Tonight’s card at Sandown Park plays a role of the decent entree ahead this Saturday’s bumper program at The Meadows for Week 1 of the Sportsbet Australian Cup Carnival. Though one thing doesn’t change between them, there’s winners to be found. In conjunction with Betsy, George Farrugia has ran is eye over the staple Thursday night meeting at Sandown Park.

The best of them:
Race 8, Morning Boss (7)
Race 10, Joni Black (6)
Race 11, Elite Intention (4)

Race 4
Texas President (1) has started to emerge as stayer of late and from the favourable draw he should lead and be tough to beat. His kennelmate Mepunga Donna (5) has two handy placings at this track and distance and will be working home late, along with the underrated Greysynd Sammy (8).

Selections: Texas President (1), Mepunga Donna (5)

Race 5
Papa Easy (5) is a handy provincial performer who can overcome his poor draw here. At his best he possesses nice early speed and if he leads here he may prove hard to catch. Slick Felix (6) is arguably the most talented in the race so he cannot be dismissed despite the tricky box draw.

Selections: Papa Easy (5), Slick Felix (6)

Race 8
The enigmatic Morning Boss (7) is an exciting chaser when he’s at his best and his last few runs have been full of merit. He’s capable of sitting in a nice position on the first corner and from there he looms as a huge threat.

Selection: Morning Boss (7)

Race 9
Overland Boy (1) has a quick PB over the 515 metres at Sandown and despite no wins from three attempts at this distance he looks to be very well-graded and well boxed. Paw Torrie (5) and Champlain (7) were impressive in their last starts and looks the main dangers despite jumping from out wide.

Selections: Overland Boy (1), Paw Torrie (5)

Race 10
Joni Black (6) is a talented middle-distance performer and when she leads over this trip she is generally tough to get past. She should get some room early and can handle a wide draw. Mepunga Breeze (7) is starting to hit his straps and will be suited by the rise in distance.

Selection: Joni Black (6)

Race 11
Elite Intention’s (4) last three runs have been impressive and along with a solid record at Sandown looks one of the better bets of the night. He can lead or come from behind and he can overcome box four. Lamia Wheeze (1) has some nice speed and looks a handy place bet.

Selections: Elite Intention (4), Lamia Wheeze (1)