The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Matt Stewart gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Sandown Lakeside meeting

HERALD Sun racing writer Matt Stewart previews the nine-race Sandown card and suggests punters focus on Mr Individual in the sixth race.

Matt Stewart is leaning towards Angelology in the Australian Steeplechase because of his capabilities in the wet. Picture: Emma Brasier

HERALD Sun racing writer Matt Stewart previews the nine-race Sandown card and suggests punters focus on Mr Individual in the sixth race.

HOT TIPS: WEEKEND BEST BETS

BEAT THE BOOKIE: VALUE BETS

RACE ONE

ON face value it’s hard to justify but I’m tipping ARCH FIRE (1) to turn the tables on GINGERBOY (3), who has been beating Arch Fire by big margins over the hurdles. There are a handful of key factors in Arch Fire’s favour, most notably the significant weight turn around on recent clashes. Arch Fire is small, so it’s important. Suspect also that Arch Fire might be open to more fitness and he swims. Either way, there won’t be as much between them as recent starts. No other chances. Maybe improving I’LL’AVA’ALF (6) for third.

SUGGESTED BET: Exacta 1 — 3.

RACE TWO

Likely wet track makes this tricky. Pedigrees might count for something. PREEMPTIVE (4) has had seven chances to win but he was very strong to the line in good race last start and has won a trial on heavy and run well on soft. Value chance. RIDGWAY (8) has been super at the trials, including on wet ground. Will be well found in betting. VIOLATE (5) was a strong on-pace winner on debut and can measure up. ROCK GISELLE (12) did enough on debut to suggest competitive here. Lots of other chances of course.

SUGGESTED BET: Each-way No 4.

RACE THREE

HE’S not unbeatable but MASTER OF ARTS (2) looks the one. Weir stayers simply keep winning, simple as that. Handles wet and dry, was comfortable Bool Cup winner, he’s in the zone. Irresistible. Reckon BAJOUR (7) is ready for a peak run although the wet some query. MANHATTAN BOSS (10) ran cheekily on-pace in the SA Derby and is the up and comer. FOUR CARAT (6) is going OK and handles soft. If Betty Windsor’s erratic import BOLD SNIPER (1) put in he’d be some chance. COOLDINI (4), GOLDEN MANE (5), SPUR ON GOLD (8) and SAN PADRE (11) some chance.

SUGGESTED BET: Nil.

RACE FOUR

Paddy Payne reckons ANGELOLOGY (6) was underdone when surprisingly beaten by HUCKNALL (10) at Ballarat last start. They are the key chances but slight leaning to Angelology, who is capable on wet. KING TRITON (4) is always reliable in these big steeplechases and swims. WELLS (1) won this plus the GN Steeplechase last year and is going well enough to be a chance again. YOLANDA BE COOL (12) best roughie.

SUGGESTED BET: No 6 the win.

RACE FIVE

Utter nightmare. Throw a dart. Might be best to search for value and RAPOSO (2) seems over the odds. Has terrific finish, well drawn and handles slow ground. CORAM (10) is deadset ready to win but untried on heavy. Like his barrier. ELLE EXCITE (15) worked home strongly first-up and is a winner on heavy. BABY DON’T CRY (18) has touch of class and one of many ready to win. Next best CAPRESE (9), FACE FORWARD (16) and HEZA RIPPER (20).

SUGGESTED BET: Each-way No 2.

RACE SIX

MR INDIVIDUAL (1) is the best horse, just a matter of him finding his form and handling the soft. Forget down track effort first-up in SA when luckless. TANGO ROCK (11) is looking for this trip and most Kent horses are super fit and handle soft. DIVINE MR ARTIE (2) hasn’t seen soft but is flying this prep. Ditto NUDIERUDIE (3) and REGAZZO DEL CORSA (9). LORD TENNYSON (8) is a heavy track winner.

SUGGESTED BET: Each-way No 1.

Indarra looks decent each-way value at the weekend. Picture: Colleen Petch

RACE SEVEN

Another nightmare. At odds a bit keen on INDARRA (3) and STREET SPUN (10). Indarra is untried on wet but is a genuine stayer who will be strong late in testing conditions. Street Spun comes off an SA Oaks campaign and will also be strong. LAWQA (1) and GINGIE (2) are flying and tip themselves but you could make a case for another half dozen.

SUGGESTED BET: Each-way No. 3.

RACE EIGHT

Tipping a big quaddie. This is also tricky. Most obvious are KENJORWOOD (2), who has been freshened off flat run, and GUEST OF HONOUR (3), who never wins but is deadset ready. Can make cases at odds for FRESHWATER STORM (11), who was excellent at odds last start, ONPICALO (10), NOZOMI (12) and MOONOVERMANHATTAN (9), who is suited on soft. No knock on LORD DURANTE (8), PETROLOGY (6) and LONGHERON (7).

SUGGESTED BET: Maybe 11 each-way.

RACE NINE

Suspect track will be paddock by the last. NIMINYPIMINY (13) handles wet better than most and is going OK. SPREADEAGLED (7) not really known on wet but will be strong late, as will DEL PRADO (1). SHOW A STAR (6) is flying and if they’re winning on pace, will be a chance. HERE TO THERE (4) and JAPHILS (12) will also run well on-pace.

SUGGESTED BET: Each-way No 13.

BEST BET

MR INDIVIDUAL (Race 6, No 1)

EARLY QUADDIE

4,5,8,12/2/1,4,6,10,12/2,9,10,15,16,18,20/

VALUE BET

INDARRA (Race 7, No 3)

BIG SIX

1,4,6,10,12/2,9,10,15,16,18,20/1,2,3,11/1,2,3,10/2,3,11,12/1,4,6,7,12,13

QUADDIE

1,2,3,11/1,2,3,10/2,3,11,12/1,4,6,7,12,13

Originally published as The Early Oil: Herald Sun racing writer Matt Stewart gives his extended preview of Saturday’s Sandown Lakeside meeting