Devine Empress may have been beaten for the first time in five starts on Sunday, but she is favoured to take out tonight’s $50,000 to-the-winner G2 Laurels Classic final at Sandown Park.

Fastest heat winner Loxton Bale, Caroline and G3 Great Chase finalist Idolize are considered the biggest dangers to Devine Empress.

Dual G1 finalist Junk Food Junkie and Geelong Derby winner Nikoli Bale headline a competitive Mixed 4/5 515m race.

Sharni’s My Girl v Alfie Alligator v G1 Sale Cup finalist Arizona Eyes and Tynslee Bale v G2 Laurels Classic final reserve Chic v Kanji Giant should be well contested Grade 5 515m events.

The promising Compliance is expected to enhance his strike rate to four wins from five starts in a Grade 5 515m race as well.

Today’s Racing

Shepparton: 11:35am start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Warragul: 3:17pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Warrnambool: 6:09pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Sandown Park: 6:58pm start
Form     Tips     Key stats

Today’s Drawcards

ARIZONA EYES

Trainer: Rob Britton
? Sandown Park ? Race 4
? Box 8 ? 515m ⏱ 8:04pm

Claim to fame:
– Group 1 Sale Cup finalist
– 29.22 PB Sandown Park 515m

TAB fixed odds: $2.60

The Watchdog says: Yes

JUNK FOOD JUNKIE

Trainer: Jessica Sharp
? Sandown Park ? Race 7
? Box 1 ? 515m ⏱ 9:07pm

Claim to fame:
– Dual Group 1 finalist
– 29.39 PB Sandown Park 515m

TAB fixed odds: $2.60

The Watchdog says: No

DEVINE EMPRESS

Trainer: Kayla Cottrell
? Sandown Park ? Race 8
? Box 1 ? 515m ⏱ 9:28pm

Claim to fame:
– Won 4 from 5
– 29.23 PB Sandown Park 515m

TAB fixed odds: $2

The Watchdog says: Yes

? THE WATCHDOG’S $10 INVESTMENT ?
? Thursday 16 December

? $6 Multi

First ?: Win – UNKNOWN ABILITY
? Shepparton ? Race 11 ? Box 8 ? 385m ⏱ 2:35pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.80 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/723804225/race/11

Second ?: Win – HANDSOME JACK
? Warrnambool ? Race 9 ? Box 1 ? 390m ⏱ 8:31pm
TAB fixed odds: $1.35 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540479/race/9

The Watchdog says ? : UNKNOWN ABILITY (8) was a dominant debut winner here and although beaten in his two subsequent runs, he was far from disgraced. If he can step on terms, he should be able to whip around them mid race and then draw away as they turn for home. HANDSOME JACK (1) is on fire at present, and he should be leading from go to whoa tonight.

Multi price: $2.43

? $2 Win – BALBINA BALE
? Warrnambool ? Race 12 ? Box 2 ? 390m ⏱ 9:25pm
TAB fixed odds: $4.40 Win
Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540479/race/12

The Watchdog says ? : BALBINA BALE (2) hasn’t won for a little while; however, she drops in class tonight and with TEN’S ENOUGH (1) expected to hold a prominent spot through the bend, she should be able to drive through into a threatening position and she will be very strong in the run to the line.

? $2 Place – GYPSY TOOWOOMBA

? Must Watch Race ?

Group 2 Laurels Final

? Sandown Park ? Race 8
? Box 3 ? 515m ⏱ 9:28pm

TAB fixed odds: $4 Place

The Watchdog says ?: If DEVINE EMPRESS (1) can hold up through the bend, GYPSY TOOWOOMBA (3) should be able to get a nice run through and if she can settle, she will be able to run home into minor money.

‘Must Watch Race’ Preview ?:

Awesome line-up with some star prospects engaged, however DEVINE EMPRESS (1) appears to be something special. She kicked off her career with three scorching provincial wins and she then came to town and carved out a blistering 29.23sec win here. She didn’t have a lot of luck from the awkward draw in her heat, so from the inside draw tonight, she should be able to punch through at the bend and assume control as they head to the back. With plenty of aged classics in the coming months, she should be ready to establish herself as one of the code’s best young sprinters.

Form ? https://watchdog.grv.org.au/meeting/666540478/race/8

The Watchdog’s selections: 1 – 2 – 4 – 3

? RECENT $10 INVESTMENTS ?

Wednesday 15 December: $19 (+90%)
Tuesday 14 December: $24.70 (+147%)
Monday 13 December: $23.48 (+135%)
Sunday 12 December: $24.60 (+146%)
Saturday 11 December: $0 (-100%)
Friday 10 December: $11.70 (+17%)
Thursday 9 December: $26.60 (+166%)

Past 7 days: $130.08 for $70 invested (+86%)
Past 14 days: $183.80 for $140 invested (+31%)
Past 28 days: $276.09 for $280 invested (-1%)

? MONTH x MONTH RECORD

November 2021: $300.47 for $300 (Even)
October 2021: $311.40 for $310 (Even)
September 2021: $220.69 for $300 (-26%)
August 2021: $262.63 for $310 (-15%)
July 2021: $309.18 for $300 (+3%)
June 2021: $324.38 for $300 (+8%)

NOTE: June was the first full-month of the new-look Daily Mail, in which The Watchdog has a $10 daily spend.

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