Speed Map Special

Sandown Stakes - 1400m Caulfield

Racing And Sports have identified the Sandown Stakes as the race of the weekend where the settling positions hold a big sway in the way the race may end up.

Our maps are interactive and so use the technology available to create your own speed map if you have a differing view. Much like racing everywhere, it is all a matter of opinion and that is what makes the sport great.

Click the link back to the race in our Form Guides and you can create your own Speed Maps located on the left hand side of the page.

Explanation:

With the Sandown racetrack out of play for their biggest day of the year, Caulfield hosts the card and the rail is in the same position (6m) as it was for Caulfield Cup day. Horses were able to make up ground up the middle of the track (Fawkner a classic example). The surface has had some rain on it over the last week but the month between meetings means the track should be pristine. This is a race where there appears only two genuine on-pacers (Mahisara & Koonoomoo) with Mister Milton another who may come over from the wider draw and Lady Of Harrods may race closer from a soft draw.

Speed Map Special:- (3) Mahisara

Let’s assume the track offers those in front a chance to fight it out. Mahisara was more than acceptable first up last week and comes off essentially the same preparation he did last year to win this race. In 2013 the race is 100m shorter being at Caulfield but that helps him second up. He was solo up the outside fence at Flemington and Williams can work him over to lead. Doubt there will be much pressure.

In acknowledging he returns back from some mile races to the 1400m, the danger at odds can be Lord Of Brazil. Decent enough behind Blackie at the Valley on Moir night, he’s then run in seemingly unwinnable races in the Toorak and Crystal Miles. This is much more likely and is only 2kg over the limit. He will be back and running on but loves sting out of the ground.