The HDR stable has one runner tonight in IRISH BUTTERFLY at Sandown
Sandown – Good (4)
The Hillside track is one of the fairest in the state with a lovely, long home straight and a generous run from the 1800m start into the home bend. The track has come up a Good 4 after the track received 6mm of irrigation and nearly 4mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. That little bit of rainfall should really help ensure the surface is relatively even. The rail is out in the 9m spot and once it gets out here at Hillside it certainly brings those outer lanes into play. The forecast is for light winds that won’t have an impact on racing. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
Race 7 (6:30 pm) Ladbrokes Blended Bets Handicap 1800m
No.8 IRISH BUTTERFLY – Blaike McDougall (Barrier 9)
IRISH BUTTERLY (9) heads to Sandown on Wednesday where he’ll contest an 1800m BM78 (Race 7, 6.30pm). The son of O’Reily has drawn gate nine and Blaike McDougall rides.
IRISH BUTTERFLY continues to have his races spaced and he comes into this with the blinkers off and winkers on. He got back and was forced very wide at Caulfield last time out – so wide in fact he was off camera for much of the straight. The second horse in that race (Hassletoff) was actually back with him on the point of the home bend but instead of coursing a wide path, he saved ground back to the inside. He had no luck at Flemington two back and his performance at the same track over 1800m three back rated right up there with the career peaks of his rivals today. Provided horses can make ground then Hillside and the wide draw provide IRISH BUTTERFLY with a great opportunity to get back and wind up down the long home straight. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
This looks like a really good chance for IRISH BUTTERFLY to get back into the winner’s circle. Originally a field of 10 with the scratchings it becomes an eight horse field, both these have benefitted us and will allow from the widest gate to settle in behind the speed and be hitting the line strong. Hopefully today can be the day where he sparks his winning ways again for the team and can continue on this preparation. (Stable)
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $5 (as at 3 pm)