Sandown
Race 2 – Dancethenightaway
Jockey – Madison Lloyd
1600m – Barrier 4
Highland Reel filly Dancethenightaway returns to the grass today in a competitive mile event at Sandown. Henry Dwyer’s three-year-old was very good from a hopeless position on the synthetic last start, making many lengths in the home straight behind an all-the-way winner in a fast-run race. Jockey Madison Lloyd can settle closer in the run from a good draw today, finding a position one or two pairs back with cover throughout the run.
Kandyan and Fine Rebel will push forward from opposite ends of the machine, while Spirit Dancer will keep them honest from a middle barrier. This trio will ensure a genuine tempo early and should provide Lloyd the chance to slot in and enjoy a soft run in transit. Even race with plenty of hopes, starting with Wonderwall who was given no chance in a solid form race last start. She was posted wide and entitled to drop out (which she did) at this track a fortnight ago, but on the strength of her maiden win prior should be considered a winning hope today. The Devil In Her won her maiden easily two starts back then was competitive at this level last time out. She’ll get a long way back and is a query on top of the ground, but everything suggests she’ll be running on late. Concede chances to Kandyan, who has had four starts and is yet to put in a bad one, and Lady Beryl who’s still a maiden, but the run behind So Sleek last start is a good reference.
Dancethenightaway will have a tactical advantage on a few of the main hopes if she can jump cleanly and land in a forward spot. She’s fit and has the ability to win a race like this. Lloyd’s 2kg claim has her in well against a few key rivals and an improving surface will only enhance her chances. She’s in with a genuine each way chance.
Currently, Dancethenightaway is a $13 chance in the market.