3 minute read

The connections of quality mare Take the Sit will target a 1600-metre race in Launceston next month before contemplating an interstate campaign.

In Brief

• Quality mare scores emphatic first-up win in Deloraine Cup.
• Connections target 1600m race in Launceston as mare's next mission.
• Interstate campaign looms.

The Bill and Monica Ryan-trained mare delivered a brilliant first-up win in the Deloraine Hotel Deloraine Cup over 1450m in Launceston on Sunday, coming from last turning for home to score an emphatic win by almost four lengths to register the first win for the training partnership.

Take The Sit, the $2.80 equal favourite, defeated stalwart sprinter Blaze Forth ($2.80 EF) by 3-1/2 lengths with rank outsider Alinger ($31) a neck away third.

"We wanted to have her ridden back in the field today because we thought she might have been a bit vulnerable first-up over that trip on a very soft track, but in the end, she has done it easily," Monica Ryan said.

"There is a race over 1600m in Launceston in four weeks so that's where she will go next and then we will look for suitable interstate races.

"We initially looked a couple of 1400-metre races in Victoria but we have decided to go to 1600m at home because last time she ran and failed over that distance (1600m) she was in season so there was a legitimate excuse for that effort."

Jockey Anthony Darmanin has no doubts the mare could run out a strong 1600m.

"From what she showed me today she should have no worries running out a solid 2000m because she relaxes so well.

"We came off a nice speed today and the way she let down in the straight was really good."

Newhart was allotted top weight of 64kg and that proved to be too big a burden for the reigning Tasmanian Horse of the Year as he tired over the concluding stages to finish last of five and over eight lengths from the winner.