Sandown – Heavy 8

Race 1 – Sportsbet Green Tick Hurdle

Selection: 4. Ferago — $3.70

Ferago was impressive winning at Casterton and looks ideally suited by the Sandown layout. His jumping has been reliable and the strong early tempo should allow him to settle before finishing over the top late. Golden Crusader is respected but Ferago appeals as the value play.

Race 2 – Sportsbet Australian Hurdle

Selection: 1. Highland Blaze — $2.60

Highland Blaze was solid at Warrnambool and now gets back to a track where he has previously performed well. The rise to 3900m looks ideal and he should be reaching peak fitness fourth-up. Conditions and distance both suit.

Race 3 – Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap

Selection: 4. Beautifully — $4.20

Beautifully has won two of four starts this campaign and now gets blinkers applied for the first time. The recent form reads strongly for this grade and there looks enough speed in the race to set things up nicely. A repeat of recent efforts makes him hard to beat.

Race 4 – Sportsbet Australian Steeplechase

Selection: 1. Stern Idol — $1.65

Australia’s premier jumper continues to raise the bar and comes into this chasing a third straight victory. He maps to control the race from the front and has already proven himself in these conditions. If he jumps cleanly, he’ll take plenty of beating.

Race 5 – Sportsbet Samson Handicap

Selection: 3. Straand Deal — $4.40

Straand Deal arrives off a strong Morphettville victory and continues to improve with racing. The rise in trip suits and he profiles as a horse capable of measuring up at this level. He looks well placed to continue his winning form.

Race 6 – Sportsbet Sandown Cup

Selection: 2. Pounding — $3.60

Pounding has been racing consistently in stronger staying races and was excellent when runner-up at Flemington last start. The step to 3200m looks ideal and his toughness should be a major asset on a testing track. This looks a suitable opportunity.

Race 7 – Sportsbet Fast Form Handicap

Selection: 5. Epimeles — $6.00

Forgive the latest Bendigo run. Prior form was strong enough to win a race of this nature and the stable has an excellent record placing horses in suitable assignments. At the current odds, there is genuine value available.

Race 8 – Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap

Selection: 13. National Code — $4.60

National Code resumes with an excellent fresh record and draws perfectly from barrier one. Her previous form stacks up strongly for this grade and she has shown enough ability to suggest there is more improvement to come. A strong first-up chance.

Best Bet

Race 4 – 1. Stern Idol ($1.65)

The champion jumper looks ideally placed to complete a hat-trick and is clearly the standout betting tip on the Sandown program.

Good luck and enjoy a terrific day of jumps racing at Sandown.

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