David Gately Horse Racing Tips for Sandown 14/11/26

Saturday racing in Melbourne heads to Sandown Hillside, where The Great Tip Off's David Gately has identified three runners worth following across the program.

Concord Connie is Gately's Melbourne Bet of the Day in Race 10 after an excellent Group 1 performance at Flemington, while Chicago Blues appeals as a value selection at $21 in Race 2.

In Race 6, Don't Hope Do also brings strong recent form into his assignment and looks a solid each-way opportunity.

With the rail in the True position and the cutaway in operation, the Hillside circuit should provide a fair opportunity for runners capable of finishing strongly.

 

 

Sandown Track Conditions & Rail Position

All ratings for Sandown are based on a Good track.

The Hillside circuit will have the rail in the True position, with the cutaway rail operating over the final 500m.

I'm expecting a relatively level playing field, with runners finishing off their races away from the inside rail getting every opportunity, provided the tempo and their ability allow it.

The cutaway should also help runners looking for clear running closer to the inside as the field enters the home straight.

One important distinction is that the Thoroughbred Stakes will be run on the Lakeside circuit, also with the rail in the True position.

That difference is worth keeping in mind when assessing the races throughout the program.

 

Sandown Race 10 – #4 Concord Connie | Bet of the Day

Concord Connie is my Melbourne Bet of the Day after producing an excellent performance in Group 1 company at Flemington.

She finished a clear second-best in the Empire Rose Stakes, which was particularly encouraging given it was her first attempt beyond 1400m.

That performance demonstrated she could handle the rise in distance and remain competitive against quality opposition.

Her previous run was also excellent, particularly when you consider she was racing against a savage track bias.

The form from that performance has since been strengthened by Shadhavar, who subsequently franked the result.

Those two runs give Concord Connie a strong platform heading into Saturday.

She has proven herself against quality opposition, handled the rise in distance and now finds a suitable race.

Gately's Verdict: Clear second-best in the Group 1 Empire Rose at her first attempt beyond 1400m. Excellent in her previous run against a savage bias, with Shadhavar subsequently franking the form. A good race for her.

 

Sandown Race 2 – #10 Chicago Blues | Best Value Bet ($21)

Chicago Blues is my value selection for Saturday, with the early $21 looking an attractive price.

His latest performance at Bendigo on Cup Day was much better than it may appear on paper.

He ran home extremely well against the prevailing track bias in a deep $100,000 race.

Producing that sort of finishing effort when conditions are working against you is a strong indication that a horse is going well.

Saturday's assignment at Sandown Hillside looks suitable, particularly with plenty of speed expected in the race.

If the leaders establish a genuine tempo, Chicago Blues should have the opportunity to build momentum and finish strongly.

The Hillside circuit and cutaway rail should also provide opportunities for runners coming from off the speed, depending on how the race unfolds.

At the early price, I think he's over the odds.

Gately's Verdict: Ran home superbly against the track bias in a strong $100,000 race at Bendigo. Gets to Sandown Hillside in a race containing plenty of speed. Looks over the odds at the early $21.

 

Sandown Race 6 – #3 Don't Hope Do | Best Each-Way Bet

Don't Hope Do is my best each-way selection after producing two rock-solid performances back at 1000m.

His latest effort was particularly encouraging, with the gelding clearly defeating Stokke.

That form has substance, as Stokke had previously beaten Bred Em All at Sandown.

Don't Hope Do had also defeated Pallaton in his preceding run, adding another useful reference to his recent performances.

Those results suggest he's racing consistently well and is capable of being competitive again on Saturday.

He's proven effective over the 1000m trip, and the strength of his recent form makes him an appealing each-way option.

Gately's Verdict: His last two performances back at 1000m have been rock solid. Clearly beat Stokke last start, with that runner having previously defeated Bred Em All at Sandown. Also beat Pallaton in his preceding run. A strong each-way chance.

 

David Gately's Sandown Best Bets Summary

 

David Gately's Sandown Final Verdict

Concord Connie is the standout selection at Sandown on Saturday.

Her Group 1 Empire Rose performance was excellent, particularly at her first attempt beyond 1400m, and her previous run against a strong track bias also reads well.

Chicago Blues is the runner I'm keen to be with at bigger odds.

His Bendigo performance had significant merit, and the expected speed in Race 2 should give him the opportunity to finish strongly.

Don't Hope Do rounds out the selections as a solid each-way chance, with his recent 1000m form stacking up well through Stokke, Bred Em All and Pallaton.

Bet of the Day: Sandown Race 10 – #4 Concord Connie.

Best Value Bet: Sandown Race 2 – #10 Chicago Blues ($21).

Best Each-Way Bet: Sandown Race 6 – #3 Don't Hope Do.

All selections are assessed on a Good track, with the True rail and cutaway expected to provide a fair racing surface throughout the Hillside program.

 

There are loads of tips for today's racing in our Horse Racing Tips market at theGreatTipOff.com.