The Laurels Classic Runner-By-Runner Analysis

HERE is our runner-by-runner form analysis with reasons why each runner can or cannot win the Laurels Classic on Thursday with tips.

The bookmakers have set Here Comes Milli an odds-on favourite for Thursday night's Group 2 Laurels Classic after the daughter of boom sure Bernardo recorded the fastest heat win.

But is Des Douch's rising star a deserving of such a short quote, and is the $55,000 to the winner event a near forgone conclusion as the market indicates?

FIELDS AND FORM SANDOWN THURSDAY NIGHT

Here's a look at each of the runners for the 61st edition of the Laurels Classic.

1. Granny Roses

Trainer: Sharon-Lee Chignell

Scored in the final stride of her heat, nabbing Lamia Milla on the line to qualify for the final. Stepped only fairly in her heat running 5.15 but did find the rail through the first turn which gave her clear running to chase down Lamia Milla who had opened a six-length margin down the back. She will need step better here but the inside draw should help – it's been 11 starts since she's drawn inside box 4 – and though she is unlikely to lead, she can force the speed dogs and give her a clear sight of the lure.

Can she win: Yes

2. Desired Path

Trainer: Jessica Sharp

One of two dogs balloted into the race after the heat was declared a no race. Form prior was only modest – she entered the series winless in 19 starts with just six placings in that time – and has been well held in moderate company.

Can she win: No.

3. Aston Gaga

Trainer: Correy Grenfell

Was no match for runaway favourite Isle Of Rose in the opening heat, beaten 3-3/4 lengths however she did cover an awful lot of ground with her racing pattern taking her to all points of the track. Another that won't know herself , the inside draw will help her hold her position but could well be a hindrance to those draw outside and aide those below.

Can she win: With luck. An each-way play.

4. Here Comes Milli

Trainer: Des Douch

Fastest heat winner (29.38) with a slick first split (5.03) from the same box from which she'll jump in the final. Defeated the smart Tinker Norm in a Melbourne Cup Prelude before finding trouble in the Cup heat. Is the clear top pick on what she's done so far in her career – she's win in sub-29.50 at Sandown five times splitting 5.05 or faster each time – but has also found trouble twice and been put out of the running.

Can she win: Absolutely, but isn't much value at $1.80.

5. All About Ivy

Trainer: Jeff Britton

The second runner to progress via ballot after the no race on heats night. One win in 10 starts and well held in her only previous start in restricted grade at Sandown, All About Ivy winning the Laurels would be one of the great upsets in feature race history.

Can she win: No.

6. Isle Of Rose

Trainer: Jackie Greenough

The former NSW speedster made 10 wins from 13 career starts win leading all of the way to win her heat in 29.57 and followed her 29.68 win the week prior. She did everything right and had clear running in both runs, and while her winning times were good, may not be quick enough to win here. Just three of her career wins have been in the fastest time of the meeting and while she does have a 29.82 win at Wentworth Park from box 6, she also found trouble from the same box on her Sandown Park debut.

Can she win: Yes, but can't afford a mistake from this box.

7. Lamia Mila

Trainer: Lorenzo Carbone

Nabbed in the final stride of her heat after opening a big margin down the back. Her strength over the distance is a question but she should take benefit off her first run at Sandown and second attempt over 500m. Has been placed in each of her last seven starts including a second in the Group 3 Northern Districts Cup, though it may be the weakest group race on the Australian calendar.

Can she win: Yes – any greyhound with her pace gives her a chance. Will be looking for the line late though.

8. Aunt Virginia (pictured)

Trainer: John Paraskevas

Got a bump early a squeeze through the first turn as Here Comes Milli charged to victory in her heat, however she was one of the runs of the heats given the early trouble she found. That resilience is a great trait from a greyhound having just her sixth career start. Is modest at box rise but could get the run of the race with Lamia Milla set to carve across from box 7. Won in 29.57 here on debut, has also broken 30 seconds at The Meadows and won from box 8 there in 30.04. Has scope for further improvement. 

Can she win: Yes – Could be the big winner if Lamia Milla carves across. The value in the race.

THE VERDICT: Here Comes Milli (4) is the favourite for good but the price is way too short. A two bet play with the bookends – Granny Roses (1) and Aunt Virginia (8) can return a profit. Rove the 1 through 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 in the trifecta and first four.