Arran Bay looking for Sandown success
Phillip Stokes is banking on a change in fortunes for Arran Bay as the gelding prepares to step out at Sandown on Saturday without the shadow of his stablemate Regal Azmon looming large.
Both were entered for the benchmark 100 Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap, but Regal Azmon has been redirected to Brisbane to tackle the Group 3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1800m) next weekend, giving Arran Bay a clearer shot at victory.
Arran Bay has played second fiddle to Regal Azmon twice in recent weeks, including a narrow defeat while carrying 8.5kg more in April, and another loss despite a weight advantage in the Bart Cummings (1600m) at Morphettville.
“Regal Azmon has got it all over him at the moment,” Stokes admitted. “But Regal Azmon won’t be there, so hopefully he gets his chance.”
Stokes reports that Arran Bay returned to the stable in good shape and has put in solid work on the track leading into Saturday’s event. Paul Gatt will take the ride.
“He’s travelled back well and his gallops have been spot-on. He’s very fit and well,” Stokes said. “The 1800m will be no issue.”
Arran Bay has yet to win this campaign despite consistent performances, including a placing in the Listed Golden Mile last month. Stokes is hopeful this weekend marks a turning point.
“He’s hard to place now with his rating, so we’re just taking it one race at a time,” he said.
Some expected rain at Sandown won’t worry the team either.
“I think a bit of cut in the ground will actually help him,” Stokes noted.
Check out the latest odds and markets for Arran Bay’s Sandown run and other weekend features on trusted betting sites.
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