Sandown & Warwick Farm Midweek

Midweek racing really starts to heat up at this time of year and there is strong racing at both Sandown and Warwick Farm on Wednesday - and we have runners at both meetings.

A horse who has been thriving in Sydney, Space (pictured) contests the Bledisloe Cup Festival Handicap, the third event on the Warwick Farm card.

A last start gallant second to the talented import Soviet Courage at Rosehill, Space is drawn nicely in barrier three for Sam Clipperton.

"He has been going really well up there," Michael Moroney said of the Dubai Destination six-year-old, "and he just continues to train on well - so he should prove hard to beat."

At Sandown out day kicks off early with Strike Force taking his place in the opening event, the Grand Hotel Frankston Plate.

A debutant who jumps from barrier four for Patrick Moloney, Strike Force is a horse who is likely to be at his best over a bit longer but Moroney is looking forward to his first start.

"The 1300m may be a bit short for him but he is a really nice horse who we have always liked."

"It is a pretty slick field but that is to be expected leading into the spring."

A member of the only Australian crop for the multiple Group One winner Lookin At Lucky, Strike Force is a half-brother to three winners out of a half-sister to the stakes winners Naden and Catango.

Bonnie Belle is our second Sandown runner, racing in the mypunter.com Handicap over 1500m.

Sound late, grabbing third at her most recent outing after finding trouble in running, Bonnie Belle has not had the best of luck this time in but she looks close to a win.

"The 1500m suits her and she should prove competitive again," Moroney said.