Yulalona looks one of the many Snowden chances on the day
Photo by Racing and Sports
SR 4: (4) LIL AND GRACE - Facing up to a very difficult program where the results will be governed by the track conditions, the criteria must be fit horses with proven wet track ability and strong course credentials. This tough mare from the Kris Lees stable fits the bill admirably, being the winner of two of her three starts at Canterbury, both over this distance, and successful in three of her four starts on wet tracks. She added to that record with her last start win over this course and distance when she carried 56.5kg and overcame difficulties to score under the lights. Must go close again with a 6kg weight drop under conditions she will relish.
SR 6: (12) YULALONA - With value the order of the day, this lightly-raced 4yo from the Peter Snowden stable should be an excellent gamble in an open race at his third start since his winter campaign when he won at Randwick on a heavy track under 57kg before a creditable fourth in the G1 Queensland Derby. With his proven wet form he is well placed to improve of his eye catching last start effort in a strong Hawkesbury Cup when he was checked and held up before hitting the line keenly for sixth under 56kg. The step to 1900m with 3kg less and riding switch to Corey Brown are all positives.
SR 8: (9) SECESSION - Talented Lonhro gelding is resuming but has been well prepared through a soft trial and has the right credentials to perform in this class first-up. He went for a break in September after successive strong on pace wins at this course over 1250m, the latest on a slow track under 57.5kg and is favourably placed to return in similar form.
ONES TO AVOID
SR 4: (1) OAKFIELD BEAUTY - Looking to repeat her game front running win at Rosehill over 1400m two weeks ago but will be up against it over the extra distance with a 3.5kg weight increase under what is certain to be testing conditions.
SANDOWN - tips by Wayne Bristow
MR 4: (3) APPREHEND - Hope we aren't going off one run too early. Form looks poor on paper but he has obviously needed two things - racing and ground. Finally gets that here and importantly after the claim get to carry a feather weight. Was right there in a much tougher Ballarat Cup last week until the last furlong. We'll get great each way odds in an easier race.
MR 7: (1) MISS OCTOPUSSY - She looks near a moral in her formlines. Was near a certainty beaten over the short scamper at Moonee Valley with a big weight. Gets the in form Katelyn Mallyon on, a nice claim and consider she ran third to Ortensia at Flemington who went onto win a G1 last start. G1 placed herself in the Sportingbet Classic, she should win.
ONES TO AVOID
MR 3: (3) LET'S BE HAPPY - Was a trifle lucky to win a very bunched finished last time and horses that seem so suited to the Valley don't seem to reproduce that, especially on a bigger Sandown circuit. Has been big odds last two and yet weekend punters seem to like following picket fences so if much shorter here she is a lay.
EAGLE FARM - tips by Wayne Bristow
BR 6: (12) GREY ASSIGNMENT - Is getting closer and closer in his efforts this time in. Running in his right distance races and last two campaigns has won by 3.5L and 4L at his fourth up runs both by racing on speed and from this barrier should do so again. Also only has to carry 53.5kg as opposed to the 58 here last time.
BR 7: (8) WORK THE ROOM - Zipping's little brother was a cracking run first up, coming from last in a fast run event. There is not much doubt this will be run the much the same way. Has come back obviously a healthy horse, likes the dry and maybe he is more a sprinting type throwing to the sire Bel Esprit. Also dropping 3kg is an aid for this race having won at Listed level before.
ONES TO AVOID
BR 8: (2) SOLZHENITSYN - He is a good horse. That is not in question but he has some issues to overcome first up. His record on resumption is not great either here or in New Zealand. His best might be in slightly longer races and on top of that he has to 58kg against a decent group of Class Sixers.
MORPHETTVILLE PARKS - tips by Jason Hickson
AR 4: (5) BELIEVE IN MORE - Ran on here last time and scored an impressive win. Meets the runner up better at the weights and looks hard to hold out again. Gets fitter and stronger into his preps as well.
AR 5: (1) SPIRITED ADDITION - Bombed the start in Listed grade at Flemington latest so forgive the run. Won his last two and looks the one to beat here after the claim. Runs best in Adelaide as well.
ONES TO AVOID
AR 6: (2) CONDUCTION - Call me bitter but had enough of this horse running places. Just edged out again last time and although this is easier is up in the weights and there are plenty of chances in this race. Has drawn wide, will be served up short and happy to be against him.
