Sandown has put up a cracking card on Saturday with six Group level races for punters to feast on.
Early betting moves are often driven by smart punters finding market discrepancies when bookies first put up their odds. Our team assesses the significant moves and identifies the specials amongst them.
Here they are for Sandown on Saturday.
Oohood
Having her first official start. Trialled well in Adelaide to finish close enough to the winner with petrol still in the tank. Market moves are encouraging.
Illustrious Lad
Was okay last week down the Flemington straight when finishing 3.5 lengths behind Rich Charm. Expect better at weight-for-age. Watch.
Jungle Edge
Capable horse whose chances improve the wetter it gets. Gets back to a more suitable distance here. The key to his chances will rely on how much pressure is applied up front, with both 1 and 7 potential contenders for his favoured front running position. Can win.
Dollar For Dollar
Dominant win at his recent outing against some useful types. Consistent record in Adelaide the two runs before. Speed maps look good for a nice sit in the running. Has won up to the mile and is hard to fault.
Crystal Dreamer
Top effort at his latest outing when runner-up to a smart one. Forget the run before when he found trouble in the running. Excellent record at the distance and a win at his only start at the track. Expecting Lane to give him a positive ride from barrier three. Go well.
Almandin
Was wide throughout in the Melbourne Cup after jumping from barrier 14.
He won well two runs prior when carrying 61kg over 2500m then disappointed against arguably tougher rivals. Expect him to get an easier run in transit compared to the Bart Cummings. With even luck he is right in the finish.
Big Duke
First run after a solid fourth in the Melbourne Cup.
Ran a close second in the G1 Metrop and then won the St Leger at Randwick.
His fourth in the Moonee Valley Cup was a definite 'forgive run' after Avdulla couldn't find room when they quickened before the turn and never really had a go at them in the home straight.
Gets his chance here.
Hypnotist
Good effort at his latest outing when 2.5 lengths away after jumping from barrier 14 and dropping back in the field. Before that run he performed well at the mile in the Spring Stakes when wide with no cover in transit. Wasn't far away in the highly rated Ming Dynasty before that. Handles good and soft ground. Genuine contender.
Villermont
Proven miler who broke through his maiden at his second career start with a 5.25 length win. Pattern didn't suit at his recent start. Looks a handy type.
Raw Impulse
Unlucky to lose his latest effort at Flemington. Threes starts this distance for 2-0-1 and looks ready to step-up to it now. Chance.
Petition
Flashed home at her last start to come within a length of claiming victory. That was her first run in blinkers. Pace in the race looks good to suit her swooping style. Contender.