Tips from Gary Savage for races in Galway and Sandown on Wednesday
News Article: Vilaine Verlaine Aims for Class 5 Victory at Sandown
Vilaine Verlaine, a three-year-old filly trained by Mark Usher, is set to make her handicap debut in the Class 5 1-mile filly's handicap at Sandown. The filly, who has shown impressive form in her last three starts, including two victories, is an interesting contender for the race.
The race conditions favour horses that handle firm ground well, with the track surface being good to firm in places. This should play to Vilaine Verlaine's strengths, as she has demonstrated her ability to perform on similar ground.
Vilaine Verlaine's profile as a well-related filly making her handicap debut suggests that improvement is possible with experience and fitness. The tight handicap scale in the race means that tactical positioning and pace will be crucial, and Vilaine Verlaine's running style and draw position relative to the inside stalls could play a significant role in her chances.
The race has 8 runners, with Vilaine Verlaine potentially carrying a competitive weight. The field will be fairly matched, with small margins likely to decide the outcome.
Rich Belief, trained by Karl Thornton, is another horse to watch out for in today's race at Galway. Rich Belief has Galway festival form, having run a good race on his only start here in 2022 when seen making late progress into fourth over 1m6f. However, the extra 2f in the Sandown race should be enough for Earnest Belief to turn the tables on Valiancy, who reopposes Earnest Belief and gives the selection 3lb.
Earnest Belief, trained by John Gosden, has an opening mark of 78 and has shown strong form in his last races. His second start, a third at Haydock over 1m4f, reads well due to easy wins for two horses he beat by nearly eight lengths. The two horses that beat Earnest Belief at Haydock finished first and third in a Class 2 at the same course.
Earnest Belief's connections' patience may start to pay off here, as his form is strong enough to compete in a race at Sandown. However, Vilaine Verlaine's potential improver status on handicap debut, good going at Sandown, and competitive but well-matched field are the main aspects to weigh when assessing her prospects in the Class 5 1-mile filly's handicap today.
References: [1] Racing Post - [URL] [2] At The Races - [URL]
Sports-betting enthusiasts might find the Class 5 1-mile filly's handicap at Sandown an intriguing race, given Vilaine Verlaine's impressive form in her recent outings and her potential improvement on handicap debut. Considering the favored racing conditions, horse-racing aficionados should also note that Vilaine Verlaine's ability to perform well on firm ground could be a decisive factor.
