Despite us being in the middle of Sportsbet Melbourne Cup Prelude series’, it’s a good card tonight at Sandown Park. We see promising stayer Electrify in Race 4, a hot battle between Hurricane and House Of Sins in Race 7, then a strong Free-For-All in Race 8 where Sparring looks clearly the one to beat.

Catch the wash up on tomorrow’s episode of Grey Areas – live from midday in the Watchdog App, or afterwards on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

BEST
Race 8, Sparring (1)
He’s flying at the moment and was unlucky from a poor draw last week. He goes into box 1 tonight where he has a sensational record. Mepunga Express (2) can begin well and leave plenty of room on the rail, which should be an added advantage for Sparring. He’s at short odds in a good field but has everything in his favour.

NEXT BEST
Race 2, Corban Yaxley (1)
Good draws like this haven’t been the theme of this fella’s career. His form has been up and down lately but largely courtesy of the circumstances of each race. There will be minimal pressure early in this race and he’ll love that from the draw. Paw Raynor (2) should only help him, by beginning well and holding out anything coming from a wide draw.

ANOTHER NEXT BEST
Race 1, Compton Rocks (6)
A race decimated by scratchings which has made life easier for Compton Rocks. She absolutely flew last start, second up for her new trainer Kayla Cottrell. Based on her last run, she doesn’t mind being wide and has good assets at every stage of the race. Those in boxes 7 and 8 should give her no head aches out of the boxes when she’s trying to balance up.

VALUE
A rare occasion where nothing stands out as value to me.

WORTH THE RISK/TAKE ON
Race 12, Going Nuclear (6)
He can clearly run like the wind and it’s all going to click sooner or later, but at an opening price of $1.70 from a wide draw, it’s damn short. He’s not a good beginner and can put himself under pressure straight away. Combine that with the wide draw I’d lean towards taking him on. If it all clicks tonight, so be it!

QUADDIE
Race 5: 2,8
Race 6: 1,3,5,6
Race 7: 4,8
Race 8: 1,3,4