Boxing Day Races around the state of Victoria will be in full swing this week, but here we are concentrating on the meeting at Sandown Lakeside. Race one will start at 1:15pm (AEDT) and punters will have to dust off their Christmas hangover to get the ball rolling.
We have target horses in races 5, 6 and 7 and we will hope to make profit on the day. The Sportsbet Christmas Stakes is the race of the day and that commences at 4:20pm (AEDT). The weather is predicted to be fine with the track a Good rating.
Brendan Bunworth brings you his Sandown best bets for the day below as well as his Quaddie selections, with odds thanks to Ladbrokes. And if you’re after more free tips for this week's key meetings, then head over to our Racing Tips!
Sandown Lakeside Racing Tips: Friday, December 26th 2025
Race 5: Ken Sturt Handicap 1400m - 3:40pm (AEDT)
(1) Legacy Bay we backed last start and she ran a good 3rd for Moody&Coleman when she ran on very well at Ballarat over 1200m. The extra 200m looks ideal and Emily Pozman has placed on this girl before. She has had three starts over the 1400m and has been in the money on each occasion. Gets a 3kg claim
(8) Canara is fitter now after two runs in this campaign and is ready for the 1400m. Each-Way is the go here and a Dry track looks promising.
(2) Stage ‘N’ Screen was wide last start when 2nd at Cranbourne and will appreciate barrier 5 here. Runs on well and gets a slightly more experienced jockey with Logan Bates this time. Gets a 2kg claim.
(1) Legacy Bay WIN
$4.00 (1 unit)
Race 6: Sportsbet Christmas Stakes 1200m - 4:20pm (AEDT)
(5) Hedged hasn’t won in over a year but has still been racing well despite last starts 7th at Cranbourne. Two years ago he was a very good horse for the Bedgood team and a Dry track here should help his chances. He has placed in Group races previously and this isn’t an overly strong race. He won a jumpout at Cranbourne last week in fine fashion so hopefully he is ready to show his best again.
(1) Aviatress won well at Caulfield last start after settling midfield from barrier 7 and she gets a similar barrier again here with 8. She likes the 1200m and she has won 7 from 19 starts so has a great winning strike rate. Craig Williams stays on and he has already won twice on top.
(8) Cilacap likes wet tracks but can still Place in this race. Is first up here and has won first up previously for Graheme Begg. Probably needs more ground but has raced well in Group races previously.
(5) Hedged WIN
$5.00 (1 unit)
Race 7: Sportsbet Lord Stakes 1600m - 5pm (AEDT)
(1) Craig missed out last time at Caulfield but I reckon he bounces back here with Willow on again. He has more fitness on his side this time and he races very well over the mile. He hasn’t won in a while but 18 months ago he was running some very good races and he has finished either first or second on six occasions from seven starts. He does have to carry two extra kilograms here but I think he is the best horse in the race.
(2) Detonator Jack can run a good race at each-way odds and he is 1 from 1 at this track. He drops back in distance but he has won three times before over the 1600m. Hasn’t won in over two years but maybe the inside draw will help.
(3) Regal Zeus loves this distance and loves Dry tracks. He led at Pakenham last start in the Gold Bullion but folded to run 10th. This race is easier and he drops 1 kilogram.
(1) Craig WIN
$5.00 (1 unit)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 1, 2, 8
Leg two: 1, 5
Leg three: 1, 2, 3
Leg four: 7, 10, 12
