On The Punt: Sandown-Hillside tips for Wednesday, featuring $19 value bet

A $19 each way special headlines Wednesday’s best bets for Sandown-Hillside, where another gelding also gets the perfect chance to break through for a much-deserved victory.

Big Me (inside, blue cap with pompom) just fails to hold out Cavallo Rampante at Moonee Valley on August 10. He can made amends at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday. Picture: Reg Ryan / Racing Photos

News Corp Australia’s Editorial Director for Racing and Wagering, Daniel Sankey, analyses the nine-race card at Sandown-Hillside on Wednesday.

For expert tips from Racenet’s stable of form students, go to our Premium Tips section after scratchings on race day.

• Melbourne Cup nominations: Record entries from Chris Waller

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BEST BET
BIG ME (Race 9 No.14 – $3.40)
Has been terrific in two Australian runs since returning from Hong Kong. Should get a lovely run behind the pace and with extra fitness plus Blake Shinn on board, this looks his race.

NEXT BEST
SUNSET DREAMING (Race 8 No.12 – $3.60)
Love the step up to 1300m third-up from a spell for this lightly-raced mare. Not beaten far in a stronger race at Caulfield last time out and with blinkers on today, can settle much closer in the run.

BRILLIANT VENTURE (Race 3 No.2 – $7.50)
Relying on Daniel Stackhouse to overcome a sticky gate but recent form is more than good enough to win this. Three wins this trip, including at this track, and crying out for a dry surface.

VALUE BET
AWAPUNI PRINCESS (Race 4 No.1 – $19)
Looked to have plenty to offer when held up behind runners at a key moment last time out. Firm surface, good barrier and jockey’s 3kg claim are all big positives. Nice each-way play.

THE JOCKEY
MARK ZAHRA
The Melbourne Cup-winning hoop has a terrific chance of riding multiple winners. GIDDY UP WARRIOR (Race 1 No.4 – $2.50), KALKALLO (Race 2 No.1 – $2.70), PHARARI (Race 5 No.3 – $1.75), KAHHOF (Race 8 No.15 – $6), ZULFIQAR (Race 9 No.2 – $15).