It's a handy meeting at Sandown Park on Thursday night and it's headlined by the Free-For-All (as it typically is) – Race 7 at 8.25pm. It will only see a field of six go around but that often results in a better race with good dogs getting clear runs!
See Jason Adams' form assessment of the night's racing below.
He was solid at The Meadows in a heat of the Maturity last Saturday, beaten by a better one in Qwara Bale. When he's won recently he's gotten early room to do his thing. Although this is a small field, the pressure is going to be fierce after a few seconds. He also enjoys racing well off the rail, so is box 1 perfect? I'm not so sure.
Jax Bale (2) – Andrea Dailly ($3.60)
His finest work was on show last week. People often say his form varies, but it's very hard to maintain good results in high quality fields that he finds himself in every week. His draw is a plus, track position a plus but it's vital he's ahead of Keep It Black after a few strides.
Riccarton Rick (4) – Jimmy Redenbach ($6.50)
He had his chance from box 1 last week, didn't begin well at all and you can't give those chances in Free-For-Alls. It was his first race appearance since Speed Star so we could cut him some slack there. Speaking to his trainer Jimmy Redenbach last week, ‘Rick' is fit and ready but needs to put it all together tonight.
Providence Bale (6) – Andrea Dailly ($19)
He's just lost a little bit of polish in recent outings and just like Jax Bale, it's just a reality of being in Free-For-Alls all of the time. It's a tough gig. He's reliable and with a vacant box on his inside so we should see a typical 5.10-5.15 first split time from him.
Dr. Tucker (7) – Will McMahon ($2.70)
Wasn't he just breathtaking last week? He was near last off the mat (artificial turf in front of the boxes) but got room to burn and take off. His time wasn't elite (29.48) but it was the manner he set it in, mid-race power saw an 18.66 split to the back – that's hot. He could only be better for that run as it was his first ‘500' metre hit out for a long time. On paper he should perform in a very similar way tonight.
Ollie (8) – Kevin Quinn ($51)
After a couple of recent city wins his grade forces him into a Free-For-All. He's an honest type but we'd be stunned if he was to win a race like this.
I'm with Dr Tucker. If he can improve a shade on how he began last week then he'll trim up the 5.08 first split time that he set. Anything lower should have him leading and burning around them. Hopefully we see natural gain from last week which should have him set a better overall time.
My other fancies as heard on RSN Central's Form Express:
Race 1, Steamer Redeemer (1)
He's got a slow beginner on his outside and will get plenty of room to worth with on the rail. With that he can set a first split of 5.15 – good enough to be in a handy spot. I reckon he'll run about 29.70, it's not quick but in a Mixed 6/7 on a cold night it could be enough.
Race 6, Bounce Back (3)
He's honest! Always begins pretty well and trainer David Geall is always chasing an inside draw for him. The main dangers on his inside are Drako Bale and Mepunga Felix – he'll begin ahead of Felix but clearing Drako is the key to his race. If he does, game on!
Race 10, Collinda Patty (7)
She opened $2.30, now $1.90 and I expect she'll start much shorter. Immediately after the boxes opened she was bumped and put on the backfoot. It's a lesser field that she meets tonight and it's a small one. There's a lack of pace in the race and she should find herself in a much better spot. This is all on top of Jason Thompson having a big opinion of her!
