On The Punt: Leading Melbourne jockey Damian Lane to get the chocolates on Easter Monday

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner’s selections for Sandown on Easter Monday.

Farag cruised to victory last start at Sandown over 3000m. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner’s selections for Sandown on Easter Monday.

SANDOWN

BEST BET

FARAG

R3 No. 3 $2.40

Won four of past five starts, between 2400m and 3300m, including a 3.8 length 3000m romp last start at Sandown.

NEXT BEST

UPWOODS

R2 No. 6 $3.20

Doesn’t win out of turn – one from 12 starts but remarkably placed another 10 times. Gets chance for a deserved second win in a suitable race.

POIFECT

R6 No. 9 $3.70

Placed in a Listed race first-up last spring at 1400m. No luck second-up at 1600m and honest third-up before a spell. Has ability and jumped out well for this. Might need a bit further than 1200m but watch for her late.

VALUE BET

DAILY BUGLE

R8 No. 9 $10

Hard to back with confidence given record – won three of 35 and 15 months without success – but raced well the past two starts without the best luck in transit.

THE JOCKEY

DAMIAN LANE

UPWOODS (R2 No. 6 $3.20), FARAG (R3 No. 3 $2.40), DUAL PRESSURE (R4 No. 3 $13), FRAGILE LOVE (R6 No. 5 $3.30) and SIR KINGSFORD (R8 No. 6 $5.50)

Originally published as On The Punt: Leading Melbourne jockey Damian Lane to get the chocolates on Easter Monday