TWO NEW CAMPAIGNS BEGIN AT SANDOWN

Two runners for us at Sandown today after a quiet period with both Untethered and Japanese Emperor starting new campaigns.

Japanese Emperor (pictured) runs in race seven over 1200 metres with Declan Bates riding on a track currently rated soft five.

Scratchings have reduced the opposition to six and co-trainer Glen Thompson advises the team have taken all the gear off for today.

“His first jump out this time in was good but his second one was disappointing,” Glen said. “His work since that jump out has been good and we can't find anything physically wrong with him.

“We have taken all the gear off him and racing only with a tongue tie. He has drawn ideally and meets the weakest field he has raced against since winning his first start.

“If he produces anywhere near his best he will be too good for them but we are going to the races today unsure on what he will do.”

Untethered runs in race eight over 1300 metres with Mark Zahra aboard.

“His jump outs have been very good and has worked well leading into this race,” Glen said.

“While he will be better as the distances get further this is a nice starting point and it will be no surprise to us to see him run into a place as we build into the preparation.”