supido. Boasts strong formlines over 1000m. CHIAVARI (9) was run down by WORLD OF HOPE (15) at Cranbourne last start. HOTEL SIERRA (7) and STINGRAY (5) next best.
Suggested bet: Pilly’s Wish each-way.
Race 6: Ladbrokes Live Play Handicap (1600m)
DISTANT ROCK (11) has been racing consistently. Close-up last start behind Mihany at Flemington when fourth. Winner only start at this track. Lightly raced LEONFORTE (13) finished off nicely for second to Show A Star at Caulfield when he resumed. Might have more upside than his rivals. Stablemate SCHERZOSO (6) came from a mile back to win first-up over 1400m at Flemington. ROYAL RAPTURE (3) battled on well for placing behind Jimando at Flemington last start over 1400m. AURUM SPIRIT (8) is maintaining his form. Flew home for third behind Mihany last start.
Suggested bet: Distant Rock each-way.
Race 7: Ladbrokes Odds Boost Handicap (1300m)
A LOTTA LOVE (5) was run down in the closing stages when placed at Group 3 level in Adelaide last start. Had little luck at Caulfield at her previous start. FORGERESS (8) is an underrated mare. Gave away a big start in same race in Adelaide last start when midfield. Drops down to 52 kilos after three kilos claim for Jess Payne. KHUTULUN (6) has won two races at this track and finished on nicely for first-up third at Caulfield. KANSAS SUNFLOWER (10) is racing consistently and drops six kilos on her last start second at Geelong Synthetic. NOELA’S CHOICE (7) struggled at her last start in the Wangoom but is much better than that and won’t know herself with 52.5kg. LITEN PRINCESA (11) has talent and JAPHILS (9) from barrier one will give a great sight.
Suggested bet: A Lotta Love the win.
Race 8: Ladbrokes Cash In Handicap (1300m)
JALAN JALAN (3) didn’t show her usual early speed in Adelaide last start which trainer Colin Little said happened because he wanted her to run in ear muffs and she became too relaxed. She then finished off nicely. Ear muffs are removed for this run. She finished second to Miss Promiscuity at Caulfield before that which underlines her class. ODYSSEY MOON (1) rocketed home for third to Nautical in the Straight Six at Flemington. SOOBOOG (2) will find this easier than the Goodwood where he finished midfield. BATTLECAMP (11) is a lightly raced galloper with a stack of potential. BASSETT (4) is better than his last start failure suggests.
Suggested bet: Jalan Jalan the win.
Race 9: Ladbrokes Infohub Handicap (1300m)
RUETTIGER (12) should now be ready to win. Came from well back for second to the smart Illustrious Lad in Adelaide last start. Third placegetter Casino Wizard has since won. DUKE OF BRUNSWICK (5) finished fourth in the same race tiring in the last 200m. Likes it wet. BELESRON (6) resumed from a spell with good third at Caulfield behind Olivier and is a winner this circuit.
RAPOSO (11) showed plenty of talent last winter. Didn’t fire at Warrnambool but has since won a Tatura trial. CELERITAS (8) had a good last campaign when she stuck to sprinting.
Suggested bet: Ruettiger the win.
Originally published as The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Michael Manley gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Sandown Hillside meeting
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