David Gately Horse Racing Tips for Sandown 3/9/26

David Gately heads to Sandown Hillside on Saturday with three strong plays, headed by a proven Group performer who should be even better for his first-up run.

The track is expected to remain in the Soft range, with only limited rain forecast across Friday and Saturday, while the rail returns to the True position.

Recent meetings have produced varying patterns, so how the inside holds up will be important to assess early in the card.

Gately's value play boasts a perfect second-up record, while his each-way selection gets back to his preferred 1600m after two encouraging runs this preparation.

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David Gately’s Melbourne Best Bets – Sandown Saturday 3/9/27

Bet of the Day – Race 7 #2 Evaporate $2.40

Evaporate was a touch tardy first-up in the Group 2 Lawrence Stakes before being asked to work around the field and take up the running.

Despite that early effort, he fought strongly and was beaten only by Cosmic Crusader, with Private Eye behind him.

That form has since received another significant boost through Cosmic Crusader's terrific performance at Group 1 level last weekend.

The other major positive is the improvement Evaporate generally makes with a run under his belt.

He's typically a much better horse second-up than first-up, and that makes his fresh performance particularly encouraging.

With the fitness edge now, Evaporate is the one to beat.

Best Value Bet – Race 9 #7 Recon $7.00

Recon had little go his way first-up in the Regal Roller Stakes.

He ran into a dead end at a crucial stage and by the time he found clear running, the race was effectively over. He still hit the line well and should take plenty from the return.

Now he gets to his second-up sweet spot.

Recon is unbeaten from three second-up runs, with his most recent second-up appearance producing an excellent victory in the Hareeba Stakes.

At around $7, Recon looks the value.

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