The HDR stable has two runners tonight in IRISH BUTTERFLY and LAMPKIN LANE at Sandown
Sandown – Good (4)
Sandown is rated a Good 4 and with fine weather forecast it should get an upgrade to a Good 3 at some point during the afternoon. Racing is on the Hillside track with the rail going back to the true position having been out 13m the last time we raced here. With plenty of fresh ground nearer the inside expect the track to race perfectly – Hillside has a lovely, long 490m home straight that gives all horses a chance.(Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
Race 2 (3:05 pm) Ladbrokes Switch Plate 1300m
No.5 LAMPKIN LANE – John Allen (Barrier 2)
LAMPKIN LANE (2) heads to Sandown on Wednesday to make his debut in a 1300m Maiden (Race 2, 3.05pm). He has drawn gate two and John Allen will take the ride.
LAMPKIN LANE is bred to get out over a little bit of ground being a son of Savabeel and this 1300m looks a nice kick off point to his career. He wore the blinkers in his most recent Ararat jump-out and was given a really solid test up on speed before tiring late while his jump-out at Colac looked a touch plain when finishing out the back. One positive on Wednesday is he should get a nice run up near the speed from a good gate. From a punting perspective I would’ve liked to see a little more from his work leading into this debut but getting straight to 1300m on a big track are ticks. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $13 (as at 3 pm)
Race 6 (5:25 pm) The Big Screen Company Handicap 1800m
No.7 IRISH BUTTERFLY – Damian Thornton (Barrier 3)
IRISH BUTTERFLY (3) heads to Sandown on Wednesday where he will contest an 1800m BM78 (Race 6, 5.25pm). He has drawn gate three and Damien Thornton will take the ride.
Most recently, IRISH BUTTERFLY was really forced to work in the mid-stages of the race at this track and trip after getting back to last in the early stages. He was badly held up at the top of the straight which cost him significant ground and with clear running he could well have challenged first and second. From a soft gate, I’d love to see him slightly more forward in the run as it does look like it might turn into a sit-sprint, but irrespective of his settling position he’s a strong winning hope. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $4 (as at 3 pm)