Sandown Racing Tips: Wednesday, February 9th

Tricky little opener. (5) Ocean Raider has improved nicely during his first prep and ran well behind the well backed Healing Game last start. He’s got race fitness on these and whilst no star, he’ll be hard to hold out.

(6) Forbidden City took on some Saturday races last prep although the form around them is questionable. His first up run last prep over 1200m was good and 1300m probably suits better.

Tip: (5) Ocean Raider- $2.40 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: No Bet

Another tough race with a field of 4 likely to run. (1) Morning Melody started her career with solid consecutive wins before an unlucky effort in group 3 fillies grade before a spell. Tough to get a gauge on her jumpout at Pakenham as Sartorial Splendor led and won by about 15L and everything else in behind could barely keep up.

(5) Northern Melody was disappointing last start as an even money favourite, seemingly having every chance and just plugging into 4th. She gets blinkers on first time which may be key and the first up run was solid. 

(4) No Crying chased well at Caulfield last start although she’ll be boxed in the small field which could be a bit tricky if they go slowly, which they often do in small fields. 

Tip: (5) Northern Melody- $3.30 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: 0.5 units WIN Northern Melody

With (3) Secret Glamour on top here. She came home in the fastest sectionals of the race at Caulfield in a stronger race behind Americain Angel. 1600m on the Hillside looks a nice set up for her and she’s quite well in at the weights only rising 2.5kg.

(4) Matron Bullwinkel won okay in a fast race on debut before a strong effort behind a very good horse in Green Belt. She had the right run there but is an improving type and gets McNeil in the saddle.

(1) Attractable was solid at Flemington last start over 1400m. She had every chance there in a race that didn’t change a whole lot. The two wins prior were strong on the clock and perhaps she’s now looking for the mile.

(2) Elzamee was solid Friday night chasing well. This looks a touch harder but she’s fit. 

Tip: (3) Secret Glamour- $3.10 at TAB

Betting Strategy: 1 unit WIN Secret Glamour

Siding with the fit horse here in (1) National Choice who looks ready to win now. He was unsuited last start at The Valley where the leaders got an easy time of it and zipped home. His last 200m was the 2nd fastest of the race and he’s ready for 1400m now in an easier race. He did run 3rd in a guineas prelude behind Crosshaven 3rd up two preps ago and faces a field with a few stayers first up.

(6) Inverell is the favourite and has jumped out well, getting the blinkers on first time for this first up run. He did win his maiden over this trip in nice fashion but he’s short enough first up given his only good run was in that maiden.

(5) Footlights is another in the same boat that will be better over further. He’ll need a bit of luck from the inside but should be hitting the line strongly.

Tip: (1) National Choice- $4.40 at Bet365

Betting Strategy: 1 unit WIN National Choice

(5) Island Edition had a good four run debut prep, winning by a big margin on debut over 1000m before tackling some stronger races, only beaten a length by Marine One before a spell at The Valley. He’s jumped out well enough at Pakenham and should be hard to hold out. 

(2) Along The River won well two back over 1000m before an average effort in a stronger race down the straight last time. Back to 1000m on the fresh side might be the key. 

(1) Lunar Hero is racing well and will be in this for a long way. He goes up 1kg in weight and gets Tahlia Hope replacing McNeil which isn’t ideal but he looks the leader on paper and will take running down.

(3) The Superintendent is consistent and hit the line well behind the talented Unflinching last start. 

Tip: (5) Island Edition- $3.30 at TopSport

Betting Strategy: 1 unit WIN Island Edition

(7) Raccolto looks ready to win out to 2000m. She improved nicely 2nd up and hit the line well behind Basarwa in a strong bm64. Her one go at 2000m was a solid effort in NSW but she will get back and there doesn’t look much tempo. 

(6) Race Against Time can settle handy. He was okay in a slowly run 3yo race at Flemington last start.

(4) Bring The Stars is in a similar boat. If he can land closer from barrier 1 he should run well. 

Tip: (7) Raccolto- $2.40 at Sportsbet

Betting Strategy: No Bet

(2) Ocean’s Thirteen was finally ridden to her strength last start and is now back on the radar. When let roll in front she’s a handy mare and she was only run down very late last start. She’s back against her own sex here and if they ride her correctly again she’ll be hard to run down. 

(3) Our Modena won well two back beating Yulong Code who has won since. She closed off well in a strong bm70 behind Nicolini Vito last time at 1400m and looks suited getting to the mile, where she had a good record in NZ. SHe’ll get back but with Ocean’s Thirteen hopefully setting a good tempo she should get her chance. 

(8) Honeycreeper was no match for the leader/winner last start when an easing short priced favourite, grinding away for 2nd. She stays at 1600m here and might want further now.

(1) Sweet Karolina was a touch plain last start but drops in grade and the run two back behind Stay Gold is good enough to win this. 

Backing Ocean’s Thirteen and Our Modena, slightly better result the former. 

Tip: (2) Ocean's Thirteen- $4.20 at TAB

Also Backing: (3) Our Modena- $5.00 at PlayUp

Betting Strategy: 1.75 units WIN Ocean’s Thirteen, 0.75 units WIN Our Modena

Easily the race of the day and (1) Over The Sky will take a power of beating. He ran very well first up at Caulfield, perhaps just peaking on his run very late after heading the eventual winner. He’s unbeaten when 2nd up from a spell and should appreciate Sandown. Keen on him.

(5) Show Some Decorum knuckled down very late in the same race to just claim 3rd, 2L off Over The Sky. Not sure he can turn the tables given Over The Sky was first up but he’s racing well.

(3) Pal D’oro is up in grade after a strong win at Caulfield last start. He controlled the race there and might try to lead again. 

(7) Logan Street Lion should’ve won first up and was nearly a moral beaten 2nd up but got clear late and sprinted well. He’ll need luck yet again from an inside barrier but is racing well.

Tip: (1) Over The Sky- $3.80 at Bet365

Betting Strategy: 2 units WIN Over The Sky