Group 1 racing is back for the first time in 2023 at Sandown this Saturday, with the running of the C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) and WA is set to have a strong presence.
Owner and breeders Bob and Sandra Peters will be hoping for improvement from Western Empire in the Group 1 event, following two underwhelming runs to start his campaign.
The Peters’ will also be represented by Regal Power in the $750,000 feature, who will be first-up since his unplaced effort in September’s Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m).
The pair are rated $51 chances with TABtouch.
Superstorm will also carry the famous cerise and white colours in the Group 3 Carlyon Cup (1600m).
Perhaps the most exciting WA presence at the meeting will come in the form of two-year-old Brave Halo.
The Sean and Jake Casey-trained colt is the $3.50 TABtouch favourite for the Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) for the colts and geldings.
The son of Brave Smash could clash with fellow exciting youngsters Barber, King’s Gambit and Don Corleone.
WA is also set to have representations in the Blue Diamond Prelude for the fillies, with the Luke Fernie-trained Shaddow Fear to put her unbeaten record on the line.
Shaddow Fear is an $11 chance with TABtouch and is set to clash with the exciting Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained Charm Stone.
Fernie will also saddle up Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) Laced Up Heels in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m).
Laced Up Heels is equal second favourite with TABtouch at $6 alongside Queen Of The Ball, while She’s Licketysplit is the $4.60 favourite.
