Two runners head to town for midweek racing at Sandown.
Sandown
Race 3 – Harbourmaster
Jockey – Mitch Aitken
1600m – Barrier 3
Consistent galloper Harbourmaster is second-up at a mile today following a narrow second-placed effort at Mount Gambier earlier in the month. The four-year-old was given a gun run there but just couldn’t overhaul the leader, missing by a nose on the line to a conspicuously backed winner. Today the gelded son of Cable Bay strips all the fitter and is again drawn to get an ideal run just off the speed for jockey Mitch Aitken. This galloper won at Morphettville Parks second run last preparation and his fresh run suggests he’s trending in a similar way to his three-year-old campaign. Henry Dwyer has bypassed harder races this weekend in preference for today’s event, citing the track and quality of competitor as major players. This is an even field with six of the eight runners in single figures but the Dwyer runner must be front of mind if placing an investment.
Currently, Harbourmaster is a $4.80 chance in the market.
Race 5 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – John Allen
1400m – Barrier 7
Impressive debut winner Dancethenightaway jumps to benchmark-64 grade looking to go two from two for trainer Henry Dwyer. The three-year-old daughter of Highland Reel ran her maiden competitors off their legs at Kyneton last month, proving too speedy over 1469-metres. Today’s field poses a tougher assignment, but with natural improvement the Dwyer-trained filly must be considered a chance to again run into the money. In another nightmare for punters, seven of the nine runners here are in single figures and bring in formlines from many different angles. Jockey John Allen can follow a similar script to her debut run and sit up on speed around the tighter Lakeside circuit, looking to kick clear at the furlong marker. Dwyer has indicated he’d like to step his filly up in distance next tart but will be guided by today’s run as to where he heads next with her.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $5 chance in the market.