With two runs under her belt following a break, Flash Of Doubt can break back into winning form at Sandown today.
The mare, prepared at Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths, lines-up in Race 4, the K S Environmental Handicap, a Benchmark 84 race, over 1000m.
It has been 350 days since Flash Of Doubt last tasted success, but the mare looks well suited in this race to break back into the winner’s enclosure.
After disappointing first-up – beating just one runner home at Moonee Valley on June 21 off a six month spell – the Robbie Griffiths-prepared mare then turned in an eye-catching fifth behind Zamorar at Flemington on July 19.
That performance was against the ‘boys’ over 1000m in Open company and the run was full of merit.
She was only beaten 1.2 lengths after having to check in the concluding stages of the race.
Today the six-year-old drops back mares only company. While she rises in the weight she does get some weight relief with the claim for in-form apprentice Damien Thornton who was aboard the mare at her last start.
Two mares resuming look the testing material for Flash Of Doubt this afternoon.
Lightly-raced Shades Of Bella is returning after a 151 day break but has a good record.
She was successful at her first two runs, leading throughout at Yarra Glen and Mornington respectively before jumping to Listed grade at Flemington, finishing in the back half of the field.
Prepared by Peter Moody, the Bel Esprit mare gets in on the minimum this afternoon and has also come up with a good draw.
She will be strong to the line and could take holding out at the finish.
The Brent Stanley-trained Beach Front will have the services of Damien Oliver who has returned from a stint riding in Mauritius.
He was forced to miss last Saturday’s Moonee Valley meeting but bounced back with a winner on the Geelong Synthetic track on Tuesday.
Beach Front is returning from a 123 day break but has a solid first-up record. It is also worthwhile remembering she had good form when last in work.
She also has a trial under her belt, finishing fifth at Tatura on July 15, to prepare for her return.
Good luck and good punting.
