Sandown Hillside will host GROUP 1 racing on The Valley’s behalf on the weekend with the running of the Moir Stakes. Natural Fling is the favourite, while Giga Kick is the current second elect for early punters. The Chautauqua Stakes (Group 3) is another highlight with Tennessee Bound the current favourite. We will stick with him here after he finished 2nd for us last start. The weather looks clear and a Soft 5 track is expected on the day.
Brendan Bunworth brings you his Sandown best bets for the day below as well as his Quaddie selections!
Sandown Racing Tips: Saturday, September 5th 2026
Race 1: The Valley @ Sandown Handicap 1500m - 12:10pm (AEST)
(3) Cignetti is a big chance for punters to build a little bit of a bank for the day here I reckon. The Super Seth/Touting gelding settled on speed last start at Sale and was too good for his rivals after getting the job from a wide barrier (13). Blake Shinn was on that day and he stays on here but gets a gun draw this time with barrier 2. From that draw you would think he would land 1st or 2nd after jumping and if they don’t go too hard in front, he should be winning.
(4) Lepolo was a 3.25L winner at Ballarat Synthetic last start and will get a Soft track to contend with here. He was odds on when winning and has trialled a nice 3rd since.
(1) Ko Phangan has had 7 weeks off since winning at Flemington. That race looks to be a little easier than this but Craig Williams will settle him in the top 4 early.
(3) Cignetti WIN
$2.30 (3 units)
Race 8: Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes GROUP 1 1300m - 4:15pm (AEST)
(1) Giga Kick is a 7yo now but seems to be going as good as ever. He is a multiple Group 1 winner who does go quite well when fresh. His jumpout last week behind My Gladiola (2nd) looked to be very good and he should settle a couple of lengths in front of his key rivals during the run. He has never raced at this track which is a slight query but if we take Each-Way I think its a safe play. Mark Zahra takes the ride and he has won twice on top previously.
(13) Natural Fling only has to carry 50kg for Jamie Melham and the 3yo filly should appreciate the Soft track. Melham will take her forward from out in 13 and the likely spot will be 2nd on the outside after settling. Settled on speed to win the Group 3 Quizette at Caulfield last start. She is second up and is unbeaten when running second up.
(3) Skybird will be back in the pack but will be one of the best late. First up record is good but may want a Dry track.
(1) Giga Kick Each-Way
$4.60/$1.75 (1U/2U)
Race 9: Orbit Logistics Chautauqua Stakes Group 3 1300m - 4:50pm (AEST)
(11) Tennessee Bound we tipped on here last start and was a beaten $3.00 favourite when 2nd at Hillside on the Heavy. I think the mare will appreciate having her second look at the track and will be hard to beat. Drops 2.5kg in weight and has drawn well in 3. Jabez Johnstone has won 3 times on top and the stable sticks with him again. Made up a little ground over the final 200m last start and a similar racing pattern is expected with her settling around 3rd or 4th.
(7) Recon has won 3 from 3 when second up and looks to be a solid Place bet. He will get back in the run but should be swooping home late.
(3) Warnie needs to be tucked away but when the gaps appear he has a powerful sprint to the line. Was only beaten 3.5L in the Stradbroke when 8th. Likely to peak in a few weeks. Will want the speed on to produce his best in this.
(11) Tennessee Bound WIN
$4.20 (2 Units)
Quaddie Tips
Leg one: 2, 7, 10
Leg two: 1, 3,13
Leg three: 3, 7, 11
Leg four: 4, 9, 13, 15
