The HDR stable has one runner today in BUDD FOX at Sandown
Sandown – Good (4)
This is the first meeting on the Sandown Lakeside track since February 2 so the inside section in the straight and around the home bend will be fresh ground. The Lakeside track is the inner of the two circuits at Sandown, featuring a shorter 400m home straight than the roomier Hillside layout. With relatively fine weather forecast the track may well be upgraded at some point during the afternoon. With light winds and fresh ground on the inside around Lakeside I’d expect those on speed to have an edge. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
Race 3 (1:35 pm) Ladbroke It! Handicap 3000m
No.1 BUDD FOX – Damian Thornton (Barrier 4)
BUDD FOX (4) heads to Sandown on Wednesday where he will contest a 3000m BM78 (Race 3, 1.,35pm). He has drawn gate four and Damien Thornton will ride.
BUDD FOX was able to win a very similar 3000m race here at Sandown back on March 9 when taking off down the back straight to get up outside the speed before proving too strong in the straight. He meets the horses that finished 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th behind him again here today, notably giving second-placed CONVICT SAM (2) 2.5kg which will make the task for BUDD FOX tougher. He’s a ripper out at these 3000m trips having won two from five and while he hasn’t been seen for nearly a month, a jump-out and steeple trial will ensure he isn’t want for fitness at the end of the race. From gate five he should get a nice trail in the race and he only needs to hold his form to figure in the finish. (Form Analyst Matt Welsh)
It is well known that BUDD FOX is heading towards some big jumps goals this preparation, but that doesn’t deter from the fact that today’s flat run is a winnable race. Coming off a last-start win over the track and distance, and a superb jumping trial at Warrnambool last week, the gelding comes into this run with picture-perfect fitness. The team are super happy with where BUDD FOX is at and thinks he is a genuine chance here.
TAB WIN Fixed Odds – $4 (as at 1 pm)