Sandown Guineas – 2020

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are nine acceptors for the Group 2 $250,000 Sandown Guineas.  The red hot favourite in the early betting is the Lindsay Park trained Aysar.  He has finished second in the Caulfield Guineas and the Carbine Club Stakes at his past two starts.  Many would have had second favourite Sweet Reply in their black books after last start, she was luckless in running fourth in the Desirable Stakes at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Horrifying started long odds in the Carbine Club Stakes and exceeded most punters expectations finishing third.  Allibor is backing up after running fourth last week behind the talented Shelby Cobra.  Captain Canuck found the front at Moonee Valley and lead all the way to break his maiden by 1.5 lengths.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Aysar

There is no doubt that Aysar brings the best form into this race.  His last two two runs have been full of merit finishing second to Ole Kirk in the Caulfield Guineas and second to Crosshaven in the Carbine Club stakes.  He should be able to settle in the first few in running and if he can hold his form he is clearly the one to beat.

2. Captain Canuck

Captain Canuck was well rated from the front at Moonee Valley to break this maiden.  This is much harder but he will go forward again and make his own luck.

3. Horrifying

Horrifying resumed his second preparation with two seconds in Bendigo maidens.  Last start he stepped up sharply in grade to group three level and ran a big race to finish third in the Carbine Club.  If there is a chink in Aysar’s armor then he is one that could take advantage.

4.   Allibor

Allibor rattled home in the fastest last 200m of his race at Flemington last week.  He is still in his first preparation and is improving with every run.  The blinkers go on here and he is a must include for multiples.

5.   Furioso

Rounded them up pretty comfortably at Cranbourne to break his maiden last start.  This is a big step but that won’t be his last win.

6. Raphael

He was well held behind Captain Canuck at Moonee Valley.  This is too hard.

7. Talamo

The former Kiwi easily won his maiden in South Australia first up.  He has not fired in two subsequent runs.  The booking of Craig Williams is a plus.

8. Sweet Reply

The Sydney filly is yet to win this preparation but has been racing well.  She was luckless last start Flemington hitting the line hard once the gap came late in the race.  Can run well again here.

9. Valanetti

Justified the short quote to win a maiden at Echuca last start.  But this looks too much to ask.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
1. Aysar	1. Aysar
8. Sweet Reply	4. Allibor
2. Captain Canuck	3.  Horrifying
3.  Horrifying	8. Sweet Reply