Ladbrokes Park Hillside hosts midweek racing at Melbourne this week with an eight-race program on offer. Race 1 starts at 2:30pm (AEDT), and the Quaddie starts at Race 5. The weather is fine and the track should remain Good. Champion jumper, Stern Idol returns which is a highlight and Stage ‘N” Screen will provide plenty of interest in Race after looking the goods in the Spring. My three best bets are below!
Sandown Racing Tips: Wednesday, March 26th 2025
Race 3: Sportsbet Feed Handicap - 3:40pm (AEDT)
(6) Lodbrok handled the 3000m at The Valley when 3rd last start for the Maher stable and will be fitter again here. He will go forward here and after two recent placings the stable will be wanting a victory to get reward for effort. Mark Zahra goes on for the first time and a bigger track might suit this gelding. Could lead all of the way.
(1) Highland Blaze goes up 8kg from his 9th at Morphettville last start but he is going well. This is easier and Tom Madden stays on after winning twice on top previously including one at this track.
(2) Stern Idol kicks off his program on the road to Warrnambool in May. The jumper is good enough in the flat and he will settle handy to the lead. Excellent jumper who would prefer Softer ground though.
(6) Lodbrok
$3.80 (1 Unit)
Race 5: Tile Importer Handicap - 4:50pm (AEDT)
(2) Proved is due to lose obviously after winning 5 on the bounce but she gets the nod from me again here. On Dry tracks is where she excels and she has already proven herself leading, winning rom midfield and when well back. Carleen Hefel is undefeated when on top and she stays on. Proved was wide but still won at Pakenham last start and she led all of the way on that occasion. First try at the 1400m but I can't see why she won’t run it out.
(1) Extreme Virtue is first up here and has won both jumpouts leading into this race. The Dry ground suits and she is 2 from 2 over the 1400m.
(7) Ten Deep is first up and will roll forward too but I think she is better suited on Soft ground in a few months. Linda Meech has won when on top previously though and she has to be included.
(2) Proved
$3.10 (2 Units)
Race 6: Sportsbet Get On Handicap - 5:25pm (AEDT)
(1) Stage ‘N’ Screen for Michael Walker and Logan Bates ran well at The Valley last start despite being a beaten favourite. She sat in 3rd on that occasion and she might do so again here and the extra trip to 1400m looks ideal. Before her break she was only beaten 3.5L to Another Profit, who would win this race easily. That was in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas and the Walker camp has a high opinion of this girl.
(3) Actuality is fit and classy but does need to improve. She failed in a Group 2 behind Treasurethemoment 2 starts back before dropping in class for a 5th at Pakenham last start. Reckon she is an improver here.
(6) Bronte Beach won a Cranbourne jumpout in good fashion on March 17. She is 1 from 1 first up and she is 1 from 1 over this distance.
(1) Stage ‘N’ Screen
$3.10 (2 Units)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 1, 2, 7
Leg two: 1, 3, 6
Leg three: 2, 3, 6, 13
Leg four: 5, 14
