Sandown Tips for the Underwood Stakes

The two big guns Zaaki and I'm Thunderstruck clash for the first time this season, in the highly anticipated Group 1 Underwood Stakes.

Whilst the card is run on Sunday due to AFL Grand Final day, expect plenty of interest in this one with many different angles to be found on the race itself.

I'm against Zaaki and believe he could be very vulnerable late.

 

Track Conditions 

The Sandown track is currently rated a Soft 5 with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit.

Showers are predicted tomorrow in Melbourne, and there is a chance we have rain on Sunday during the card.

The Sandown surface generally races fair, however rain on the day can change this.

As always refer to the early races for a good guide on track bias.

 

Sandown Race 7 - Underwood Stakes 1800m (Group 1 WFA)

The Map

Most expect Zaaki (5) to roll forward and take up the lead, and it has also been reported Alligator Blood (2) will be ridden quieter on this occasion.

Mr Brightside (4) and Nonconfirmist (1) both should find themselves one pair back.

I'm Thunderstruck (6) as per his usual pattern settling toward the rear.

Overall a moderate tempo is predicted.

 

The Favourite 

Zaaki ($2.60) is on the drift and did miss a crucial lead up run last start at a wet Randwick.

I feel he is a run behind a few of the good ones here, and from a fitness angle may be vulnerable.

The sharp step up to 1800m from 1400m is also of some concern.

 

Analysis and Tips 

I'm with I'm Thunderstruck who was a huge run last start in the Group 1 Makybe Dvia to get up on the line.

He is fitter now and 1800m looks ideal. He may have an edge over Zaaki who has missed a key run this preparation.

Mr Brightside is still largely untapped and has been dominating in all his races this time in.

Granted he got away with murder out in front for the last start win, however he has shown he has the ability to also run on.

A horse with the tactical speed to be wherever they choose and is now rock hard fit.

Zaaki is all class however holds plenty of question marks in this race after being scratched from Randwick last start in a key lead up run.

I feel he is vulnerable and may be paddling over the final 100m.

Mounga has good ability and granted would need plenty of favours, however in the small field, strange things can happen!

Not without hope.

1^st   I'm Thunderstruck

2^nd Mr Brightside

3^rd  Zaaki 

4^th  Mounga