Sandown
Race 1 – Hot City
Jockey – John Allen
1600m – Barrier 2
Improving galloper Hot City steps out to a mile for the first time at Sandown this afternoon. The gelded son of Ilovethiscity was left flat-footed when the sprint went on over 1400-metres last start, picking up late to run into third to give every indication he’s ready for the mile today. Jockey John Allen rides from an inside draw and can settle closer to the speed off a slower tempo, able to lob one or two pairs back with cover from the outset.
Speed is drawn wide with Reactivate and Dragoon to look for the lead early, with Time To Chat likely to punch through and take a forward position into the bend. The latter gets blinkers on for the first time having gone close at her past two efforts. She looked gone in the straight here last time out before running through the line well at 1500-metres. Up in trip looks to suit and she’s one of the main hopes. Thoughtful Woman beat Time To Chat home on that occasion, despite travelling ungenerously throughout. On even terms, no reason to suggest this can’t be the case again. Dragoon finished close up to Immediacy and Boondocks at his past couple. That’s the strongest form coming in here and he’s the one to beat. Others look stretched.
Hot City was strong in the concluding stages last start and out to a mile suits at this point of his preparation. He should get a lovely run in transit, and if he can get rolling at the two-furlong point, will be hard to hold out late. Strong each way claims.
Currently, Hot City is a $6.50 chance in the market.