3 minute read

Easter Cup Day at Sandown throws up a top betting card with several nice chances to nail a winner.

Rolling back the stone on the two features, the Easter Cup and the Victoria Handicap, reveals deep and interesting betting races - perfect races to throw our pieces of silver towards.  

Conservative tactics from a wide draw crucified Pinstriped's chances at Flemington last time but punters can be rewarded for backing him to rise again on his third day back from a break. 

While beaten last time, Pinstriped took a big step forward and another here will see him mighty hard to beat. He was able to improve again third up in the spring when his best effort to date came, closing strongly in a Toorak. That returned a rating in line with what has typically won a Victoria Handicap and above what just about all of his rivals are likely to be able to match on Saturday. 

From a good draw Pinstriped should be able to settle close by allowing Alana Kelly (who is improving horses that she switches aboard by more than any jockey to have had more than 50 rides in Victoria this season) to make her move before the rooster crows. 

Few weekends are more fitting to bet on a ressurection from a Fancy Man and that prices allow us to break our bread each-way only sweetens the deal in the Easter Cup.  

Here the betting is headed by the promising White Marlin who will look to follow in the footsteps of his similarly promising stablemate Goldman but might be getting a little Goldman bump in the early prices and seems plenty short enough inside 2/1 for his return.

Fancy Man is available to back at double-figure quotes and that appeals as good value despite finishing closer to last than first on his Australian debut. Fancy Man was unsuited by the way the Neville Selwood set up but looks set to be faced with a far better scenario this time. Rain around won't be of concern to him or many of the principal chances here with most proven when walking on water. 

THE MELBOURNE MAIL 

Bet Of The Day: Race 7 #8 Pinstriped @ $9.00

Each Way Play: Race 8 #2 Fancy Man @ $12.00