Sandown Park
There is some nice racing at Sandown this afternoon which includes a good looking two year old fillies Listed race.
14:55 1m6f Handicap
Secataur was an easy and impressive winner last time out at Newmarket and this is only an extra furlong so the distance shouldn't be a problem. However, he has been raised a lofty 12 pounds for that win and this is also a step up in class.
Star Rider ran a good race at Ascot over 2 miles and was only beaten 4 lengths in a class 1. The drop back to this distance shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience and he can definitely make the frame.
Who Dares Wins is looking for a hat trick of wins but this is a massive step up in class as well as coping with an additional three pounds, therefore I think he may fall short here.
The one is like the most is Munstead Pride. He finished fourth over course and distance earlier this month and that was after being bumped at the start and really slowly into stride. He was doing all of his best work at the finish and a clear start here would see him with a great chance.
15:30 Fillies Listed Stakes
Eight two year old go to post here and a number of them are open to plenty of improvement. The clear favourite is the Mark Johnston trained Fireglow. She finished fourth behind Illuminate in the Albany Stakes at Ascot last month (a Group three race) after a slow start. She finished extremely strongly in that which gives the impression that the extra furlong will be perfect for her. I expect a bold showing and for Fireglow to surely be in the frame.
Raaqy made a winning debut over six furlongs and the second in that race has gone onto win since to frank that form.
Alinstante, Chiringuita and Flying Empress have all won their sole start, however the form of each of those races is highly questionable.
Dessertoflife is the outsider of the eight and is the second string for Johnston here but I think he has a much better chance that the odds of 22/1 suggest. She won over seven furlongs at Doncaster on easy going and then ran a decent enough race in the Chesham Stakes at Ascot. This was an extremely competitive race, Ballydoyle finished second, and the market is severely underestimating her here in my opinion. If all eight runners stand their ground then I think this is an each way play that has plenty of value.
England v Australia
The second one day international is tomorrow and England go into it full of confidence after their excellent win in the first match. The women's Ashes is decided over a whole series of a test, one day and twenty twenty matches and is based on a points system. England have a really strong and experienced team and I think they particularly excel in the one day format. They chased down a decent total in the first match after losing early wickets and I think they will again be too strong here.
Today's Selections
14:55 Sandown Munstead Pride - 1 point @ 4/1
15:30 Sandown Dessertoflife - 1/2 point each way @ 22/1
Women's Ashes second ODI - England win - 3 points @ 4/5
A little unlucky for Dessertoflife there. She was bumped at the start which led to her pulling really hard all the way to the bend. Fanning then struggled to find any room up the rail so switched to the inside where she was a good staying on second.