Raceday focus: Sandown Hillside tips, odds and race-by-race analysis

Form analyst Brad Waters says Milton Park can win again to kickstart a tough quaddie at Sandown Hillside. Plus, Gilbert Gardiner’s top picks.

Damien Oliver and Picarones salute on Boxing Day. Picture: Getty Images

Herald Sun racing writer Gilbert Gardiner gives his best plays for Saturday’s Sandown Hillside meeting, plus form analyst Brad Waters race-by-race analysis and quaddie strategy.

BEST BET

QUANTUM MECHANIC (R5, No.2)

Eye-catching run last start when third at Flemington and probably should have won. Ticks all the boxes. Great draw, third up and Jamie Kah sticks.

NEXT BEST

DOUBLE YOU TEE (R4, No.3)

Bursting to win a race and extra trip looks perfect after surging late last start to grab second behind impressive Patrick Payne stablemate Defibrillate.

FUNDRAISER (R7, No.4)

The Helmet gelding has three on the bounce and despite giving four kilograms to favourite Grinzinger Allee should be hardest to beat. Loads of upside and winner at Sandown Hillside two starts back.

VALUE BET

PROPELLE (R9, No.7)

Always around the mark and has won previously first up from a break. Tricky race with lots of chances but the shortcourse specialist should be hitting the line strongly.

QUADZILLA WITH BRAD WATERS

LEG 1 - RACE 6

The bookend legs of Saturday’s Sandown quaddie look the hardest of the four. The first leg has nine runners but at least five of those are winning chances. MILTON PARK (1) is the top pick after his strong Flemington win first-up while STILL BE FRIENDS (3) could control the race from the front. BELLA TIARA (4) will be running on late while DUKE OF NEWORLEANS (7) is worth another chance after his third at Sandown last time. PIG IN MUD (8) is an improving type that could add value. It might bite me but left out MISS DIVINE EM (2) purely because of the fact her three wins have been on soft tracks.

1ST LEG: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8

LEG 2 - RACE 7

Reasonably confident of landing this leg in four picks with two of the eight runners being hurdlers starting their campaigns, another having his second run for more than 18 months and another winning only one race in the last 2½ years. Having said that, there’s not much between the four picks – RULE THE WORLD (3), FUNDRAISER (4), GRINZINGER ALLEE (5) and CAFFREY (8). All could win without surprising.

2ND LEG: 3, 4, 5, 8

Rule The World (left) holds off Grinzinger Allee at Caulfield. Picture: Getty Images

LEG 3 - RACE 8

The third leg is only a Benchmark 70 race but it’s a competitive affair that requires at least five picks to cover all bases. WAR CRITIC (10) is the top pick after his last-start win but HEART OF PUISSANCE (2) is a talented type resuming. ARCTIC SHOCK (6) showed she was nearing a win last time out after two luckless runs to start her campaign while KING MAGNUS (3) is racing in terrific fashion. WHITTINGTON STONE (11) will go forward and could be hard to run down.

3RD LEG: 2, 3, 6, 10, 11

LEG 4 - RACE 9

The last is possibly the hardest race but I’m only going with the three picks, leaving out a couple that many others might have put in for economic reasons. PROPELLE (7) is a 1000m specialist that is always competitive in this class and FINE DANE (1) will find this an easier assignment than his last outing at Caulfield. IDIDITFORLOVE (3) has built a good record and should go in.

4TH LEG: 1, 7, 13

SANDOWN

Race 6: 1, 3, 4, 7, 8

Race 7: 3, 4, 5, 8

Race 8: 2, 3, 6, 10, 11

Race 9: 1, 3, 7

$100 flexi for 33.3 per cent

SKINNY QUADDIE

Race 6: 1, 3, 4

Race 7: 4, 5

Race 8: 2, 10

Race 9: 1, 13

$100 flexi for 33.3 per cent 416%

Milton Park is coming off a strong win at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

BRAD’S RACE-BY-RACE ANALYSIS

BEST BET

PICARONES (Race 1, No. 1)

VALUE BET

GALGANI (Race 5, No. 7)

EARLY QUADDIE

1, 3, 4, 6/3, 4, 5, 8/2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8/1, 2, 3, 7, 9

$100 flexi for 20.83 per cent

BIG6

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8/1, 2, 3, 7, 9/1, 3, 4, 8/4, 5/2, 3, 6, 10/1, 7, 13

$100 flexi for 3.47 per cent

RACE 1: 12.55PM LADBROKES SWITCH HANDICAP (1300m)

Two-year-old race to start an interesting card at Sandow on Saturday. Liked the way PICARONES (1) went about her business on debut at Caulfield on Boxing Day, finishing strongly to score and the 1300m will be no problem for her. SUNFALL (2) stuck on gamely behind Picarones at Caulfield and won’t be far away again at his third start. ARTORIUS (3) was outsprinted in soft ground on debut but will improve significantly on firmer footing at Sandown. SHADOWHEART (5) trialled well when close-up at Werribee in the lead-up to this and he’ll perform well for the Danny O’Brien stable. Keep an eye on the betting for a lead on the other unraced runners.

SUGGESTED BET: Picarones to win

TAB MARKET MOVER: Artorius $7 – $4.40

RACE 2: 1.30PM THOROUGHBRED CLUB HANDICAP (1300m)

The meeting’s Benchmark 64 contest is one of the harder races of the day to pick with not much between the first six or seven in betting. Going with IRISH BUTTERFLY (4) after his solid first-up run at Warrnambool on New Year’s Eve. He was well-backed on that occasion, which is a pointer the lightly raced five-year-old has returned in great order. JIMENEZ (6) continues to race well, sticking on well behind Zac De Boss at Caulfield last time out, and he’ll give them something to chase again. MONSTERS INC (3) has raced consistently this time in and should be thereabouts again here. EXETER (1) did enough first-up down the straight at Flemington to warrant consideration in a tricky race.

SUGGESTED BET: Irish Butterfly to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Irish Butterfly $5 – $4

RACE 3: 2.05PM LADBROKES BACK YOURSELF HANDICAP (1300m)

Another 1300m race to continue proceedings at Sandown, which should suit IMPERIAL LAD (5) second-up. He raced on the pace and was too strong on the Lakeside course first-up and is a winner over this trip. Barrier one and Mark Zahra going aboard are also in his favour. RUN TO PERFECTION (4) has shown small glimpses of talent since arriving in Australia and his first-up effort behind Riding The Wave at Flemington was promising. INDISPENSABLE (3) is racing in great form with three wins in a row and must be respected. KINGSHEIR (8) resumes in Melbourne after competing well in Sydney last time in. Watch the market on him.

SUGGESTED BET: Imperial Lad to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Second Slip $4.80 – $4.60

Cranbourne trainer Nikki Burke will run the consistent Galgani at Sandown. Picture: AAP

RACE 4: 2.40PM CLANBROOKE RACING HANDICAP (2400m)

SAINT EUSTACE (8) continues to race in great heart with another placing in the Bagot Handicap last time out and gets his chance to notch a deserved win on Saturday. He drops in class and gets in with only 52kg after the claim for in-form apprentice Will Price. MOSH MUSIC (2) was disappointing at Flemington but is worth another chance. DOUBLE YOU TEE (3) is always competitive at this level and should be around the mark. STARS OF CARRUM (6) was solid second-up over 2000m at Flemington and is worth considering over this longer trip.

SUGGESTED BET: Saint Eustace to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Nil.

RACE 5: 3.20PM LADBROKES EASY FORM HANDICAP (1600m)

Happy to have something on the consistent GALGANI (7) at the generous price in this even affair. She worked her way to town with good wins in easier races before producing a solid effort in town on January 2. Damien Oliver sticks with her, which is a good sign. LADY D’ORO (3) has run on well at her last few outings and will be around the mark again. QUANTUM MECHANIC (2) got home hard at Flemington and will enjoy the open spaces at Sandown. INTELLECTIVE (1) was as strong winner on the Lakeside track last time out and that form stood up when Prism won on Wednesday.

SUGGESTED BET: Galgani each-way.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Quantum Mechanic $2.80 – $2.50

RACE 6: 4PM TILE IMPORTER HANDICAP (1400m)

The first leg of the quaddie is a competitive three-year-old affair with plenty of chances but sticking with MILTON PARK (1) after his first-up win at Flemington. He quickened well to post an emphatic win there and he’ll only be improved for that. BELLA TIARA (4) ran on hard to score at Caulfield on January 2 and will be at peak fitness for three runs this time in. STILL BE FRIENDS (3) has been up a while but continues to race honestly and will be on the pace for a long way. PIG IN MUD (8) broke his maiden well in soft ground second-up and could continue to improve. DUKE OF NEWORLEANS (7) is also a chance.

SUGGESTED BET: Milton Park to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Milton Park $5 – $4.60

War Critic can notch another win for jockey Jamie Kah and trainers Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra at Sandown.

RACE 7: 4.40PM LADBROKES ODDS BOOST HANDICAP (1500M)

This eight-horse field provides an interesting mix of hard-fit horses and some still working up to full fitness. Going with the hard-fit FUNDRAISER (4) to win again after a fighting win at Flemington on New Year’s Day. GRINZINGER ALLEE (5) was bloused on the line when resuming and will only be fitter for that effort. CAFFREY (8) went down narrowly to Fundraiser at Flemington and will be hard to run down on the speed. RULE THE WORLD (3) backs up from a game effort last Saturday and should run well.

SUGGESTED BET: Fundraiser to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Grinzinger Allee $2.80 – $2.60

RACE 8: 5.20PM MRC MEMBERS HANDICAP (1500m)

WAR CRITIC (10) has produced two terrific efforts on the Lakeside circuit this time in but will enjoy to bigger Hillside course third-up. He raced on the pace to win second-up and that form stood up when Yukon scored at The Valley. War Critic can measure up to this. HEART OF PUISSANCE (2) resumes with blinkers off for this and watch for him running on late. ARCTIC SHOCK (6) went close with better luck third-up and will be around the mark here. KING MAGNUS (2) continues to race well and must be considered.

SUGGESTED BET: War Critic to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Heart Of Puissance $3.20 – $2.80

RACE 9: 5:55PM THE BIG SCREEN COMPANY HANDICAP (1000m)

The biggest field of the day will line up in the last at Sandown, which means there will be plenty of pace on. FLOSTAR (13) could be a big improver after getting back in a race dominated by the speed Miss Albania at Caulfield. She drops 3.5kg on that outing. FINE DANE (1) enjoys the short course and hasn’t been far from the handy Sword Of Mercy at his last two runs. PROPELLE (7) races best at the 1000m trip and is always competitive at this level. NOT ENOUGH EFFORT (5) raced near the lead and battled on well first-up. He’ll be fitter for this.

SUGGESTED BET: Flostar to win.

TAB MARKET MOVER: Ididitforlove $8 – $6.50

ADAM’S PUNTING A-LIST

TAB punting supremo Adam Hamilton casts his eyes over the weekend’s premier meetings at Moonee Valley, Royal Randwick and harness racing’s Ballarat Cup meeting.

BEST BET

BANDERSNATCH

(Randwick R8 No. 8)

BEST VALUE

LUISELLI

(Moonee Valley R7 No. 9)

LAY OF THE WEEK

VIRIDINE

(Moonee Valley R4 No. 3)

ADAM’S ANALYSIS

FRIDAY

MOONEE VALLEY

CHANDLER MACLEOD VOBIS GOLD (1200M)

RACE 7, 9.30PM

Good, strong race with plenty of depth so I’m looking for value.

Sure Zesty Belle will take some beating, but going with the lightly-raced Luiselli to turn the tables on their last-start clash at Flemington.

Luiselli was given a couple of confidence-boosting winter wins and then put out for a break by Team Hawkes. Think she’s got some serious upside.

Really caught the eye first-up when she finished strongly late for fifth to Zesty Belle.

She’s sure to be fitter, won second-up last campaign and will relish the extra 100m. It’s also worth noting she stuck to task well at her only try at The Valley when fourth at just her second career run.

Zesty Belle has returned in great style and is the main danger again, while Amalfa Spritz could be the X-factor.

TIP: LUISELLI EACH-WAY

LATEST MARKET: TAB FIXED ODDS

SATURDAY

ROYAL RANDWICK

CARRINGTON STAKES (1400M)

RACE 8, 5PM

Plenty of history to this race. The wonderful At Sea won it three consecutive times (1985-87) and, more recently, when perennial bridesmaid Tom Melbourne won it in 2019 it was the only win in the last 44 starts of his career (he ran 14 seconds in that time).

Bandersnatch has always shown great promise and is now starting to deliver.

He recorded the day’s fastest last 600m last start when just missing King Of Hastings, who then ran very well in MM Sprint on the Gold Coast, third was Big Parade who was coming off a dominant win.

Love the fact he drops to 54kg here and has drawn perfectly.

Bandersnatch hasn’t won at Randwick yet, but loves the track as evidenced by his three runs there netting three seconds — two of them very narrow defeats.

The dangers are Chat, who covered ground last time and still ran very well behind the flying Eleven Eleven, and Order Again, who was an excellent winner fresh on heavy ground.

TIP: BANDERSNATCH WIN

Sundons Courage made an immediate impact on the scene when he took out the Vicbred Super Series (2YO Trotting Colts & Geldings) Final. Can the veteran do it again?

BALLARAT HARNESS 

COCHRAN TROTTERS CUP (2200M)

RACE 6, 8.31PM

Hope we can play-up some of our thoroughbred winnings at this ripper Ballarat Cup harness card.

Australia’s pacer Lochinvar Art is the headline act in the Ballarat Cup, but we can’t make money on him at $1.25.

Veteran trotter Sundons Courage looks the value bet of the night

It’s a hot race featuring some of Australia’s best trotters and he’s only won one of his past 22 starts, but some of his runs have been outstanding.

He gave star trotter McLovin a huge start at the 800m last week at Shepparton and kept closing right to the line for a ripper second.

This time he’s drawn to use his early speed and race much closer to the speed.

TIP: SUNDONS COURAGE WIN

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