3 minute read
Longford trainer Tanya Hanson will take a small team of three to Devonport on Sunday including last-start maiden winner Rock’em Baby that was impressive in winning her maiden in Devonport two weeks ago.
Rock'Em Baby lines up in the Kevin Sharkie class one over 1150m and given the way she went about disposing of her maiden status she looms as a positive each-way prospect.
"Rock'em Baby has come on since that maiden win and while the percentage of horses winning a class one straight after a maiden win is very low, this mare has thrived, and I expect her to run very well," Tanya Hanson said.
The astute mentor also saddles up her two-year-old first starter Tricky Mikki (Mikki Isle-Write This Down) that has been to the trials twice for two thirds, the latest in Devonport three weeks ago.
"I'm pleased with the filly's trials, but she has drawn the outside barrier (12) so it won't be easy from that gate, but she has ability and wants to be a racehorse, so she could surprise us."
But Hanson also has Flying To Paris engaged in the race (race 2) and she will be having her third start.
The Alpine Eagle filly had no luck last start when bailed up behind a wall of horses in the straight and when the rider went for a rails run the gap closed that prevented her from at least a minor placing.
"We've opted for a senior rider (Anthony Darmanin) this time because the filly is a bit headstrong, but there is no doubting she was unlucky not to win last start."
Cressy trainer Cameron Thompson also has a small team engaged at the Devonport meeting on Sunday where he predicts his lightly raced grey gelding Prosecutor should prove hard to beat in the Go Racing Tasmania benchmark 62 handicap over 1350m.
Prosecutor had his first start for six months in Devonport two weeks ago in which he finished last of six behind Julius, but rider Siggy Car was well pleased with the effort.
"Siggy (Carr) got off him and said she was rapt with his run, and she was keen to keep the ride on Sunday."
Thompson also will present his handy three-year-old Coeur De Lyon in the same race as Rock'em Baby in which he is top weight on 59kg but with apprentice Erica Byrne Burke's claim he will carry only 57.5kg.
Coeur De Lyon figured in the early three-year-old feature races this season finishing fourth to Turk Warrior in the $100,000 3YO Cup (1200m) and fifth to the same horse in the 3YO Trophy over 1400m.
But the gelding developed a back problem that has been diagnosed as lesions of the spine, which according to Thompson, is common in racehorses.
"The issue is not life threatening. I just had to rearrange the horse's training regime and his trial at Elwick on Monday suggests he has responded to the changes.
"The horse is only ridden when he gallops and everything else is done from the ground.
"It's hard to be too confident about his chances on Sunday, but on his trial at Elwick on Monday I am expecting a decent showing."
Sweetsop is having her first try over 1880 metres in the Thai Imperial maiden-class one which should suit the pint-sized Squamosa mare.
He also saddles up Needarein in the Pop Up Café Tasmania Bm62 Hcp over 1650m.
"I've changed Needarein's routine that seems to be working because his gallop at Longford this week was the best of all my team racing at Devonport."
Peter Staples' best bets:
- Race 6 – 1. Julius
- Race 9 – 1. Ethical Dilemma
