3 minute read

We head to Sandown for a very tough Winter card.

Looks a very tricky day at Sandown with big fields and the majority of races looking wide open.

One of those races is the fifth where Extreme Virtue looks well placed to break through after two encouraging runs this time in.

First up off 210 days she worked home nicely in a benchmark 78, running to a RAS rating of 94, just four pounds off her peak of 98 which she ran before the spell.

Last start she led them up, staying at 1400m, and was only run down very late by Trial By Press, who she meets 3kg better at the weights after both claiming allowances are accounted for.

Now third up, she gets to 1600m having run her peak over 1700m last time in, also when third up. Her last start weight-adjusted rating is the highest in the field and she should be able to improve again.

Drawn wide, but she'll roll forward with plenty of time to get across and should prove awfully hard to run down.

For what it's worth Trial By Press seems a big price again having beaten Extreme Virtue last time out, but I think Extreme Virtue can improve and looks a more straightforward ride for the apprentice.

We'll make Extreme Virtue the 'each-way' play given she is technically each-way odds, and roll over the sixth where Roadcone looks well set up to record a third win in a row.

He's always promised a bit with some short starting prices against decent opposition, but looks to have really hit his straps of late, dominant at Pakenham two back and again here last time.

He posted a clear new peak on the RAS ratings at Pakenham, going to 100 in his 4.5 length win before backing it up over this course and distance, going 105 with an all the way win in good time.

Had the light weight there in benchmark 84 grade and now rises 5.5kg but does drop back to a very winnable 78 against horses that are either very limited or needing to find form quickly.

Luke Cartwright nailed the ride last time and should find the front again here with his very useful 3kg claim. Tipping he simply proves too strong again.

The Melbourne Mail

Bet of the day: Race 6 #5 Roadcone at $2.70

Each-way play: Race 5 #2 Extreme Virtue at $5.5/2.5