Racing returns to Sandown Hillside this Saturday with a strong winter card set to test both horses and punters.
The track is expected to play in the soft range, and with the rail out 6m, early positioning could prove crucial.
With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned gallopers across the program, it’s shaping up to be a day full of betting opportunities and tactical contests.
No fluff, no fence-sitting. I’ve done the deep dive into the Sandown Hillside form for Saturday and landed on my best bets for each race.
Let’s get this bread.
Race 1 (11:55AM AEST): 2YO Open Handicap (1000 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 4 Yolo
Yolo (4) appreciated returning to Victoria after a fruitless preparation in Sydney earlier this year.
The Ciaron Maher-trained I Am Invincible colt led over 1000m at Pakenham last start before bursting clear in the final furlong to win by two lengths.
While this is a rise in class, he looked to have some substance about him this time in work and he’ll strip fitter second-up.
On fire jockey Ben Allen remains in the irons.
Race 2 (12:25PM AEST): 3YO Fillies BM70 Handicap (1300 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 5 Terilee
Terilee (5) impressed on debut when letting down strongly in the final furlong to win by three lengths over 1200m at Caulfield.
Unfortunately, not a lot has gone right for the Michael Kent-trained filly since.
Two starts ago, she looked to have plenty to offer but was held up for the entirety of the Caulfield straight over 1400m.
Last start over 1400m here, the jockey went forward from the outside gate only to drag her to the back after 300m but to her credit she hit the line hard to finish second.
She should be able to settle closer in this drop in class which will make her hard to hold out.
Race 3 (1:00PM AEST): 3YO Open Handicap (1400 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 8 Ahha Ahha
Ahha Ahha (8) gave them a galloping lesson when winning over this course and distance last start.
The Clinton McDonald-trained filly settled handy before dashing clear to win by three lengths.
That was against her own sex and she now takes on the boys as well, but she drops 5.5kg and will carry just 52kg after Logan Bates’ claim.
She’s drawn to get a beautiful run.
Race 4 (1:35PM AEST): BM74 Handicap (1400 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 3 Dirty Grin
Dirty Grin (3) has been racing in red hot form this preparation with three wins and two placings from five starts.
The Nick Ryan-trained gelding will appreciate the drop in class after storming home from the back to miss the win by a nose over 1200m at Caulfield last start.
He’s at peak fitness now and should enjoy the rise to 1400m.
Given he rises in weight, Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim is a big plus and the apprentice should be able to give his mount a great run just off the speed.
Race 5 (2:10PM AEST): Fillies & Mares BM74 Handicap (1600 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 11 Suances
Suances (11) won her maiden Yarra Glen four starts ago and has taken massive strides since.
The Moody & Coleman-trained mare proved that last start over this course and distance when taken back from the wide gate and savaging the line despite being held to win by a nose.
She’ll appreciate the drop in class and while she rises in weight, she’ll carry the very manageable impost of 55kg after Luke Cartwright’s claim.
She should be able to settle in a prominent position.
Race 6 (2:45PM AEST): BM78 Handicap (1600 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 5 Roadcone
Roadcone (5) has gone to another level this preparation and is looking for his third win in a row.
The Moody & Coleman-trained gave them a galloping lesson two starts ago when bolting in by 4.5 lengths over 1400m at Pakenham before leading all the way over this course and distance last start for an easy 2.3 length victory.
He’s down in class but up in weight so Luke Cartwright’s 3kg claim comes in handy.
There looks to be good speed in the race so Cartwright can either lead or take a sit if it’s hot from the good barrier.
Race 7 (3:25PM AEST): Open Handicap (1800 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 6 Milford
Milford (6) has run better in his two starts this preparation than what the form guide would suggest.
The Team Hayes-trained gelding worked home well over the unsuitable 1400m trip first-up at Caulfield.
Last start he looked to have plenty to offer over 1600m, but was held up and didn’t appreciate racing in close quarters on the inside.
The blinkers go on and he’ll appreciate the rise in distance as well as being able to get clear air in the straight.
Race 8 (4:05PM AEST): BM84 Handicap (1000 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 13 Manolo Bling
Manolo Bling (13) returns to the races following a seven-week let-up after leading and being run down for fourth in the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes at Morphettville.
The start prior she controlled the race in front when winning over 1100m at Bendigo first-up.
She does her best racing when fresh and warmed up for this with a slick piece of work in a jump out.
Tom Prebble, who claims 2kg, will go forward and give plenty of cheek.
Race 9 (4:35PM AEST): Open Handicap (1400 METRES)
Race Starts in: Race Finished
No. 12 Hughes
Hughes (12) has risen to the occasion with every step in class he’s been asked to take.
The Gavin Bedggood-trained gelding won over 1400m at Cranbourne four starts ago before finding the line well to go back-to-back at Caulfield.
He was very good two starts ago despite being caught wide and bounced back to winning form last start when storming home over this course and distance to win by 1.3 lengths in his best performance to date.
Logan Bates rode in each of those wins and with his claim Hughes will carry just 52kg.
Tips, recommendations and commentary are for entertainment only. All prices are Fixed win odds. We provide no warranty about accuracy or completeness. You should make your own assessment before placing a bet. Odds are correct as of 12/07/2025 10:27:57pm AEST and subject to change.