Sandown Stakes – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Fine

Pinstriped heads the market at $4.00 and has plenty of talent and ability. Michael Dee rides and it should be landing into a nice spot from the draw. Dragon Leap comes across from NZ and has undeniable claims in this field if it handles the way of going. Military Expert has a great running pattern, should plonk on the speed and be very hard to get past while Gentleman Roy is a smart operator and should be up on the speed giving a strong sight. The tempo should be solid with a few of these going forward.

1.  Sinawann (11)

Has an outstanding 2nd up record and a massive turn of foot. This is a suitable race and if the tempo is strong it can run right over the top of this lot. Big odds at the $19.00 mark.

2. Our Playboy (3)

Flies second up and enjoys getting toe in the ground. Melham gets the right run from barrier 3 and $15.00 is over the odds.

3. Lightsaber (13)

Has been poor this prep and needs to lift.

4. Pondus (9)

Can’t have.

5. Dragon Leap (4)

Outstanding last run when not far off Snapdancer and I’m Thunderstruck. We have seen the latter win again since and that form is the best of this lot. Very hard to beat from barrier 4. On Top.

6. Age Of Chivalry (7)

Extremely honest galloper with a strong 2nd up record. My query is the 5 wins from 29 starts. Should give a good sight but prefer others at this stage.

7. Hi Stranger (2)

Mixing form and prefer others.

8. Criaderas (10)

You’d have a better chance of catching a rainbow than Criaderas. Constantly the flashing light run but its running pattern is its worst enemy. Stacked with upside and capable of winning but gets back in the run and needs the gaps to appear. Extremely risky to back but wouldn’t shock.

9. Military Expert (8)

Continues to win and race very well. Had the favours last run of the tight track and no pressure in the lead. Harder here but going well and hard to knock winning form.

10. Fourhometwo (6)

Can’t have.

11. Pinstriped (5)

Enormous on resumption and maps to sit just behind the speed. Dee retains the steer and it brings in the right form into this race. Should give an excellent sight with just 54kgs.

12. Gentleman Roy (1)

Drawn to lead and give a strong sight from barrier 1. I Wish I Win is currently a short favourite in the last of the day ( Testa Rossa Stakes ) so off that form Gentleman Roy must be respected. If left alone upfront they will find him mighty hard to run down.

13. El Rocko (12)

Just continues to race well. Has never missed the quinella at the track and handles soft footing. The $18.00 is over the odds in an even affair.

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

Bryce’s Tips	Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
5 Dragon Leap	9 Military Expert	11 Pinstriped
12 Gentleman Roy	11 Pinstriped	5 Dragon Leap
2 Our Playboy	5 Dragon Leap	12 Gentleman Roy
1 Sinawann	12 Gentleman Roy	6 Age Of Chivalry

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	12 Gentleman Roy
2nd	9 Military Expert	0.75 length
3rd	11 Pinstriped	1.75 lengths
4th	5 Dragon Leap	3.5 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 10. Fourhometwo.