Champion trainer Chris Waller will take advantage of the programming for stayers in Victoria when he produces the Irish-bred Zourkhan at Sandown on Saturday.
While Waller has achieved an enviable strike rate when he moves his horses from Sydney to Melbourne, the trainer believes that Saturday's benchmark 78 race is an ideal event for his five-year-old.
Tango Rock may be a contender for rich pickings.Credit:Getty Images
"I might have had to start him in a listed race up here in Sydney, but being a benchmark 78 is ideal considering where the horse is at at the moment," Waller said.
"I was just concerned that the race in Sydney would be a bit rich but the one at Sundown is just perfect."
In fact the OTI Racing Handicap won't be easy as there are a number of imported stayers looking for success.
Magic mission
Meetings such as Saturday's Sandown fixture could be the last chance for Magic Millions fame for a number of horses.
The Magic Millions series, staged on the Gold Coast and offering millions of dollars of stake money, is the centre of attention for all leading stables at this time of year.
Tango Rock, trained by Mick Kent at Cranbourne, is one of those who, if all goes well on Saturday, is likely to have his next start up north on the coast..
Tango Rock, who'll start in the final event on Saturday at Sandown, has proven to be a smart galloper since last year's Magic Millions series and will be in the finish..
Unfortunately he was hurt behind the stalls in last year's Gold Coast series of races and had to be sent home to Melbourne without competing.
With jockey Mark Zahra on board he looks well placed.
King in form
After being narrowly touched off at Horsham late in October, Dubai King, who will be having his 43rd start at Sandown, must rank as one of the in-form gallopers of the meeting.
Dubai King has come to Moonee Valley and Bendigo at his past two outings to win handsomely.
And, if there is any sort of advantage in being near the lead during the day, Dubai King is a must to include in all bets considering his front-running efforts lately.
Travelling well
While the South Australian Jockey Club has decided to stage its main racing fixture at the country circuit at Gawler, the club would be excited with the acceptances it has received.
Melbourne trainer Paddy Payne will be making the long trip with his seven-year-old gelding Streetwise Savoire, who will compete in the Brewery Handicap.
To be ridden by leading Adelaide jockey Jamie Kah, Streetwise Savoire appears an excellent bet for followers of the Payne family..
Patrick Bartley is racing writer for The Age.
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