Sandown
Race 7 – Kasami
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
1000m – Barrier 7
Resuming galloper Kasami finds a competitive sprint in benchmark-70 company at Sandown this afternoon. The six-year-old daughter of Shooting To Win has had a trio of jumpouts in preparation for her return, the latest a solid effort when finishing second in fast time at Colac a fortnight ago. Gun apprentice Celine Gaudray leaves from barrier seven and will look to find a spot with cover just behind what looks a genuine speed battle.
Speed is drawn on the inside with Face The Jury to jump fast and hold a prominent position from the outset. This galloper won two on the bounce before being pestered in the lead (that pest finished a long last) and holding on for fifth last start. She’s drawn for a favourable run and is value at an each way price here. Lady Di Di has drawn wide and is another who could roll forward early. She won her maiden easily when fresh last preparation, going on to run well in much stronger races throughout that campaign. Form around Marble Arch and Benedetta is very good for a race like this, and she shapes as hardest to beat in a hot race. Lempicka is first-up and will settle near the speed from a wide gate. She flies fresh (4:3-0-0), has jumped out soundly and expecting a forward showing today. Concede each way chances to Starlea and Squizzy Mizzy, while Prancing Queen could be the fresh legs late if the leaders overdo things up front. Tough race.
Kasami will benefit from the run today, perhaps finding a few of these too slick first-up on top of the ground. Gaudray’s 2kg claim brings her in well at the weights, and the long straight run to the home bend will give her plenty of time to find a position in the run. With even luck, she can finish in the first half of the field and collect a cheque for connections today.
Currently, Kasami is a $34 chance in the market.