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Race History of the 2017 Sandown Guineas at Sandown on Saturday had some great winners but a few years ago.

Pressday showed his 2yo form was strong. The 2017 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Sandown on Saturday might not be as strong.

2017 SANDOWN GUINEAS - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The Sandown Guineas is a G2 race run under Set Weights conditions for three year olds at Sandown conducted by the Melbourne Racing Club.

The Sandown Guineas is run over 1600m. It was first run in 1957 and was won by Orient.

For the first decade, the race was only available for fillies to run in.

The Sandown Guineas was a Principal Race until 1979 then Group 2.

When the male 3yos were able to run, the race was over 2100m but after two years quickly came back to a mile.

The best guide to the Guineas is usually the Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington on the first day of the carnival.

1999 winner Over would win the Doncaster Mile in his next preparation beating the great mare Sunline in the last few strides.

In the Spring of 1973, Bart Cummings had Taj Rossi win the Cox Plate, Victoria Derby, George Adams (G1 Mile) and the Sandown Guineas in consecutive weeks. So Called and Abdul also won Cox Plates.

They ran the race at Caulfield in 2013 but other runnings of the Sandown Guineas were at Sandown.

The last filly to win was Cayambe in 2005.

The Sandown Guineas is worth $250,000 in 2017.

Notable winners of the Sandown Guineas include Pressday (2010), Kidnapped (2009), Scenic Warrior (2000), Over (1999), Special Dane (1997), Peep On The Sly (1995), Baryshnikov (1994), Navy Seal (1992), Durbridge (1990), Stargazer (1989), Shankhill Lass (1985), Cossack Prince (1982), So Called (1977), Taj Rossi (1973) and Abdul (1970).

The 2016 Sandown Guineas was won by Morton’s Fork from Ruthven and Jennifer Lynn.