Black-type racing makes a return to Sandown this Sunday, June 2 with the Listed Sandown Cup headlining Australian Hurdle & Steeplechase Day.
A share in $125,000 is up for grabs in both the Australian Steeplechase and the Hurdle over 3900m, and we look to have a fine day of racing on the cards with the track currently rated a Good 4.
For thoughts on every race across the program, check out our preview below!
Donegal is a lightly-raced filly for Team Hayes that has claims coming back to compete at BM70 level off a good break..
The three-year-old by American Pharaoh strung together two strong wins to kick-start her career, the latter coming first-up over the 1300m trip here on the Hillside track where she narrowly defeated Knucklebones – who has since gone on to win at Cranbourne.
She was outclassed up to Group 3 level a month later and only warmed to the task over much further here back in March.
Kept fresh and likely to appreciate the step back to 1200m, an improved performance is on the cards.
Bell Ex One on top narrowly in the first jumps race.
This smart six-year-old hasn’t been seen since the Grand Annual early last month where he spotted Count Zero 3kg but still managed to go within a quarter of a length of the boil-over 31-1 winner.
Enormous step back in trip from 5500m and although he’ll carry top weight, he does draw a handy gate with a solid record over the hurdles to his name.
Superstock is worth a look each-way with Craig Williams sticking in the irons.
A four-year-old out of Tavistock, this proven four-year-old has improved with racing since resuming in March, last seen finishing third over the mile on the Hillside track where he was strong all the way through the line.
One of his two wins came over a very similar trip at The Valley last August where he let down with a powerful turn of foot from a similar gate.
Hard fit and back on a dry track, he should run nicely.
Affluential is absolutely airborne right now for trainer John Leek.
The five-year-old is unbeaten in two starts over the jumps, putting together a tidy record of four straight wins since resuming in a maiden hurdle contest at Pakenham earlier in April.
How he handles a firmer track is the big query, but after winning with real authority back to 2700m at Werribee last start, the rise in distance can only be seen as a plus.
Very wary of Port Guillaume third-up and out over further.
It’s going on close to a year since the Hayes-trained seven-year-old tasted a win, but he should find this a touch easier after taking on Stakes company at Flemington two weeks ago where he found excuses from a very awkward gate.
His previous effort at the ‘Bool in the Galleywood first-up was solid and he does get in well at the weights carrying just 65kg.
Looks a likely improver with a win third-up on the board.
Let’sbefrankbaby is a clear on top selection for mine in this year’s Sandown Cup.
The Frankel mare has some nice form around The Map when finishing just over half a length off in the Andrew Ramsden two weeks ago over shorter.
Her previous win over 2400m at Caulfield was full of merit, and I think her latest effort will have topped off her nicely ahead of Craig Williams’ first attempt in the saddle.
Drawn well and in nicely at the weights, she should take a power of beating deep into her prep.
Keen to see what Elouyou can produce from an ideal gate third-up.
Scott Cameron’s gelding has been super genuine in both runs back, overcoming a slightly wide ride in transit on the Hillside track three weeks ago where was beaten a quarter-of-a-length by The Open.
I thought she battled on bravely after initially weakening at the 200m mark, a run she can only improve on if she can settle handy to the speed.
Keen on Seb Song at an each-way price.
This six-year-old son of Sebring gave a nice sight off a lengthy spell at Caulfield three weeks ago, hitting the line hard to finish two lengths off He’s Beset in a similar contest over 1400m.
Second-up, he’s missed the money only once from four attempts and is also proven here at Sandown with a win over shorter to his name a couple of years ago.
Kept on the fresh side and likely to get right back in the run from the soft gate, I think he’s a much better chance than the odds suggest.