Trainer Tony McEvoy admits that Vinland is facing a tough assignment when he lines up in the Group 2 $250,000 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on the Ladbrokes Park Hillside track at Sandown on Saturday but he is confident the colt is up to the task.
Beau Geste, above, is one of the early fancies for the 2017 Sandown Guineas at Sandown. Photo by Steve Hart.
Vinland broke through for his maiden win over 1400m at Bendigo on November 1 at his first run back after undergoing knee surgery and McEvoy said he deserves his chance in tougher company after his impressive two lengths victory.
“His return after knee surgery the other day (at Bendigo) was very impressive,” McEvoy told racing.com.
“Second-up to the Group 2 is an aggressive placement, but he’s a horse I’ve got a lot of time for and I think he’s up to it.”
McEvoy has also nominated Paseeto for the Sandown Guineas and the Nicconi colt is coming off a last start fifth to Levendi in the Group 3 $200,000 The Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on November 4, the first day of the four day Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Prior to that Paseeto strung together two wins in succession at Morphettville Parks in a 1300m BenchMark 70 Handicap on October 7 and in a 1400m BenchMark 70 Handicap on October 21.
Early betting for the Sandown Guineas at Ladbrokes.com.au has Vinland marked at $11 while Paseeto is listed as a $17 chance while the Darren Weir trained Tamasa has been installed the early favourite at $4 ahead of the James Cummings trained Beau Gest at $6 and Snitzepeg at $6.50.
Early betting for the 2017 Sandown Guineas at Ladbrokes.com.au: $4 Tamasa, $6 Beau Geste, $6.50 Snitzepeg, $9 Black Sail, Icon Of Dubai, Irish Vega, Villermont, $11 Gaulos, Octabello, Peaceful State, Vinland, $17 Paseeto, $21 Almighty, Hypnotist, $26 I’ll Have A Bit, $41 Fulton Street, $67 Bluebrook, $81 Give, $101 Mojos.