Sandown Preview – Wednesday 19th February

Our Sandown preview goes over the eight races that are scheduled to be run and won this Wednesday at Sandown Racecourse. 

The rail remains in the true position with the track rated a Good 4 and the slight chance of showers forecast. 

See below for our Sandown preview and best bets for Wednesday!

Tough race to start with a few of these boasting serious claims over 3000m. 

Make Us Proud got up to win narrowly over this track and trip for Shane Jackson to start the month in his fourth run back. 

The Irish bred six-year-old settled one off the speed in transit and was a little wayward upon straightening, eventually fighting back to beat home Highland Blaze over his final few strides. 

Plenty fit now and still open to improvement with just six starts under his belt, a similar ride in behind the speed would see him tough to hold out. 

1 Unit Make Us Proud (3)  

Acelum really caught the eye on debut when holding on late for second at Pakenham over the same distance.  

A three-year-old to The Autumn Sun, this Michael Moroney/Glen Thompson-trained gelding improved from midfield rounding the turn, eventually hitting top gear down the centre of the straight where he loomed the winner. 

He was beaten 2.5 lengths in the end by the fast-finishing Jenni Intiba, but if he gets away cleanly this time from a much better gate, a similar performance would make him hard to beat.  

1 Unit Acelum (3)

Nostringsattached could not have been more impressive on return at Pakenham last month, putting paid to his rivals by 1.5 lengths over 1200m. 

The Busittin and Young-trained colt got right back in the run under Blake Shinn before improving along the rail, overcoming some late traffic to weave a path through and charge the ine hard. 

Shinn sticks in the saddle from a much kinder gate this time, and even though this is his first look at 1400m, the fact he ran the fastest final 200m sectional of the meeting last time out suggests he’s more than capable of handling it.  

2 Units Nostringsattached (3)

Fontaine Rouge should be racing with a bit of confidence after breaking through for her maiden win at Geelong last start.  

Ciaron Maher’s mare settled in the front half of the field in behind the speed, working her way to the centre of the track and plugging away for a well-deserved win.  

She kept finding over the final 100m to hit the line hard, meaning this slight rise to the mile should suit with Declan Bates piloting from an identical gate. 

1 Unit Fontaine Rouge (9) 

Open race here between the sprinters, one Elena Montero can certainly win if she produces her best. 

The four-year-old daughter to Toronado was held up badly along the rail last start over the track and distance, a complete forgive effort after hitting the line hard at Flemington the run prior to finish runner-up to the talented New York Lustre. 

That form speaks for itself with that same mare going on to win her next start, so with a couple of runs under her belt now, I think this girl might be set to peak third-up with Craig Newitt sticking in the irons. 

1 Unit Elena Montero (8) 

Exuberance should find this 1200m race right up her alley first-up for Mark Walker.  

We last saw this Savabeel filly at Caulfield where she was last to greet the judge in the Thousand Guineas Prelude, but there were excuses on offer from the wide gate. 

Her previous win of her maiden at Cranbourne showcased her full potential, while she also showed nice changeup speed over the final 100m during her recent trial win.  

The booking of Blake Shinn, who rode her to a place on debut at Geelong last year, is also worth noting. 

1 Unit Exuberance (6)  

Pop Award continues to set the bar to new heights. 

The talented four-year-old by Shamus Award has her sights set on hat trick after timing her run to perfection here last start, storming clear over the final furlong under Blake Shinn for a soft win under hands and heels on the line.  

This is the toughest race she’s contested, and while the barrier doesn’t make things any easier, she’s clearly armed with an elite turn of foot. Providing Blake Shinn has her in the right spot again, it’s difficult to back against her. 

1 Unit Pop Award (6) 

Charisse presents fitter second-up for Gerald Moroney and connections. 

The five-year-old daughter of Churchill was seen doing her best work late over 1200m first-up, settling towards the tail, before storming home down the outside to finish sixth. 

Her second-up record leaves a bit to be desired, but she’s drawn another soft gate and was clearly looking for further. 

With some wet track form also on her resume, she’ll be suited if there’s any rain about.  

1 Unit Charisse Each-Way (6)