The feature race at Sandown this Sunday is the Sandown Cup (3200m), where the market says it is an open race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for 2026 Sandown Cup.
2026 Sandown Cup Runner Preview:
1. Crouch: Kiwi raider who was plain in the Andrew Ramsden but was fresh and this is a very, very thin race. He can improve sharply.
2. Pounding: Was hailed as the winner of the Andrew Ramsden but was nailed late. 3200m is a query but he is the clear class runner and commands respect.
3. Tempesti: Finished strongly in the Warrnambool Cup but just not sold on him running 3200m.
4. Tajanis: Tajanis is an interesting runner. Formerly with Chris Waller, he now finds himself with Charlotte Littlefield. We do see on occasion these Waller cast offs improve and this guy still has petrol in the tank I feel, so I think watch the market and see what it does.
5. Sir Chartwell: Did a really good job on speed in the Andrew Ramsden but did think he had his chance and the end of 3200m is going to be the test.
6. The Western Front: Just got too far back in the Andrew Ramsden and did make up ground, but was never threatening. Can settle much closer here, he’s dangerous.
7. Suffolk Star: Got a great ground saving ride in the Andrew Ramsden but was nearer the inside, which was complete quicksand. Maps ideally and if the track is playing, for me, he’s the one to beat.
8. Shamarkand: Hard to beat in a Maiden Hurdle. Not here.
9. Jenny The Beaver: Making up the numbers.
10. Zibulon: Trip no issue but the class is.
11. Reddivo: Rinse and repeat re Zibulon.
2026 Sandown Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 E/W Suffolk Star
Sandown Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CROUCH (NZ) | Mike Breslin | Harry Coffey | 2 | 60kg |
| 2 | POUNDING | Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman | Luke Nolen | 3 | 60kg |
| 3 | TEMPESTI (ITY) | Matt Cumani | Damien Thornton | 7 | 58.5kg |
| 4 | TAJANIS (IRE) | Charlotte Littlefield | Lachlan Neindorf | 11 | 56.5kg |
| 5 | SIR CHARTWELL (FR) | Annabel & Rob Archibald | Declan Bates | 6 | 55kg |
| 6 | THE WESTERN FRONT (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Luke Currie | 8 | 55kg |
| 7 | SUFFOLK STAR (GB) | Paul Preusker | Craig Williams | 1 | 54kg |
| 8 | SHAMARKAND (FR) | Shane Jackson | Luke Cartwright (a) | 10 | 54kg |
| 9 | JENNY THE BEAVER | Ben O’Farrell | Ms Linda Meech | 5 | 54kg |
| 10 | ZIBULON (FR) | Paul Preusker | Teo Nugent | 4 | 54kg |
| 11 | REDDIVO (NZ) | Jamie Edwards | Craig Newitt | 9 | 54kg |
Sandown Cup Odds
2026 Sandown Cup Speed Map
Sir Chartwell was on speed in the Andrew Ramsden and suspect he’ll lead this field, getting front end control. Shamarkand is drawn wide and likely presses forward, but they won’t be breaking any speed records.