With the Sportsbet Australian Cup reaching its climax this Saturday, some of those who have exited the series hone in on Sandown Park tonight. The likes of Dead Carla Lou, Lakeview Lynette, Ascend Ecstatic and Weblec Joel (with those two meeting the flying Gambella tonight).

Action kicks off just before 7pm. In conjunction with betsy, George Farrugia has honed in the card and found some fancies.

The best of them:

Race 3, Dear Carla Lou (5)
Race 8, Ascend Ecstatic (3) (each way)
Race 11,Elite Intention (4)

Race 1
Paw Xerox (1) was backed off the map in his heat run last week and after flopping out of the box he got to the line well. He’s drawn a lot better this week and with his brother Paw Winder (6) likely to start favourite, he should offer some value from the cosy draw.

Selection: Paw Xerox (1) (each way)

Paw Xerox (7) on debut in his heat

Race 3
Dear Carla Lou (5) is often a super beginner and she raced with no luck in a semi-final of the Australian Cup on Saturday night. While there are some handy types in this, it is a drop in class and despite the draw she should be off and gone.

Selection: Dear Carla Lou (5)

Dear Carla Lou (6) in a heat of the Australian Cup

Race 4
After a few previous failings over the distance, Charlestown (8) showed his best last week, leading most of the way to record a solid PB at Sandown’s 715-metre trip. This field is essentially full of the same rivals, and if he can step cleanly he looks a huge chance to go back-to-back. Once again Engelke Road (7) is the clear danger with a unimpeded passage throughout.

Selections: Charlestown (8), Engelke Road (7)

Charlestown (1) last week at Sandown Park

Race 8
Ascend Ecstatic (3) switches distances well between middle and sprint trips, and after having a crack at the Australian Cup series, she finds herself back at Sandown in a winnable Free For All. If she can find a position behind Foxy Roxy (1), she looks the greyhound to hold out from a favourable draw at nice odds.

Selection: Ascend Ecstatic (3)

Acend Ecstatic (7) 6th in an Australian Cup semi-final, with the 6th fastest run-home and last 100m of the meeting – Race Data

Race 11
Elite Intention (4) looked the winner last week after setting an early, cracking pace. He was pipped on the line but the run was still full of merit and a repeat of his box manners should see him go one better here.

Selection: Elite Intention (4)

Elite Intention (7) narrowly beaten last week

See Race Data for all of the sectionals and speeds at Sandown Park, The Meadows and Healesville.