Sandown Tips: Cup Preview 2018

Distance	3,200m
Grade	Listed
Track Rating	Good 4
Prizemoney	$150,000
Class	Quality
2017 winner	Fanatic ($4)

This year's edition of the Sandown Cup has again attracted an intriguing field. The 3200m distance always creates interest and this race should provide punters with an excellent spectacle over this true staying distance.

I have settled on one who loves this track and appears to be crying out for more ground following sound runs at distances short of his best.

The topweight, who comes via the Melbourne Cup, adds interest. As do a number of other horses backing up from their Flemington carnival performances. 

 

 

 Sandown Track Traits

For the latest insight into how the Sandown track is likely to play, read our preview of the Zipping Classic.

 

 Racing Market Movers

Ormito has had some support in early betting ($11 into $9.50), whilst all other runners remain steady. 

 

 Key Runners

#1 Vengeur Masque $9

Arrives here via the Melbourne Cup where he was slightly disappointing after finishing 15 of 24 when beaten 16.3 lengths.

He has to carry plenty of weight here (60kg) and whilst his profile deserves it, his ability does not. I am convinced he has been weighted out of this one.

He will try to ride the speed, however he will be severely anchored under the impost. No. 

 

#2 Wall Of Fire $13

Finished last in the Geelong Cup in his latest, when very easy in the market.

He was never a factor there and won't be a factor here. Absolutely not. 

 

#3 Yogi $3.20

Ran well in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington, where he finished 7 of 11 although only beaten 3.6 lengths.

He loves this track (4:3-0-0) and drops in grade here. If the leaders pour on the pressure, he could easily bounce back to winning form.

Will be storming home over the top late. Must go on top.

 

#4 Doukhan $6

Has an interesting SP profile pattern where the stable will typically go hard in the betting when he is right.

They have missed the mark a few times now, however there was some support last start at Flemington in benchmark grade which would suggest he is going well.

Betting is everything with this runner and if the price shortens dramatically inside the final 30 seconds, he is sure to run well.

A close betting watch is advised. 

     

#5 Ormito $11 > $9.50

Has disappointed of late albeit in good grade, where he finished 8 of 11 at his latest outing in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Gets up to two miles here which should suit his one paced grinder running style.

He could surprise a few with a much improved performance. Can win.

 

#6 Azuro $3.20

The stable have a huge opinion and are convinced he will simply eat up the 3,200m here.

It is very hard to doubt them and from gate 2, he will find an ideal position midfield in the running line before peeling out to run home.

Only comes out of benchmark grade at Flemington last start which is of some concern, however the wraps are huge and his runs appear to scream "further". Top hope.

  

#8 Kelstorm $10 

Fought on strongly at Flemington last start in the same benchmark 96 race that many of these are coming out of.

Plenty of others put in better runs than him on that occasion and he won't be turning the tables here. No.

 

Of The Others

None preferred. 

 

 Best Racing Tips

1^st  Yogi

2^nd  Azuro

3^rd  Doukhan

4^th  Ormito

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