Two To Sandown

The Spring Carnival is drawing to a close but there are still a few feature races left and we have two contenders at Sandown on Saturday.

Taking his place in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes, Rhythm To Spare is dropping in class after contesting Group 1 races at his last three outings.

Stepping up to 1800m which, on the strength of his good three-year-old form over even longer trips, should suit, Rhythm To Spare has drawn barrier nine for Damian Lane.

Running a great race in the Toorak Handicap, Rhythm To Spare was below his best in the Emirates Stakes – pulling up sore in the heel.

With the aid of half bar plates he has bounced back quickly.

“He is 100% sound now,” Michael Moroney said, “and on his best form he is the winner.”

Successful at six of his 20 starts, Rhythm To Spare is equal third favourite in early markets.

Spitfire Lady, who also raced at Flemington during Cup Week, is second up in the Group 3 Summoned Stakes.

Whilst she finished down the track, Spitfire Lady had little luck in running with Kerrin McEvoy more than happy to stick with her.

“He told us just to completely forget the run and that she felt terrific – he is confident as we are that she can turn it all around very quickly.”

Drawn nicely in barrier 3, Spitfire Lady deserves to break through at black type level having been close up in stakes company on several occasions.

We also have Surpass in the Rosehill acceptances but with the likelihood of rain during the week we are looking to save him for a 2400m race next weekend.