3 minute read
Ladbrokes Stakes the key form reference for Thomas Lyons.
After The Inevitable made a one-act affair of the race last year, Sunday afternoons' Listed $150,000 Magic Millions Thomas Lyons Stakes is much more open.
Seven of the 11 runners on Sunday ran in the $75,000 Ladbrokes Stakes won by Bello Beau. However, there were only 2.55 lengths between the first nine horses across the line.
As a result, it's $4 the field for the weight-for-age classic, but the best-backed runner has been the horse that was undeniably the hardest luck story in the Ladbrokes Stakes, Geegees Gemstone.
The Stuart Gandy-trained 4YO gelding jumped the $3.20 favourite last start, and after being buried back in the field, jockey Anthony Darmanin was unable to find clear running, with Geegees Gemstone going to the line without being fully tested.
Darmanin is looking forward to a shot at redemption on Sunday.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back on Gemstone.
"Obviously, he was so unlucky the other day, so hopefully we can rectify that, and he's too good," Darmanin said.
Geegees Gemstone has been backed from $5.50 to $4 in an open market that also sees Indispensable ($4.50), First Accused ($4.80), Turk Warrior ($5.50) and Bello Beau ($8) at single figures with bookmakers. All five of those horses ran in the Ladbrokes Stakes in Launceston on 26 January.
The Thomas Lyons honour roll is a who's who of modern-day Tasmanian greats, with The Inevitable, Mystic Journey, Hellova Street and Admiral all victorious in the race across the last decade.
LCSS comes to Hobart Cup Day
For the first time in 2024, the Ladbrokes Community Sports Series (LCSS) will be a part of Hobart Cup Day.
The concept has been a huge success in Devonport through the Ladbrokes Carpet Charge, and its race 6 (BM60, 1600m) in Hobart on Sunday that will afford 14 southern sporting clubs a chance to win $10,000.
The race has been knocked around by scratchings, but with $500 guaranteed to all 14 clubs, along with 10 tickets to the races, the clubs involved will still enjoy a great day out.
The draw for Sunday's race was conducted on Friday evening:
Sorell Football Club – Adachi
St Virgils Football Club – Our Little Ted
Tassie Flying Paws Dog Club Inc – Lord Whitegate
Tasmanian University Football Club – Winchester Rifle
Longley Cricket Club – Rubbleonthedouble
Rokeby Cricket Club – Rustic Charm
Mt Pleasant Football Club – Arelius
Swansea RSL Sub Branch Inc – Kiriena Marubrah
Claremont Bowls Club – Power Magnum
Eastern Shore Homing Society – Monte Bianco
South East Suns WFC – Make A Decision
Sorell Bowls Club – Co Accused
Southern Raiders Polocrosse Club – Alpine Aviator
Colebrook Golf Club – Princess Matoaka
