Sandown
Race 6 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – John Allen
1800m – Barrier 11
Five-year-old galloper Nishino Crescent is second-up when he heads to Sandown this afternoon. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin was wayward when resuming four weeks ago, laying in when quickening and costing himself the race when third over a mile at Seymour. Up in distance will suit today, jockey John Allen to drift back from an outside draw and enjoy a soft run from the 1800-metre start.
Early speed looks fair with Tahlequah and Jackand to roll forward from middle gates, while Aiming can boot through from the inside alley and box seat throughout. This galloper comes back a notch in grade following a solid, if unlucky, effort at The Valley when beaten a length-and-a-half by Montather. Out to 1800-metres for the first time, but must be considered a winning hope. Tahlequah is a consistent galloper and will get every chance from a forward position. She won’t mind if the rain hits and is ready to perform third-up from a spell. Maxxi Bon is shotting for a hattrick of wins since resuming, while Immediacy was an impressive debut winner at a 1500-metres three weeks ago. Both with each way claims.
Nishino Crescent will relish the rise in distance today and should get a nice cart into the race rounding the home bend. Blinkers go on, and if Allen can keep him straight in the run home, he will prove hard to beat this afternoon.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $3.90 chance in the market.