Sandown Trio.

On the back of a successful weekend with Alaskan Rose's winning performance at Caulfield seeing her firm into second favourite for October's Gr.1 1000 Guineas, we are looking forward to cheering on some nice horses this week.

Midweek action heads to Sandown where we have two runners in the second event, the Vale Bart Cummings Handicap over 2400m.

Both racing well, Black Tomahawk and Nordic Duke look to be decent chances at the suitable journey.

"They are in the same boat," Michael Moroney said - "a bit of rain about would help them but I'd say that at the speed a 2400m race is run a dryish track won't be such an issue for them."

"They are both fit and ready and they should run well."

Steven Arnold takes the ride on Black Tomahawk from barrier 8 whilst Nordic Duke has drawn barrier 11 for Glen Boss.

Extra Noble is our other Sandown runner, the imported galloper second up in the Browns Sawdust & Shavings Handicap over 1600m with Jake Bayliss to ride.

An eye-catching first up second over 1300m at Sandown in mid-August, the five-year-old has progressed nicely since and another bold showing is expected.

"He meets Diamond Valores better at the weights this time and our horse has improved. As with our other runners some rain would've helped but he was great first up."

Thursday's Pakenham meeting sees the debut of Loyalty Man who was a late scratching when playing up at the gates recently.

"That was disappointing as we were trying to prepare him for the Caulfield Guineas and it has put us behind a bit," Moroney said.

"But he is a tough horse who we have always liked. The 1200m may prove a bit short for him but it will be no surprise to see him in the thick of things."