Today I’m riding at Sandown for the Easter Monday meeting. The rail is out 10 metres on the Hillside circuit and the track is rated in the good range.
Race 2 is the IVE > Print Plate over 1000 metres for two-year-olds. My ride here is SHOOTOOSE who is trained by Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra. This gelding by Shooting to Win is making his debut today. I’ve watched replays of his two jumpouts at Flemington where he got back in the field and in his most recent effort he stayed on nicely over the concluding stages. It will be interesting to see how he handles the exposure to raceday pressure and conditions for the first time and performs on debut.
Race 6 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Easy Form Handicap over 1400 metres for fillies and mares. My ride here is MISS INBETWEEN who is trained by Michael Mehegan. This three-year-old filly by Fighting Sun has had 13 starts for one win and six placings and I’ve ridden her in her past two starts. She’s had three runs this preparation and after being tested in Group company is dropping back in grade and distance today. She will start from a wide barrier draw and if we have luck in running and she runs up to her best form she will take a lot of beating in this.
Race 8 is the BM70 Ladbrokes Odds Boost Exotics Handicap over 1600 metres. My ride here is TRANSLATOR who is trained by Nigel Blackiston. This four-year-old gelding by Helmet has had 17 starts for a record of three wins and four minor placings and I’ve ridden him in all of his wins. He comes into this in good form and with confidence from his last start win in BM64 grade over 1600 metres. The gear change of blinkers off and visors on really helped him last start and I liked the feel he gave me for where he is at in this stage of his career. He will start from a low barrier draw and there doesn’t look to be too much pressure on paper in this small field. If he runs up to his recent form he can win again today.