Two chances at Sandown Saturday

The stable has two good chances at Sandown on Saturday - Shylock's Daughter contesting the third race, the Swell Time Handicap and Mission Critical taking his place in the feature event, the $125,000 Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes.

Having only her second Australian run after showing promise in New Zealand, Shylock's Daughter will appreciate a step up in distance and she has the services of in form hoop Kerrin McEvoy.

Well drawn in barrier 7, Shylock's Daughter boasts a consistent record in New Zealand and at her local debut over 1300m she caught the eye with a close up fourth at Warrnambool.

Whilst up in grade on Saturday, she does have good ability and the big open spaces of Sandown should suit her ideally.

Another horse with plenty of ability - but for whom things just haven't always gone right - is Mission Critical.

Whilst his form on paper this preparation is not stunning, the big and attractive chestnut has been getting fitter and he made the pace on a track not really suiting leaders last time out.

A horse who has endured his share of injuries - spending more time than is ideal at vet clinics - Mission Critical nevertheless has a definite touch of class, winning at Gr.1 level in NZ (defeating Sir Slick) at three and at Gr.3 level in Queensland - successful in the 2008 Rough Habit Stakes.

Another big chance for the stable this weekend is the lightly raced and exciting Syndrome who lines up in the Euroa Cup at Benalla on Sunday.

A step up in distance suits the eye-catching chestnut who looks very well placed after a most encouraging last start fourth at Flemington during Cup Week.

Always well regarded by the stable, the Richard Pegum trained four-year-old had won his previous start in smart fashion and it won't be long till we see him back in town.