Sandown Wednesday: Will Elford's best bets and race-by-race preview

Race 1

(8) Let Lily Loose made an excellent debut in November, beaten only by Group 3-winning filly, Motorsports. She resumed at Bendigo and was heavily supported into twos-on, but was caught wide, raced keenly and was beaten again. She should improve for that run, and if she can recapture her debut level, she should account for this field.

(4) Bonus Season had the rail and the lead on a day when that was a distinct advantage at Geelong. She was unable to win with everything in her favour, so it is difficult to project significant improvement.

(5) Dame Florence made a good debut at Cranbourne and should improve.

(10) Tisseyre had the rail at Geelong, but will be better over seven furlongs.

Selections:
(8) Let Lily Loose
(4) Bonus Season
(5) Dame Florence
(10) Tisseyre

Suggested Bet: (8) Let Lily Loose

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Race 2

(2) Highland Blaze finished strongly in the Roy Higgins last start and has run well in these 3000-metre races before. This is no doubt a preparation run for Warrnambool, but it would not surprise to see him win.

(5) Suffolk Star was emphatic when winning over this course and distance 35 days ago.

(1) Shamarkand may be looking for this distance now, and is not the worst 30/1 chance.

(4) Cable Dancer is untested at this trip but stays well.

Selections:
(2) Highland Blaze
(5) Suffolk Star
(1) Shamarkand
(4) Cable Dancer

Race 3

(1) Otago is not the horse he once was, but he can still perform well enough to win this race. He trialled exceptionally between runs and can settle closer to the speed.

(9) Move The Torana has been in career-best form of late and may be able to roll forward in a race lacking pace.

(7) Cardi Bee dominated a moderate field at Pakenham and is racing well.

Selections:
(1) Otago
(9) Move The Torana
(7) Cardi Bee

Race 4

(2) Bel Mezyaan rated very well last start, though that was over 1500 metres. He may be beaten for speed, but he may be good enough to overcome that.

(9) Persian Caviar was good first-up in a race that has already produced winners. He will roll forward and is the one to beat if the favourite cannot quicken over 1200 metres.

(3) Conflict is under the odds by my assessment, but must still be respected.

Selections:
(2) Bel Mezyaan
(9) Persian Caviar
(3) Conflict

Suggested Bet: No Bet

Race 5

(7) Houdini has been incredibly consistent over his last four starts, producing much the same rating each time. Zahra is in a form slump at present, but there is little doubt he will turn that around.

(5) Both Sides Now went too quickly last start and can quickly bounce back. The stable may have a race at Warrnambool in mind, however.

(13) So Suave dominated a moderate field at Cranbourne last start and has been in good form this campaign.

(18) Le Troisir was finally allowed to settle closer last start and was only narrowly beaten.

Selections:
(7) Houdini
(5) Both Sides Now
(13) So Suave
(18) Le Troisir

Race 6

(8) Tres Magnifique was scintillating first-up and has always given the impression that she is very smart. I am not convinced five furlongs will be her best trip in time, and at odds-on I am happy to leave her alone.

(3) Magnabelle Royal is bidding to retain her unbeaten record. She was good on resumption, bolting clear at Cranbourne.

(11) Espana has strong form lines over this distance.

Selections:
(8) Tres Magnifique
(3) Magnabelle Royal
(11) Espana

Race 7

(5) Chowdown made significant improvement at Flemington, stepping up in class. He was held up and finished quickly. He may improve even further.

(4) Wise Inlaw is ready to peak fourth-up and started shorter than Chowdown did last start. He has had more opportunities, though.

(3) Jett Smash has not yet shown any time figures, though that is not to say he cannot improve.

Selections:
(5) Chowdown
(4) Wise Inlaw
(3) Jett Smash

Suggested bet: Chowdown

Race 8

(15) Flowerdale was pulled up last start, but has since trialled well and that run can be ignored. The start prior, she finished second to Terilee, who has since represented that form well.

(2) Damas ran to a new peak last start at odds-on. He is in great form and can settle closer from an inside draw.

(3) Flying Mikki can improve after being well beaten last start.

Selections:
(15) Flowerdale
(2) Damas
(3) Flying Mikki