George Farrugia's Sandown Park tips
George Farrugia highlights his key plays at Sandown Park on Thursday night, pinpointing his strongest bets.
Summary of best bets
Race 3 No.5 Dear Carla Lou
Race 8 No.3 Ascend Ecstatic (each way)
Race 11 No.4 Elite Intention
Race previews
Race 1:
Paw Xerox (box one) was backed off the map in his heat run last week and after flopping out of the box he got to the line well. He’s drawn a lot better this week and with his brother Paw Winder likely to start favourite, he should offer some value from the cosy draw.
Selections: 1. Paw Xerox (each way)
Race 3:
Dear Carla Lou (box five) is often a super beginner and she raced with no luck in a semi-final of the Australian Cup on Saturday night. While there are some handy types in this, it is a drop in class and despite the draw she should be off and gone.
Selections: 5. Dear Carla Lou
Race 4:
After a few previous failings over the distance, Charlestown (box eight) showed his best last week, leading most of the way to record a solid PB at Sandown’s 715-metre trip. This field is essentially full of the same rivals, and if he can step cleanly he looks a huge chance to go back-to-back. Once again Engelke Road (box seven) is the clear danger with a unimpeded passage throughout.
Selections: 8. Charlestown, 7. Engelke Road
Race 8:
Ascend Ecstatic (box three) switches distances well between middle and sprint trips, and after having a crack at the Australian Cup series, she finds herself back at Sandown in a winnable Free For All. If she can find a position behind Foxy Roxy (box one), she looks the greyhound to hold out from a favourable draw at nice odds.
Selections: 3. Ascend Ecstatic (each way)
Race 11:
Elite Intention (box four) looked the winner last week after setting an early, cracking pace. He was pipped on the line but the run was still full of merit and a repeat of his box manners should see him go one better here.
Selections: 4. Elite Intention
