Another cold winter’s day, another tough midweek card at Sandown (Hillside). Honestly, some of these races are harder to pick than a broken nose, and, unlike The Sherminator in American Pie, the confidence isn’t high. Anyway, I’ve never been one to walk away from a challenge, so let’s see what we can muster.
GO YOU GOOD THING
Bowerman (Race 2 No.3)
Judging by his debut performance, where he finished third in the Listed Breeders’ Plate at Randwick back in October, this youngster has inherited some of his old man’s (Snitzel) ability. The colt cost $525,000 as a yearling - not to be sneezed at - and is now with Lindsay Park, having formerly been in the care of Michael Freedman. His recent jump outs in Melbourne have been most encouraging and he should be a nice each way bet at about $9.
A THROW AT THE STUMPS
True Kisses (Race 4 No.4)
In a race that’s tougher than Joel Selwood, this Darren Weir-trained filly makes each way appeal at around $16. She may have only won at Murtoa last time out, but she did it the hard way - from the outside gate. I like being on horses from the Weir camp that have Ben Allen on
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
Shewearsthepants (Race 4 No.6)
Here’s an omen bet for all of the (soft cock) blokes out there that are under their missus’ thumb! This filly is trained by a real man in Darren Weir and has her share of ability. She should go around at about $9 and has an each way chance.
Mr Wonderful (Race 6 No.3)
Apologies to those readers too young to know what I’m talking about... As a kid, I loved watching the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) on TV, and one of my favourites was ‘Mr Wonderful’ Paul Orndorff. I’ll never forget the first-ever WrestleMania, when he teamed up with "Rowdy" Roddy Piper to take on Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, while his clashes with the likes of Junkyard Dog, Jake "The Snake" Roberts and Ted DiBiase were bloody awesome.The equine version of Mr Wonderful will likely need it longer than the 1000m of Wednesday’s race, but he’s two from two at the track and is a winner first-up.
TASSIE TIGERS
The Taswegians have been red-hot when crossing Bass Strait this winter. The Crook/Miller-trained Tshahitsi won three races under Brendon McCoull, while David Pires rode Scott Brunton’s Lord da Vinci to a Saturday race victory at Moonee Valley in June. Jockeys Raquel Clark (Race 6 No.6 and Race 7 No.4) and Siggy Carr (Race 8 No.10) and trainer Paul Maher (Race No.3 & No.10) will be keen to take even more Victorian prizemoney back to the Apple Isle.