Fire up your Sunday punting with our Sandown best bets, highlighting the key runners on Grand National Hurdle Day who are ready to help you end the week right.
SPLIT (1) was strong winning the Coleraine Hurdle last start, leading throughout and holding them off to score by 0.75 lengths.
His jumps record now stands at two wins and a second from three starts, so he has clearly taken to this caper.
The Patrick Payne-trained gelding beat Flashlight there, who had defeated Morryl Moral at his previous start.
Will Gordon sticks and he looks likely to control the race in front.
| 1. Split (5) J: Will Gordon 70.5kg 75×31T: Patrick Payne | |||
| Third-up today. Resuming raced on speed throughout then finished third of 8 runners at Casterton Bm62 on July 5 over 2000m, on a wet track; 6 len behind Shamex with 63kg at $8.50. Last start won by 0.8 len Coleraine Hdle on July 19 over 3300m slow track defeating Flashlight carrying 71kg at $2.70 in a jumps. Progressing well this campaign. Looks very hard to beat on his recent strong form. | |||
ANDY WIN (1) was below his best at Hamilton last start when second beaten 7 lengths, but he has been kept ticking over with a recent Coleraine steeple trial.
His jumps form this preparation has otherwise been excellent, winning three in a row before that defeat.
The Symon Wilde-trained gelding has built a strong profile over the obstacles, with three wins and two seconds from five jumps starts.
He gets another heavy track here, which is right to his liking.
| 1. Andy Win (2) J: Tom Ryan 68kg 12112T: Shane Jackson | |||
| Impressive in recent runs. Last run finished second in a small field at Hamilton Hdle-Swp on July 12 over 3400m, on rain affected going; 7 len behind The Cunning Fox with 68kg at $2.40. The run before favourite; ran on from midfield to post a big 11 len win. Warrnambool Hdle-Qlty on June 28 over 3200m on heavy track defeating Mr Waterville carrying 65kg at $2.70 in a hurdle. Racing well. Class jumper who looks the one to beat. | |||
HOPPER (2) returned in good order at Eagle Farm when fourth beaten 1.61 lengths over 1200m, finishing strongly after settling well back.
He should take improvement from that first run for the Stuart Kendrick stable after previously racing in Sydney.
He won second-up last preparation at Kembla Grange and looks suited back to non-metro grade.
Drawn better here, he can settle closer and get every chance to run a big race.
| 5. Queen Christine (1) J: Linda Meech 54.5kg 21761T: Symon Wilde | |||
| At the latest run won by 6 len at Warrnambool Bm62 July 23 over 1100m in the wet defeating Moonraker carrying 56.5kg at $3.80. Before that tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 6th of 13 at Morphettville Cl2 on June 20 over 1100m, on rain affected going; 4 len behind Mansiere carrying 54kg at $6.50. Should take catching again. | |||
STERN IDOL (1) returns to the Crisp Steeplechase chasing a fourth straight win in the race, with this set to be his farewell run.
He relishes heavy ground and has already won eight times in these conditions, including a dominant Brierly Steeplechase win earlier this preparation.
The Ciaron Maher-trained champion comes back over the fences after a flat run at Flemington, which should have him ready for one last target.
With Will Gordon taking the ride and Sandown clearly his stage, Australia’s great jumper gets the chance to go out in style.
| 1. Stern Idol (2) J: Will Gordon 71kg 41139T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Last start finished ninth of 10 starters at Flemington Qlty on July 18 over 2800m, slow track; 6 len behind Bold Soul carrying 54kg at $16. Run before held ground to the line finished third of 8 runners at this track Aust Chase on May 31 over 3900m, in the wet; 12 len behind Sing For Peace with 76.5kg at $1.85. Champion who gets in much better at the weights here. | |||