08:00 sandown Thursday 8th January 2026

WACO KID (6) is racing well this time in work, including a last start win over 1m at Cranbourne to bring up two wins from four runs in the campaign. Harder here but should be hard to stop. EXPRESS GUARD (2) finished 0. 9 lengths away in fourth last time out over 7f at Cranbourne after being prominent at the bend four weeks ago. Steps up in distance. Will find this tougher but expected to measure up. ITSUKUSHIMA (3) went forward over 1m at Seymour last time but found one better. Yet to break through this time in but hasn't been far away, with three placings to his name. Expected to be competitive. BLUSHING TYCOON (1) returned from a lay-off four weeks ago when he was beaten 2. 5 lengths into sixth over 7f at Cranbourne. Likely improver with top-three prospects.