Melbourne racing this Wednesday heads to Sandown Hillside for an eight-race card, where the track is rated Soft6 as of Monday night. Weather is fine for Tuesday and Wednesday so perhaps we can get into the Good4 range.
Check out Adam Page’s best bets for Sandown below, and be sure to head over to our Racing Tips page, for more free tips from the key meets this week.
Sandown Hillside Racing Tips: Wednesday June 18th 2024
Race 5: Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives 74 Handicap 2400m - 2.45pm AEST
I'll start this preview by saying I found it very tough to sort out with confidence so I am going to try and find value later in the card, starting here and going each way via (13) Duke Of Hastings. He ran over 2100m on the Lakeside track last time where he got back off the speed and seemed full of running but was in restricted room and didn't really get a chance to build the revs under a quiet ride from Harry Coffey. Gets an upgrade with Dan Stackhouse, 2400m is fine, maps to stalk...think he only runs well.
(1) Mathew is a progressive stayer for Patrick Payne that is heading in the right direction and comes here off a win, which was an absolute romp at Cranbourne where the late market push towards him was quite telling and #They got it spot on. He made a mess of them and was strong to/through the line, suggesting 2400m is fine, in the right camp, hard to beat.
(2) Goldenstatewarrior has that sense of timing, upside and has the Chris Waller polish. Just struggled on the bog two back during the Warrnambool Carnival before going to the race mentioned above that Duke Of Hastings contested. He got into a dream spot under Zahra before angling into clear and drove hard late to finish best. 2400m is the query, but off a win, he has to be respected.
(13) Duke Of Hastings E/W
$26/$6.50 (0.5U/1U)
Race 6: Sportsbet Bet With Mates 70 Handicap 1500m - 3.20pm AEST
I must be missing something with (3) Star Vega being near $15 in early betting. He is a Saturday class horse when at his best and I think he has returned really well. Resumed in a strong race at Bendigo where it was pretty much another barrier trial for him, getting badly held up out the back but was good late when eventually clear. Fitter and up in trip, if he can use the inside gate to advantage and settle closer, gee I think he'll run a big race.
(1) Nation's Call was formerly with Dermot Weld in Ireland but has been strong in two runs down under for Griffiths/De Kock. Just missed out on the win fresh at Sale before going to Pakenham where he led throughout and yes, on speed is no disadvantage there, but he still made a mess of them. Harder here, but good racing style and upside, he is clearly hard to beat. Just a bit too short.
(6) Run Naan is flying for Vinnie Hall and has earned a crack at midweek metro grade. Two on the bounce for this rising nine-year-old gelding, both at Mornington, two back over 1500m before letting down with purpose to win over the mile at the Kings Birthday public holiday meeting. Harder here, but in well after the claim and given the form he is in, I think he's in with a shout.
(3) Star Vega E/W
$14/$3.70 (1U/2U)
Race 8: Sportsbet Same Race Multi 70 Handicap 1300m - 4.30pm AEST
Last time (3) William Thomas won, I think Moses was parting the sea, but I feel he is sneaky flying this horse and back to this level, I reckon he's a big price. Ran just under two weeks ago down the straight at Flemington where he was tardy away, got too far back and although he did make up ground, he was never a factor. Drops big time in depth, he's in a new stable, astute stable, and although drawn awkward, he will be strong late. Hoping he gets a drag into the race.
(12) Rhapsody Chic looks to have returned in beast mode for Team Freedman. This mare resumed at Seymour where she gave them a start and a beating, launching late from near last on the turn to let down with real purpose and record a big win. If Shinn can bounce her out and use the inside gate to advantage, she'll take beating against these.
(8) Noble Conqueror has found winning form and he can certainly go on with it. Chris Waller trained gelding that found a very thin race at Sale last time and duly saluted, getting the suck run in transit near the speed and he got better as the race went on to win and win well. The gate is very tricky for him but if he can get cover, or a drag into the race, he is good enough to threaten.
(3) William Thomas E/W
$21/$5.50 (0.5U/1U)
