Races

Deane Lester’s Sandown Best Bets

RACE 3 NO.5 CORDILLA

CORDILLA is a handy off-season mare that is back in winning form and looks the one to beat again when she runs in the Benchmark 84 Handicap (1300m). The four year old was too strong for a handy field over 1100 metres at Caulfield on April 10. She will be further improved by that run, should appreciate stepping up in distance and gets the benefit of Will Price’s 2kg allowance. There’s good speed in this race which suits CORDILLA and she appeals as one of the better bets of the day.


RACE 4 NO.3 GRAND PROMENADE

GRAND PROMENADE has returned to racing in good form and looks ready to return to winning form when he contests the Benchmark 84 Handicap (2400m). The five year old has been runner-up at both runs this preparation, firstly over 2000 metres at Mornington on March 20 before a narrow last start 2nd behind INDEPENDENT ROAD over 2000 metres at Caulfield on April 10. He will relish a step up in distance, should appreciate getting onto the spacious Sandown Hillside circuit and gets his chance to record his 5th career win.


RACE 5 NO.3 YULONG JANUARY

YULONG JANUARY is a reliable 1400 metres horse fitter for one run this campaign and should be ready to return to the winners list when he runs in the Open Handicap (1400m). The Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trained gelding endured a wide run but still finished nicely when a first-up 8th behind LAVERROD in the VOBIS Gold Sprint (1200m) at Caulfield on April 17. He drops 2kg from the run and should race closer to the lead over this longer distance that sees him have the impressive record of five wins from 11 attempts at 1400 metres. He’s a good horse for this class of race that appeals as a good bet.

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