We’re off to Sandown on Saturday for 2022 Anniversary Vase Day.
Nine races are on the program, headlined by the time-honoured Listed Anniversary Vase, which will be contested by the likes of Buffalo River, Regardsmaree and Thought Of That.
You can find my complete preview and 2022 Anniversary Vase Day Tips below.
Preview brought to you by Neds. Learn more about Neds HERE.
IVE Print Handicap (1000m) – 12:10pm
Tip: No. 5 Hell Hound
She faces a rise in class, but Hell Hound was impressive on debut, and she can win again at Sandown on Saturday.
The Hellbent filly was sent off a $5 shot at Terang, but mustered an eye-catching turn of foot to win by nearly two lengths.
She’ll only improve for that experience and she can win again.
Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (2400m) – 12:45pm
Tip: No. 6 Blandford Lad
Blandford Lad has returned to the races in lovely form this time, and he strikes another winnable contest at Sandown on Anniversary Vase Day.
The Savabeel gelding did mix his form earlier in his prep, but Peter Gelagotis’ recent decision to space his runs has paid dividends, and he has recorded lovely wins at Flemington and Pakenham at his last two.
He’s rock-hard fit and will stay all day.
Ladbroke It! Handicap (1300m) – 1:20pm
Tip: No. 1 Jucconi
Jucconi’s record is almost flawless, and he looms as the one to beat again in the third at Sandown on Saturday.
The Nicconi gelding stamped himself as one to watch by winning both races during his debut prep, and he only just missed at The Valley when resuming this time.
He takes his place in this race third-up and following a dominant win at The Valley, and he’ll only improve further into this contest.
Ladbrokes Split Multis Handicap (1300m) – 1:55pm
Tip: No. 3 Ocean Miss
Many of the ten confirmed starters in Race 4 are resuming, and a horse like Ocean Miss looks capable of striking fresh.
Ocean Miss was a standout for the Feek stable last time in, recording an easy win at Sale when resuming, and only just missing in a couple of nice races at Flemington most notably.
She’s certainly up to Saturday grade and with even luck under Brett Prebble, I think that she can make a successful return to the races.
Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1300m) – 2:30pm
Tip: No. 9 California Surreal
California Surreal brings a unique formline into the fifth at Sandown on Saturday, and I’m looking forward to seeing her getting back to a track rated in the ‘Good’ range.
The I Am Invincible has had four starts back this time, winning at Canterbury when fresh and only just missed in BM72 at Warwick Farm on another occasion.
Her record on a good track is far superior to that of her heavy-going form, and she can strike in something of this quality.
Behind The Barriers Boxing Challenge 14/5 (1000m) – 3:10pm
Tip: No. 5 Fine Dane
There’s a case to be made for a few in the sixth on Anniversary Vase Day, including Fine Dane.
Fine Dane has been a great horse for the Moloney yard throughout his career, and he has returned to the races in typically competitive form this time, without recording a win.
I thought that he was brave through the line on Golden Mile Day at Bendigo last time, and he has options in running this week from the rails draw.
Tile Importer Handicap (1600m) – 3:50pm
Tip: No. 1 Gundec
Gundec can bounce back at Sandown on Saturday.
The Kermadec colt stamped announced himself to the greater Australian racing fraternity during the 2021 Spring Carnival, winning the Victoria Derby Trial most notably.
He was particularly impressive when resuming this time though, winning his first two, including the Bendigo Guineas, but he was a little flat at Caulfield last time out.
He steps out this week in peak order and can return to winning form.
Listed Ladbrokes Anniversary Vase (1400m) – 4:25pm
Tip: No. 5 Regardsmaree
This is a strong edition of the Anniversary Vase and there is a case to be made for several, including Regardsmaree.
Regardsmaree has returned plenty of pleasing efforts and recorded plenty of pleasing results throughout his career, and races like this one have been his bread and butter this time in.
His second-up run in the Abell Stakes at The Valley was excellent, and he was truly rewarded for his condition with a lucrative win in the VOBIS Gold Sprint last week.
I like that he’s on the short back-up and with even luck, I can’t find a reason why he won’t be in the finish again.
Thoroughbred Club Handicap (1600m) – 4:55pm
Tip: No. 12 Welsh Legend
Welsh Legend can win the last on Anniversary Vase Day.
The Camelot mare has been a mainstay in races like this one throughout her career, and she has picked off several.
I thought that there was a lot to like about her resuming effort for third at Caulfield earlier this month, and she is mare who tends to enjoy sharp improved with a run under her belt.
