3 minute read
The National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) is a feature on Sunday afternoon eight-race program in Hobart.
Races 5 & 7 are the two dedicated NARS races where Jackson Radley (Tas), Lek Moloney (NT), Gabrielle Semmens (Qld), Zephen Johnstone-Porter (WA) and Caitlin Tootell (SA) are the apprentices competing for points.
The rail is in the +10m position for the first meeting at the track since 18 February.
R1 Tasmanian Bloodstock 2yo Handicap, 1100m
Hoax (2) was an impressive winner at a big price on debut. Did have the race run to suit from back in the field but rounded them up like a nice horse. Newcomer LADY FERN (4) took some time to warm up in her Longford trial but closed off strongly. FIRST LINE (7) hit the line okay behind Hoax in Launceston. SAY IT WITH WORDS (3) did it tough on-pace in that race and was entitled to fade. A possible improver with a softer run. NATIVE CLAN (6) did enough on debut and will be all the better for it.
R2 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Maiden, 1200m
Blonde Star (7) was no match at all behind In The Ocean last time but the form through the race has been strong. Didn't think there was a lot between her and KAGISO (3) who got too far back last start from a bad gate and worked home soundly. Draws much better here. FREDDY'SAJETSTAR (1) has had plenty of tries but this isn't strong and has first-4 claims. ROLLING IN IT (6) makes her own luck out in front but tends to be a bit weak late. MISS PRIVATE (4) next best.
R3 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Maiden, 1000m
Newcomer GLORY MISSION (5) commands plenty of respect on the back of a big trial win on the synthetic 10-days ago. He's drawn out which is no spoil at the 1000m start but he did show good early toe in his trial. HUBUBBAJAHN (10) ran well on debut. Last run in Launceston was a total forgive, maps much better here. SHE PLAYS GAMES (9) was unlucky this track/trip 2-starts back. GEE GEES MOONLITE (6) hasn't been far away since resuming but draws awkwardly. NEED A GIGGLE (3) has first-4 claims.
R4 Winning Edge Presentations Benchmark 62 Handicap, 2200m
Dalton Dancer (1) was strong winner over the mile 9-days ago suggesting the step out to 2200m shouldn't faze. HAPPY CLAN (2) is rock-hard fit and the form around him is very good. KAY OH ELL (2) hasn't won for almost 2-years but is racing consistently over these staying trips. AFRIDI (7) was hitting the line late in better grade last time and without a lot of luck either.
R5 Ranvet National Apprentice Race Series 2024 Class 2 Handicap (apprentice Riders Only), 1100m
Jehbenti (2) got too far back in the 3YO Classic race on Launceston Cup Day before making good ground late, this clearly an easier assignment. GEEGEES MISTY (3) resumes coming off a soft trial win. She won first-up last prep this track and trip. FIANCETTO (7) did enough at her first local start and draws better here. FEAR THE STING (5) had a gut-buster in front when well beaten behind Intisar. That was only 9-days ago which is the worry. Last start winner RUE DE PALAIS (1) had to pull out all stops in Class 1 company when leading all the way in Launceston, this only slightly harder and does race well this venue.
R6 Olive Tree Catering Maiden/class 1, 2100m
Waddy Waddy (6) appreciated getting out to a staying trip for the first-time last start and was quite dominant over the concluding stages. OPALSON (4) ran on only evenly in Launceston over the mile, goes better here and gives every indication this trip will suit. ZULU ESPRIT (10) could take some catching if he can get his own in front but is a query beyond a mile. STRAWBERRY KISS (13) performed well in BM 64 grade last time , this is significantly easier. MIKAZUKI (2) won a weak Stony Creek maiden at his latest and had all the favours in the run. NAVAJO WARRIOR (3) was plain last start but may have needed the run , prior efforts were okay.
R7 Tasracing National Apprentice Race Series 2024 0-62 (apprentice Riders Only), 1600m
Bounty Bay (10) warmed up nicely last start in a slowly run race, the 1600m suits. ADACHI (1) covered ground and battled on doggedly in BM 60 grade on Launceston Cup Day over this trip. A good hope again but has a tricky gate gate to overcome . OUR LITTLE TED (4) hasn't won for two-years but the mile is right up his alley and he maps okay. LORD WHITEGATE (3) is racing consistently and draws to figure in the finish again. I'M KEEFE (2) will make his own luck up on the speed as per usual. KINGS ON QUEENS (7) next best.
R8 Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 76 Handicap, 1600m
Thought Swoop There It Is (6) was a shade disappointing last start but presented on that occasion off a 44-day break so perhaps needed the run. On his best form he's the one to beat. This is DANTES (4) toughest test to date but he's never missed top 3 and gets goods weight relief to compensate. ROMARY (2) resumed in the Vamos and wasn't disgraced, much better suited here. YARRA MASTER (3) can improve third-up back onto his home deck. RICH CLAN (5) not out of it but ideally prefer her on softer ground.
