A small but select field has been assembled for the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Sandown on Sunday, where all eyes will be on the big three of Zaaki, I’m Thunderstruck and Mr Brightside, all serious Cox Plate aspirants.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2022 Underwood Stakes.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Underwood Stakes
2022 Underwood Stakes Speed Map
The only way Alligator Blood can win is if he leads and walks for as long as possible so I reckon Tim Clark will lead. Zaaki sits on the outside and they control the race. Mo’Unga potentially gets box seat while Mr Brightside gets the 1/1. I’m Thunderstruck will have to go back to last.
2022 Underwood Stakes Runner Preview
1.Zaaki: With his racing style, I’m in the corner of this guy. Pattern was in his corner when he resumed in the Tramway but he made a mess of them from the front in what was essentially a barrier trial for prizemoney. He’ll take good improvement from that, he’ll roll, he’ll look the winner…hopefully he can hold off I’m Thunderstruck and Mr Brightside.
2.I’m Thunderstruck: He honestly had no right to win the Makybe Diva. Alligator Blood had total control and looked all over the winner when he kicked clesr but this guy picked up and surged late to nab him. He’s flying…but if this becomes a sit/sprint, I doubt he can pick up Zaaki.
3.Alligator Blood: I am a bit surprised they are heading towards the Cox Plate. He had every chance in front in the Makybe Diva, with a peach from Clark. His last 200m was very weak so IMO, if they want to go to a Cox Plate, they need to ride with a sit like they did in the Stradbroke.
4.Mr Brightside: He’s secured his Cox Plate start after the Feehan win so it’s just cotton wool til then. But he’s a very good, genuine horse that still has upside and improvement re condition and coat. This will tell us if he can match it with the big boys or is he a tier below.
5.Mo’Unga: Jury was out after a plain return, but he bounced back to positive form in the Makybe Diva with a strong third. I doubt he turns the tables, but wouldn’t shock me if he ran top four.
6.Noncomformist: Was good fresh in the Memsie and then plain in a race shape not suited to him in the Makybe Diva. He’s getting ready for the Caulfield Cup so you’d like to see him run positively here. Just doubt it’ll set up for him to do it.
2022 Underwood Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
Keeping it simple here. Backing the best horse in the race, and that is clearly Zaaki IMO. $100 Win.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $350
Group l Strategy Return: $375
