Sandown
Race 3 – Our Destrier
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1600m – Barrier 6
Six-year-old gelding Our Destrier comes back to benchmark-64 grade for a mile event at Sandown this afternoon. The son of Zoustar has been racing well in better company this preparation without troubling the scorers but will enjoy the expanses of the Hillside track here. He was very good here three starts back in a strong race and a repeat performance today will see him right there at the pointy end of proceedings. Apprentice jockey Madison Lloyd claims 2kg but he still lumps the topweight of 62kg here. This is an open event with formlines coming from everywhere. Elveena was impressive winning the Towong Cup last start after getting too far back in benchmark-70 company the start prior. Her third-up stats read three starts for two wins. She’s drawn for an ideal run and will be hard to beat. This is the easiest race Highballer has seen for some time but is yet to strike a blow on good tracks. Blinkers on suggests he’ll roll forward. Serenaur, Super Solar and Frezny Lune have all raced well in lesser grade but struggle when asked to progress. Dwyer has indicated that he’d like to get Our Destrier out beyond a mile but this race is within his capabilities. If he can find a spot with cover behind the leaders he can prove strong late and is a definite top-three contender.
Currently, Our Destrier is a $7.50 chance in the market.
Race 6 – Irish Butterfly
Jockey – Celine Gaudray
2400m – Barrier 8
In-form galloper Irish Butterfly drops significantly in grade for today’s contest at Sandown over 2400-metres. The seven-year-old gelding won in this company two starts back before a solid performance up to benchmark-78 grade at The Valley last start when only beaten two-lengths. Apprentice hoop Celine Gaudray claims 3kg off his back to offset the handicapper’s penalty, the horse appearing to be well-weighted in this class. Gaudray can look for a position outside the lead in a race that is devoid of any obvious early speed. Alchian looks the most likely to kick-up and hold a forward spot on the fence, the Dwyer runner can sit outside it throughout the run before the runs come for home. Omeo is an interesting runner, easily winning his maiden out to 2500-metres last start. This is harder but he looks promising. Young Hostess is consistent in this grade but has struggled to win this preparation. Maher/Eustace runner was well supported on his Australian debut and ran ok, he’ll relish the extra trip. Irish Butterfly is favourite in this and deservedly so. He is racing in great heart and will make his own luck up on speed. Gaudray will be conscious not to hit the lead too early on the gelding but with even luck here he should prove very hard to beat.
Currently, Irish Butterfly is a $3.70 chance in the market.