3 minute read
It’s only attracted a field of four but the last of the 2YO features for the season, the $50,000 Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Sires Produce (1400m) promises to be one of the most interesting races in Hobart on Sunday.
Garçon D'espoir and Native Clan have the chance to stamp themselves as one of the better juveniles to race this season with a victory.
Garçon D'espoir has raced only twice. He was unlucky on debut and then caused an upset in the Tasbred 2YO in Launceston on 5 April.
"He has had a little bit of a hiccup, I was supposed to be giving him a trial before this Sunday, but he's started coming right, and he should be ready for the race; I am happy with him," trainer Yassy Nishitani said.
"It's a bit tricky only four horses in the field with 58kg and his first trip to Hobart, but I think 1400m is better than 1200m for him; he needs the extra distance. I can see lots of improvement; he has got lots of stamina and energy."
Garçon D'espoir was purchased at the Tasmanian yearling sales for a "little over budget" but Nishitani believes it was money well spent.
His main danger will be the John Keys-trained Native Clan who broke through for her first win at start four on 21 April. Craig Newitt will ride Native Clan while Codi Jordan after a couple of rides at Caulfield on Saturday returns home to ride Garçon D'espoir.
Also on the truck south for Nishitani will be Always A Winner who tackles the 2200m BM76 with premiership-leading jockey Anthony Darmanin aboard.
"I think he is rock-hard fit now for the 2200m. He likes the Hobart track. I'm wishing for a little softer track, but I think you will see a brave run this time."
Nishitani will round out the day with Espur in the last, an 1100m Class 1. Esper won in Launceston two runs back but was down the track last time out; however, the trainer says there were excuses.
"Last start was very unlucky; it was a messy race; she was wide, got a bump and got on the wrong leg around the corner; I think you should just forgive that run."
The second feature of the day is the $50,000 Tasmanian Bloodstock 3YO Autumn Classic (1400m), which sees the clash between Thespian Waters, who is aiming for four wins in a row, and the highly promising Wickham Light, who, after a luckless debut, could not have been more impressive at his second start.
The first race kicks off at 12.15 and we can start with a winner in Woolclasser who debuts in the 1100m maiden.
Woolclasser trialled impressively in Hobart on 30 April, winning by 2.5 lengths and skipping home the last 600m in 33.23 seconds.
Watch all the action from the Mother's Day meeting on TasracingTV with Matt Reid live hosting.
