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The first of four consecutive thoroughbred meetings on the synthetic in Devonport is this Wednesday with 10 races scheduled.
R1 Ladbrokes Easy Form 3yo Maiden, 1009m
The form around IT'S JAGGER TIME (4) reads well for this. He was competitive in his first preparation behind the smart filly Miss Tasmania then had no luck when returning in June from a wide gate, a complete forgive run. He had a quiet trial at Longford recently and the winkers go back on. CLUB CITY (2) has good early speed and he looks the likely leader from his inside gate. He brings race fitness at his third career run and has place claims at least. Of the 5 new comers -BEAU WARRIOR (1), CELTIC ROSE (7) and AZONTO (5) were the pick of them – but couldn't identify a standout amongst them on their trial performances, market confidence will be the best guide.
R2 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1150m
MAGNAPRIME (12) had plenty of market support at Launceston on debut on the back of his trial win in the lead up and he was brave in defeat after a tough run in transit. From his better gate here he can make amends, with the option of leading or sitting just off them and having last crack. LIGHTMEUPJAZZ (8) is a very genuine mare and deserves plenty of respect resuming. She's been close up on a number of occasions and does race well on her home track. CORSA VELOCE (13) is the other key hope returning from good break. A five-length beaten margin to Miss Tasmania at her last start is the right form and the pair that that finished in front of her have both gone on to win since. SH'BOURNE GLORY (10) and GEE GEE SALTBUSH (6) are next best but can't see them troubling the top trio.
R3 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1350m
The locally trained FOREIGN LEGION (2) always gives his all and has been runner-up 3 of his past 4 for his new stable and deserves to break through. THE PRAYER (8) has solid mainland form on synthetic tracks but it's difficult to line her up with the locals. She was well beaten into third last start as a rock-solid second favourite. The runner-up though has since won and she should measure up in this moderate affair. The John Blacker stable is well represented with 4 of the 10 runners prior to scratchings. The pick of them is WILD NIGHTS (10) who hasn't been far away of late and certainly has more upside than her stablemates. LOVE NEST (4) is still chasing that elusive maiden victory having racked up four second placings in her last five outings. From an awkward gate she has each-way claims again. First starter EARENDEL (1) has been solid at the trials without raving and hasn't drawn great.
R4 Tasmanian Horse Transport Maiden/class 1, 1880m
RATHER TOUGH (6) broke through in maiden grade in Launceston 24 days ago, chance again, but there's a bit more depth to this. SIR TOROBEEL (4) has form that ties in with Rather Tough. He got going late in Hobart and the 1880m will work in his favour. SUN HALO (8) had every possible at Launceston when heavily backed. Absolutely no excuses but the prior run here rates him a strong chance. RAFAEL'S RAID (3) has been doing all his recent racing in the south of the state. He won 2 starts back in BM68 grade with no weight then had to carry an extra 5kg last start in easier class but was a spent force at the top of the straight. Can't rule him out totally but inclined to risk on the evidence of last start. NOBLE EXCEPTION (1) and MISS VIVACE (5) have been racing consistently in similar grade without winning. Minor claims for both again. SHAMUS EAGLE (7) ran on solidly in Hobart at his first local run but that was over 2100m and now drops back in trip.
R5 Sheridan Construction & Renovations Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1150m
A very competitive race, at least 4-5 solid chances in the small field. BOLD INSTINCT (3) is better suited back to the 1150m and only has to carry a couple of kgs more than two starts ago when a dominant winner in same grade. Provided there's not too much pressure up front he'll be hard to get past again. PHILOSOPHERS STONE (2) didn't fire at Launceston after winning here first up in BM72 grade but there were clear excuses on that occasion. Parks outside the speed here or sits handy and can bounce back. GOLDEN MEADOW (6) came from last at the 600 to win resuming then struggled in the soft ground in Hobart. She flies around here and rates highly. CORNELIAN BAY (4) record on the synthetic, this trip, and first up is outstanding, will just need luck at the right time. GEE GEE ENUF SPEED (1) found the line okay second up and has minor claims.
R6 Winning Edge Presentations Class 1 Handicap, 1150m
DURAZZO (1) had nothing go right on debut from a wide gate then bounced back the following start and was a decisive winner over BLOOMTIME (3) with a massive margin to the remainder of the field. He's trialled up nicely and looks ready to rip resuming. Thought Bloomtime was a bit plain first up but perhaps didn't perhaps fully let down on the soft 6 and will strip fitter. GIE IT LALDY (5) is fresh off a 2-month break. She has a good record here but has been blowing the start badly which is the worry with her. STARS IN THE NIGHT (6) is ultra consistent but has only the one win to her name after 28-starts, a must include though for exotics. MANDATE (2) and NEED TO THINK (4) best of the rest.
R7 Thai Imperial Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1150m
Was bullish about the chances of PASHEONA (5) in Hobart before they called the races off a fortnight ago and there's no reason not to stick with her, particularly on her home track. She's been a good get for the stable already, winning at her first local start and then flashed home late for second behind Furneaux in BM60 grade after being held up at a crucial stage. Great draw, great chance. QUICKEN UP (3) is in good form but the map doesn't look favourable for her with speed drawn inside and outside. Not ruling her out completely but she does look to have her challenges. NAVAL ANTHEM (2) and JEHBENTI (1) bring similar form-lines and have each-way claims but the synthetic surface is unfamiliar territory for both. FAR AWAY HIT (3) returns from a break of 462 days. She's clearly had her share of problems but is very capable on her day and is a big watch.
R8 The Stall Gate Kiosk Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1350m
EXALTED CROWN (1) dictated terms and was simply too good here this track, trip and grade leading all the way for his new stable just over 5 weeks back. If left alone again he can repeat the dose. LORD WHITEGATE (2) is the one that can improve sharply third up out to this distance. MONTE FLEUR (5) ran an enormous race resuming and has been placed here twice from two tries. It looks like she's in for a very good preparation. CAPTAIN CAM (6) is at the top of his game winning last start in Hobart but does need an ounce of luck from an awkward draw. HOT RELATION's (4) form isn't as bad as it reads but the worry is it's been 444 days since she last won. RODRICK'S SECRET (11) has drawn a gate and wouldn't totally shock.
R9 Kevin Sharkie Open Handicap, 1880m
On weights and measures BLONDE SUSPECT (4) will be hard to toss. Placed 5th behind ASHY BOY (2) in the Devonport Cup earlier this year, he meets that horse on significantly better terms here (6.5kgs after the claim) for a 4-length defeat. And being deeper into this preparation, fifth up versus second up for Ashy Boy, he should have a fitness edge. SIR SIMON (1) is shooting for 3 straight wins and can never be underestimated but he does look vulnerable with his big weight at a venue which has netted him only the one win in his career. KALIUWAA FALLS (3) chances are tough to assess. This surface for him is a complete unknown. This trip is also a complete unknown. He hasn't won or been tested beyond 1650m but does hit the line like he will relish the 1880m. MONTEZULU (6) is an up-and-coming stayer and this is a step up but he is flying. ZULU ANGEL (5) form is good enough but this venue/surface is a big query for him. He was beaten almost 30-lengths here at his one and only try earlier in his career. It was reported post-race that he didn't handle the synthetic at all.
R10 Amenities Grand Opening Sunday 29th September Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1650m
If you can overlook the fact that COPPLESON (8) hasn't won for 734 days then it's not hard to make a strong case him. His recent form stacks up in spades. Fitness is perhaps some query off a 59-day gap but happy to back the stable in to have him right. COUP DE SPRY (7) has been racing well down south and the manner in which he won last time suggests that he can win again. GOLDEN PROPHET (4) put the writing on the wall last start and looks close to another win. MYWORDIS (2) hasn't won for well over a year and he could be a sharp improver second up back onto the synthetic. He gets in very well after the claim. JOHNNIE PINCH (5) remains unbeaten around here from 2 tries but this is a step up from last time. LONDIANI (3) didn't handle the going in Hobart last start and should just about be at his peak third run back.
