3 minute read
R1 Thai Imperial 0 - 60, 1150m
Small six-horse field to kick off proceedings and trainer Glenn Stevenson saddles up half the field.
Always hard to ignore a Glenn Stevenson runner having their first run in the state and the market will be your best guide here. I tipped Malevolent (5) on top for this very reason which is often the case with many Glenn Stevenson horses. Last few runs in country Victoria were average at best however is coming off a trial win on this track during the week. Prepared to be guided by the market but newcomers to the 'Stevo' yard often relish the change of environment and he already has form on the synthetic.
The topweight Gee Gees Buzz (1) gets his chance here after a good run last start. Finished fifth behind Trojan Storm, however, was in a stronger grade and only got beaten 1.65L. With the claim today will carry 2kgs less than on that day. Draws well and loves the tapeta.
I'm surprised Bethpage (6) is yet to win a race in Tassie after being placed at three of her last four. Happy to ignore she went around last start where I don't think she handled the softish track. Trainer Glenn Stevenson gave her a bit of a freshen up after that outing and places her back on the synthetic today. Gets her chance.
Rarely far away, Gee Gee Bay Watch (3) drops in grade from his last start and it is interesting to note has never missed a place this track/distance. Gets the weight he probably deserves but I have the others ahead of him for that very reason.
Staking Strategy: Depending on what price he opens up I'm happy to have something on Malevolent (5). As mentioned before the market will be the best guide but if the money comes for this gelding, then I will be happy to follow suit. 1 unit to win on Malevolent (5)
R2 Ladbroke It! 3yo Maiden, 1150m
The well-bred Cornelian Bay (2) makes his race debut here and if he is anything like his mother and brother is bound to have supporters. Coming off an easy trial win on this track, receives the services of David Pires in the saddle. On breeding and the trial win, I have him on top. I am a big fan of the mare – Rebel Bride – who was a Group 3 winner and a winner of 14 races in her own right. Her only other progeny is Rebel Factor, a winner of three from five and he goes around later this afternoon.
Madjack (6) was good on debut when friendless in the betting. He was overshadowed by his stablemate Vokes but that was a much stronger field than the maiden here, with half the field having their first race start. Experience can be a massive advantage and no doubt Madjack would have learnt a lot from his first start.
Connections will be hoping Born A Winner (1) is just that and, after the one run as a two-year-old, resumes here after a gelding operation. Can be the ultimate gear change and with that and the race experience under his belt, could be one to watch. Siggy Carr takes the reins today and she is no stranger to riding a winner for John Blacker. Won a trial during the week on this track so don't think the tapeta will be an issue.
Gallant Warriors (3) has had trials in preparation for his debut and that includes a recent win on this track. Not overly keen on the barrier from this trip however an each-way chance on trial form.
Staking Strategy: Very hard for me to look past Cornelian Bay (2) here, I am a huge fan of the dam and the recent trial shows he has the ability. Love the booking of jockey David Pires as well. 2 units to win on Cornelian Bay (2)
R3 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1009m
Very tricky maiden this. Shim (12) had market support on debut a month ago on this track. I believe the winner of that race, Gaudi Girl, could be quite handy and with natural improvement that could be enough to be in the finish today. The stable has engaged an apprentice for the ride so she will also run with 2kgs less than she did her previous start.
Prophet Eyes (5) was given plenty of time to mature after her first start back in January and rewarded connections with a promising second a month ago this track and trip. Talented apprentice Chelsea Baker keeps the ride as they aim to go one better in what does look like a weaker maiden.
Yet to break through but placing seven times from his thirteen starts you simply can't leave Lacerate (3) out of your multiples. From barrier 6 the four-year-old should be able to get a nice run on pace and is bound to be in the finish somewhere.
I can see Siggy Carr hustling out from barrier 13 here on Coronation Veronic (7) to take up the lead. I don't often like horses having their first run on the tapeta however this four-year-old mare had a taste of it with a narrow second in a recent trial. Fresh for this and has run some handy times in the past. One at odds.
Staking Strategy: Very tricky maiden this. Shim (12) had market support on debut a month ago on this track. The stable has engaged an apprentice for the ride so she will also run with 2kgs less than she did her previous start. 1 unit to win on both Shim (12) and Coronation Veronic (7)
R4 Kevin Sharkie Mdn/cl1, 1880m
Pop A Honda (7) has been flirting with a win at his last three starts. Slowly stepping up in distance he gets his first try at the 1880m today. I thought he was good at Hobart however feel he is a better horse on the tapeta and expect him to improve from that run on the grass. Shapes as if the distance will suit him and is rock hard fit. From barrier two will get a nice economical run up on the pace and hopefully be hard to run down.
Liskamm (10) was perhaps a little disappointing on debut when backed into favouritism only to finish seventh. However, she redeemed herself the following start with a third behind Eight Margaritas who she faces again here today. I'm slightly concerned about stepping up to the 1880m four weeks between runs however Barry Campbell is one of the best trainers in the state and it wouldn't surprise me he has her fit enough.
A winner last time out over the mile at Hobart, Anonymous Source (1) steps up an extra 200m for this. Clearly handles the synthetic being placed two from two, albeit over the shorter journey. I worry a little the 1880m might be a concern, especially carrying a large weight. Likes to race on speed but is drawn a bit tricky here and may not get across as easy as Chelsea would like. I can see him winning if everything goes his way, but a couple of hurdles could hinder him, making him a risk for mine.
I thought the run of Hampton Bay (6) last start was excellent and had 'black book me' all over it. Hard to be confident with a horse who has had 20 starts and is still a maiden though. I've said previously I don't like backing horses coming back in distance and this is no different but from the eye-catcher last time I have to have him in my top four in a race that is not overly strong.
Staking Strategy: Pop A Honda (7) gets his chance today. On paper, everything looks to suit and I have him on top. 2 units to win on Pop A Honda (7)
R5 Seba Sheetmetal Bm68 Hcp, 1880m
How Obvious Step (4) hasn't won since moving to Tassie is beyond me. She has been highly unlucky at her three runs in the state and again we will probably see her start the race favourite. Has won over the 1600m journey in the past but travels the 1880m for the first time. Last start dropped down to 1400m when placed second behind Hero Of Romani in a BM62, I have no doubt she is ready for this and she races like the extra distance won't be a problem. I was very keen her first three starts and I'm very keen again today. For me, clearly, the one to beat.
Perun (1) was no match for I'm So Cool and Captain Morgan in Hobart a fortnight ago but is an honest old war horse that tries every time he steps foot on the race track. The track is not a problem, the distance is not a problem and Randy Tan rides him well. A genuine place chance but I can't see him winning.
Captain Morgan (7) finally found some form again last time when second behind I'm So Cool at Hobart. He was well beaten that day but still beat the majority of the field quite significantly. Take Obvious Step out of the equation and this is no harder. A winner on the track and trip, drawn well and weighted well gets all the favours today, again I can't see him winning but another place looks on the cards.
A winner at double-figure odds, Port Berry (6) surprised a few with a narrow victory this track/distance a month ago. The form of This mare can be inconsistent however her last two have been excellent as she rises in distance. Siggy Carr sticks with her from that win and from barrier one won't get too far back as she aims to win her fourth win for her career.
Staking Strategy: I have Obvious Step (4) clearly the one to beat here. Surely all the bad luck has run out and she can finally show the punters what they were expecting since she has arrived here. 4 units to win on Obvious Step (4)
R6 Orion Security Protection Bm76 Hcp, 1350m
Handy little race this with a few nice horses lining up. You only have to look at his resume to know that Freelancer (2) is a very good horse. I am prepared to forget he went around when well back on the grass last start. He doesn't like the soft ground and four of his five wins have come on the Devonport tapeta surface. Daniel Ganderton knows the son of Wordsmith extremely well, piloting him in 12 of his 15 starts.
One of my favourite horses in the state is Rebel Factor (5). I tossed up between Freelancer and him for the top position and the distance is what swayed me to the former. Rebel Factor has only started from the 1400m mark once in his career and, although far from disgraced, he did miss a place for the first time. However, that did come at the end of his preparation though so I'm not completely convinced he doesn't stay the seven furlongs but I would prefer to see him attempt it first before going all in.
Boom Dot Com (3) has raced against much harder races than this and been very competitive. Last start she was ok behind two very exciting horses in Music Addition and Julius, however, I did expect her to finish closer to them that day. Gets to her pet distance today, is a dual winner second up and should be there abouts.
I threw Gee Gee Plane (4) into my selections today simply for his love of the carpet. Nine starts on this track boast five wins and two placings, it's a tricky little track so if you can handle it as well, as he does, you're always a chance.
Staking Strategy: Exciting race this and I do see it a race in two between Freelancer (2) and Rebel Factor (5). If Rebel Factor had more form around the 1400m I would have them much closer in my market. My head says Freelancer but my heart says Rebel Factor. 3 units to win on Freelancer (2) and 1 unit to win on Rebel Factor (5)
R7 Carlton Draught Bm60 Hcp, 1350m
Alpine Aviator (2) has been ultra-consistent since joining the Leanne Gaffney team only missing a place once in six starts. Loves the tapeta and drops in weight from his last start victory with Chelsea Bakers claim. Hard to beat today.
Fresh from a stint on the mainland Barjeel (1) returns to his home track today to face a 4kg weight pull with newcomer Lauryn Bingley in the saddle. The two of them paired up in a couple of trials previously so no doubt Lauryn knows the horse and will give him every chance to get his tenth career win.
I've said previously that Alpine Blast (4) is a horse I struggle to catch but with his placing percentage, it's impossible to leave him out of my selections. A little green last start when dead-headed at Hobart but Carr sticks with him and he has won on this track/distance before. Take on trust but would favour the place more than the win.
So I'm Dreaming (5) is never far away, especially on his home track. Drops back from the mile last start but that was over a month ago so I'm not concerned. Another for the multiples but hard to have on top.
Staking Strategy: I think Alpine Aviator (2) looks well placed here and after the claim gets in well at the weights too. Will make his own luck on pace and simply loves the carpet. 3 units to win on Alpine Aviator (2)
R8 Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 Hcp, 1150m
Team Hanson saddles up Schauffele (3) as the first runner for the new partnership and stable apprentice Lauryn Bingley gets the steer. I had this horse on top last time and whilst he was on paper disappointing, I'm prepared to forgive and forget now back on this track. Very consistent galloper who comes in well at the weights after Bingley's 4kg claim. Draws a sticky gate but will settle midfield or worse anyway.
Gee Gees So True (1) comes into this second up and ticks a lot of boxes. Bound to be well in the market and looking for his second career win. Taylor Johnstone takes 2kg off his back and is going to be hard to beat.
I have waited a long time to see Needs To Belong (2) back at the races and we get the chance today. Assume he has had a lot of issues given he is now six years old and only having his seventh start. First up for just over 12 months would prefer to give him this run to see how he has come back but he was a horse with a bit of a spruik about him back when he debuted. Has run in two trials to get him fit for today which includes a win and a third. Definitely has ability but would prefer to watch today given the long spell.
Shake Your Tooshy (8) is another one resuming from a decent spell but she has gone well fresh in the past. First time racing on the track, however, did trial on that surface a couple of weeks ago. Weighted well with the claim for her trial/trackwork rider Chelsea Baker. Each way chance.
Staking Strategy: Tough little race to end the card here with a couple of chances. I think we will get more of a price on Schauffele (3) than Gee Gees So True but either could win. 1 unit to win on Schauffele (3) and 1 unit to win on Gee Gees So True (1)
