Kick off your Wednesday punting with our Sandown best bets, highlighting the key runners ready to make an impact.
ZAMBALES (9) looks a class above these on his best form.
The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained colt competed in four Group 1 races last preparation and was far from disgraced in the Champagne Stakes, finishing fourth, beaten 2.09 lengths.
He has trialled well since, winning a recent jump-out in heavy conditions while cruising to the line.
There looks to be enough speed to help him settle just off the leaders, and Ethan Brown should have him ready to strike in the straight.
| 9. Zambales (4) J: Ethan Brown 58kg 2954xT: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Resuming. Finished off last campaign fourth of 12 at Randwick in the G1 Champagne April 18 over 1600m, 2 len behind Fireball with 56.5kg at $11. On debut second of 9 at Randwick 2yo Hcp January 24 over 1000m, 1.4 len behind Satin Summer carrying 58kg at $3.60. Sets a strong benchmark if he’s come back well. | |||
GHANA’S KHAN (6) gets a better setup second-up.
The Ciaron Maher-trained filly covered plenty of ground first-up at Caulfield but still fought on to finish fourth, beaten 2.17 lengths.
She now meets Resolutely 2kg better at the weights and should take natural improvement from the run.
The rise to 1200m suits, with her previous preparation including a fifth in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes over this distance.
Ethan Brown goes on, and she should be able to settle closer from the draw.
| 6. Ghana’s Akan (6) J: Ethan Brown 57kg 425×4T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months sat on the speed and boxed on steadily 4th of 9 at Caulfield on July 25 over 1100m, slow going 2.25 len behind Doubt Time with 56kg at $3.90. Previously second-up 4th of 9 in the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) at Caulfield on January 24 over 1000m, 1.75 len behind Rubi’s Choice carrying 56kg at $7. Back in grade and should go close. | |||
QUEEN CHRISTINE (9) has won her past two and can make it three straight.
The Symon Wilde-trained mare led throughout last start to win by two lengths, with Linda Meech producing another terrific ride.
She was dominant at Warrnambool two starts ago, putting six lengths on her rivals in heavy conditions.
Meech is unbeaten on the mare, and the good draw should allow her to roll forward and take control again.
| 9. Queen Christine (4) J: Linda Meech 57kg 17611T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Racing well recently. Most recently favourite; won by 2 len at this track on August 2 over 1200m on a rain affected track defeating Conscience carrying 54.5kg at $2.30. The start before that favourite; won by 6 len at Warrnambool on July 23 over 1100m on a heavy track defeating Moonraker with 56.5kg at $3.80. Flying and will give a sight again. | |||
CELESTIAL ZARA (11) can go on with it after a strong return at Murtoa.
The John McArdle-trained mare settled close to the speed and kept finding to score by a neck, with six lengths back to third.
She should be fitter for that run and gets to 1400m, which suits. She won by 2.25 lengths over this distance at Geelong when second-up last preparation.
Jamie Mott should be able to give her a sweet run, and she looks a major player again.
| 11. Celestial Zara (4) J: Jamie Mott 58kg 312×1T: John Mcardle | |||
| Second-up. First-up after six months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily; won by a neck at Murtoa on July 25 over 1200m in soft going defeating Decanted with 58kg at $2.90. Previously second-up won by 2.25 len at Geelong on January 14 over 1312m defeating Russian Duchess with 56.5kg at $3. No reason she cannot get the job done again. | |||