Sandown Hillside
Race 8 – Nishino Crescent
Jockey – Declan Bates
1800m – Barrier 7
Last start winner Nishino Crescent is second-up when he heads to Sandown this afternoon. The gelded son of Satono Aladdin was an impressive winner when fresh at Geelong a fortnight ago, running on from the tail off a slow speed to record what was a soft win in the end. Jockey Declan Bates keeps the ride and can find cover from a middle draw, not wanting to let the leaders get too far ahead with the rail a long way out the entire circuit.
Speed is just okay, expecting Morryl Moral and Magarten to roll forward from ideal barriers, while Bon Appetit can punch through from the inside and look to hold the front throughout. Hard to knock the win of Half Yours at Cranbourne last start, rounding the field on the home bend and romping in by six lengths. That win made it two from two this preparation, but dry ground at this stage of the day the concern. Does look the one to beat. Moya Lass has had a freshen-up since a sound effort in Saturday grade six weeks ago. She was within two lengths of Electric Impulse that day, who has come out and won impressively since. Each way claims. So too The Englishman, who brings solid New South Wales form with him. Tricky draw but no surprise to see him around the mark. Morryl Moral next best, though question marks over the Adelaide form.
Nishino Crescent has been kept fresh for today’s race, where he will be suited up in trip. He rises in grade for today’s race, but the six-year-old boasts a win and two placings from three second-up attempts, and does draw for a nice run in transit. He’ll appreciate a drying track, and on best form must be considered an each way chance in a good race.
Currently, Nishino Crescent is a $14 chance in the market.