Is the Sandown Cup equation any clearer?

The Meadows, Saturday 2 May 2020, 725m
Winner: Mister Harlewood by 5.33 lengths in 42.607
Others in the market: Blazing Cartier (2nd), Weblec Eagle (4th), Ella Enchanted (6th)

Mister Harelwood ($5) showed again why he’s the RSN Sandown Cup favourite with another impressive front running display against a number of Cup contenders. The Jeff Britton trained stayer has now won all three attempts over the ‘half-mile’ by a cumulative 20 lengths and in good time on each occasion.

After a fair get away Mister Harlewood pushed up under pressure to take the lead through the first turn and from there was never headed, pulling away to score comfortably. Blazing Cartier ($26) will stay all day and was the eye catching run from back in the field, and Ella Enchanted ($9) also found the line well but were both beaten for early speed and by the time they found clear air the race was all over.

Cannington, Saturday 2 May 2020, 715m
Winner: Flake Monelli by 6.75 lengths in 41.57

Flake Monelli ($12) made it three in a row over Cannington’s staying trip which, amazingly, have been won in identical times – 41.57. While proven stayers Barcali and Boom Down were both in the race, they are certainly not where they were when winning group races on the east coast, which will lead to many to ponder how that form stacks up. One thing that is indisputable however is that Flake Monelli can run time over the trip – 41.57 is just 5 lengths off Tornado Tear’s freakish track record.

Sandown Park, Thursday 30 April 2020, 715m
Winner: Rockstar Beav by 0.77 lengths in 41.79
Others in the market: Banga (2nd), Tauwitchere (5th)

Rockstar Beav ($12) continues to improve with racing over the staying trip, winning for the second time in his last three starts over 715m. Under pressure early, he drove strongly to lead through the first turn and hold off the challengers late to win in 41.79. He took three lengths off his previous best over 715m which is notable given the polar conditions that greeted the runners last Thursday night. Only two greyhounds have gone faster in 2020 – Cup favourite Mister Harelwood and track record holder Here’s Tears, both of which have done it twice.

Banga ($18) found the line well but is yet to win in 5 tries over the distance in city class at Sandown Park though he has won twice at The Meadows.

Tauwitchere ($18) started favourite for the race after five straight impressive wins over the middle distance, but uncharacteristically missed the start on her staying debut and got a good bump for good measure. Considering her early troubles, she found the line well.

Sandown Park trials, Wednesday 29 April 2020:
Captain Dynamite ($9)

The big X-factor in RSN Sandown Cup discussions following his remarkable 595m debut in which he clocked possibly the fastest run home time ever recorded over the trip. He hand slipped over approximately 660m, running home in 11.24, pleasing trainer Kel Greenough. He’s likely to make his debut over 715m on Sunday 10 May, pending nominations.

Sandown Park trials, Wednesday 29 April 2020:
Here’s Tears ($7)

The enigmatic track record holder and group 1 winner trialled bob-to-box recording splits of 6.12, 15.61, 30.64. For context, he ran 6.05, 15.47, 30.02 in his track record, though the difference in track conditions between his track record gallop and his most recent trial could not have been more dramatic.

Other contenders:
Just Terms ($9): After a long campaign, the group 1 winner has been given a freshen up and trainer Anthony Azzopardi reports she remains on track for her Sandown Cup campaign.

True Detective ($9): Ran fifth in the first 715m FFA in 20 years at Sandown Park on 24/4/20 and will return this Thursday night over

Good Juan ($12): Was sold for a six figure sum in February but hasn’t been seen since overcoming all sorts of trouble in a powerful victory over 535m at Maitland on 19/3/20

Tornado Tears ($18): The 2018 champ hasn’t been seen since running 5th at group 3 level at Cannington on 1 February. He’s been trialling recently but his times aren’t where trainer Robert Britton would like them to be. Have we seen the five time group 1 winner for the last time?