Raceday focus: Best bets, analysis for Sandown on Wednesday

The well-backed Fire is one of several top rides for Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil at Wednesday’s twilight meeting at Sandown.

The Hawkes Racing-trained Fire has trialled impressively ahead of his return to racing at Sandown on Wednesday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

Herald Sun form analyst Brad Waters runs the rule over Wednesday’s meeting at Sandown.

BEST BET

FIRE (Race 4 No.5 – $2.15)

Fire showed plenty of potential last time in and has trialled impressively in Sydney leading up to his return. Expecting him to resume a winner.

NEXT BEST

CONVICT SAM (Race 3 No.2 – $3.90)

Convict Sam ran on well when beaten less than a length in Saturday grade at Flemington last start. He has had five weeks between runs as he prepares for 2400m. He’ll run well again.

JENNI ESPRIT (Race 6 No.6 – $5)

Jenni Esprit got up narrowly in a small field at Sale but that was on heavy ground. She’ll be much better back on top of the ground at Sandown and can handle her next step up in grade.

A fresh Bellinger is capable of bouncing back to winning ways for trainers Ben and JD Hayes at Sandown on Wednesday. Picture: Racing Photos via Getty Images

VALUE BET

BELLINGER (Race 7 No.3 – $9)

The consistent Bellinger wasn’t far away again on the Lakeside track last start and has been freshened since. He’s a Sandown winner and should get every chance from barrier five.

THE JOCKEY

JYE MCNEIL

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil has picked up a strong book of seven rides at Sandown. STAVANGER (Race 1 No.8 – $9), OCEAN RAIDER (Raced 2 No.7 – $11), MILETUS (Race 3 No.4 – $7), FIRE (Race 4 No.5 – $2.15), GLAMOUR AND GLORY (Race 5 No.7 – $8.50), JENNI ESPRIT (Race 6 No.6 – $5), BEEHUNTER (Race 8 No.4 – $4.60).

THE WEEK AHEAD

Kilmore races during the day before Pakenham holds Thursday night’s meeting. The Valley races on Friday night after a Sale meeting during the day. The Blue Diamond Stakes meeting takes centre stage at Caulfield on Saturday while Yarra Valley and Dederang (picnic) also race. Ballarat will be the scene of Sunday’s sole meeting.