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Two juvenile races under the microscope at Sandown
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Mr Wonderful dropping to 5f a big plus
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Sandown Maiden has provided classy winners
Sandown - 18:15 - Back Mr Wonderful
Mr Wonderful has been a bit of a project of mine, and the juvenile who ran much better than his finishing position suggested on debut at Doncaster duly showed some improvement last time at Newbury.
The price has moved on the Sportsbook from 11/26.50 to 4/15.00, and that's probably a little overpriced judged on those two runs.
He tackled 6f last time at Newbury on softish ground, although it looked more testing than the official good to soft. Mr Wonderful sat on the early leader, and that ultimately was a bad tactic as the pace was strong and closers were the beneficiaries.
Mr Wonderful's final furlong was nearly a second and a half slower than the fifth furlong, so on that evidence he didn't stay.
The drop back to 5f will suit him and with a draw in one, Kevin Stott has the opportunity to get the lead on the rail.
Sandown - 18:45 - Back Caviar Heights
The following 18:45 has a Charlie Appleby favourite that was weak in the betting this morning from 6/42.50 to 2/13.00, but I like the second favourite Caviar Heights.
He made his debut 55 days ago in what looked a strong race with David Menuisier's Sunway winning in fine style. The second has won since although the third from that run has let the form down.
Caviar Heights was very green, and as a Sea The Stars, a debut over 7f looked the bare minimum. Despite a few 6f horses in his pedigree, he looks more of a stayer in keeping with his sire and he appeared badly in need of that debut run.
Stepping up to 1m with a bit more know-how should help him out, and Andrew Balding has a 30% placed record at Sandown with his 2yos.
This Maiden has provided some top drawer horses in recent seasons with Westover and Too Darn Hot successful in the past.
You can read Daryl Carter's Thursday selections by clicking here.