3 minute read
Punters around the country will be rejoicing as racing returns to the synthetic in Devonport for the first time in three months on Sunday.
The program only received 63 acceptors but there are still eight-races to work through, the first of which is scheduled for 12:20.
The two best races of the day have been reserved for the final two, with a quality benchmark 78 despite just a field of seven and the last race sees the promising Azara look to continue the unbeaten start to her career, taking on some well-performed campaigners in a benchmark 66.
R1 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1350m
High Maintenance (2) caught the eye making good ground against the pattern for the day on Friday. He didn't fire a shot in two synthetic runs for the previous stable and may already be looking for further but clearly some ability is there. Always A Winner (4) is the likely leader and hasn't missed a place in all four career starts. It must be said that the trial earlier in the week left a bit to be desired. Hero Of Romani (6) has been costly for punters since running a game race back here on Cup day. Returning to his home track should be a positive. Tiny Timmy (7) was very unlucky in Hobart but has settled well back in all his races so bad luck is always a chance. GEE GEE BARACUS (5) finished in a blanket for the minors on Friday and is in the mix in a deep race despite the small field.
R2 Ladbrokes Maiden, 1009m
Extremely weak maiden this one. Dirado (5) has been short in the market in two career starts for Andrew Roach. The quinella spaced the rest in Launceston first-up and she was three-wide in Hobart the next start. Her trial earlier in the week was good and 1009m looks right up her alley. Gee Gee Devonboy (1) drops back sharply in distance which doesn't appear ideal, but he'll be strong late as a result particularly if Daniel Ganderton can maintain touch with the leaders from the inside draw. Brazen Guy (2) and Helen's The Boss (6) are a pair of newcomers to the state, and both did enough at the trials to suggest they're each-way chances in a race that falls away very quickly. Enchanted Spirit (9) showed no speed in a trial that didn't hold up well on Wednesday night, but watch for any market lead on debut.
R3 Kevin Sharkie Mdn/cl1, 1880m
Bold Magic (4) has been a good addition to the Hanson camp finishing no worse than fourth in three runs including a win. She closed well to nab a place in Hobart but isn't proven out to this distance. Who's The Rider (8) was the one bloused for third behind Bold Magic, reducing the gap significantly from when they met the prior start. The 6YO mare will bowl along on speed, likely joined by Panda's Nosey Boot (6). She was ridden quieter last start where she ran on solidly behind Essex but has generally raced near the speed, including at her first Tasmanian start. We Need A Star (3) has been getting a mile back and running on without threatening the winners. She may be looking for the longer trip now. Spirit Of Wiora (2) and Sizzkye (7) may appreciate the change of scenery for the staying maiden/class 1's but have had plenty of chances.
R4 Nova Design & Print 0-66, 1880m
Generalmaintenance (2) was beaten less than five lengths in this year's Launceston Cup and here he is in a 0-66. The drop back in distance doesn't seem preferable but he gets his chance to notch another win. Rodessa (6) gives John Blacker 40% of the field and she loves the Devonport 1880m. Irish Shotgun (5) was three-wide without cover in a six-horse field at his first start for Scott Brunton. He's run well here in the past. Tezlah (1) is the highest rated horse in the race and while a query at the distance, this is unlikely to be strongly run. Wineglass Bay (4) could be a knockout, all three of his wins have come in Devonport but the most recent was September 2019.
R5 Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 Hcp, 1150m
Blushed (3) drew the right part of the track on Friday and was doing her best work late behind Gee Gee Sox. She draws for another good run and despite her one previous Devonport run being poor, the Leanne Gaffney stable generally fire on the track. Rising Hsiang (7) was very good at his mainland Tasmania debut behind Lucky Bucky. He ran home along the fast lane which may have flattered, but his closing sectionals were among the best for the meeting. Gee Gees Teardrop (1) was off the track in the same race as Rising Hsiang, so the excuses were there, and he hasn't missed a place in four prior Devonport runs. Fun 'N' Frolic (2) has claims if she can find the front. Brahma Armour (6) was $21 into $10 at his Tasmanian debut and while the blinkers go back on, he looks like he may need further than the 1150m.
R6 Carlton And United Breweries Benchmark 60 Hcp, 1150m
Seven of the 10 runners are first-up which makes things difficult. Black Magic Woman (2) isn't one of those, she won last start in Hobart where she had all the favours leading the field. That form is a slight query as a result, and she rises in weight but should do no work from a low draw. Trojan Storm (1) was average first-up in a race where the leaders caved. He has a stack of gear changes and this is his preferred surface. Team Wells have four runners, none of which were asked for much at the trials. Lady Joker (6) is perhaps the pick, she's lightly raced as a 4YO but has an awkward draw. Gee Gee Pureblonde (8) ran second here last prep first-up over the T&D and Geegees Rock Opera (4) was winning over 2100m at the end of last campaign so it's hard to know what to make of this kick-off point. Dixie's Boy (3) trialled like a bomb earlier in the week but is another who is proven over much further. Rhyme Writer (5) won here there starts ago but hasn't beaten a runner home in two subsequent runs. He could show up in a race that's close to a field job for the quaddie.
R7 Birdcage Tavern Benchmark 78 Hcp, 1350m
Runaway Girl (5) has nabbed some black type this campaign placing in the Group 3 Bow Mistress and Vamos Stakes. She tackles the boys here but is down in the weights and the synthetic holds no fears. Forgive the last start of Cabarrus (2) who settled back in a race where the leader crawled and won. Four of his five wins have been in Devonport. Underplay (1) is first-up after 375 days with a pair of trials to try and have him fit enough. He has a good first-up record but will give weight to the field as the highest rated horse by some margin. Ocean Essence (4) and Invincible Rock (3) both resume with the latter scratched from Wednesday night. This is their type of race and should each enjoy good runs from a starting point where inside draw is often a big advantage.
R8 Thai Imperial Benchmark 66 Hcp, 1350m
Azara (6) aims to make it three wins in as many starts to open her career. She hasn't had things all her own way in both wins but done it easily on the line. She takes on some seasoned older horses here, so it won't be easy. Lesnar (1) was first past the post on Friday and relegated on protest. If he finds the front, he will be hard to run down. It does appear a race with good speed though as the resuming Comiskey Park (3) and Gee Gees Cricket (4) are also on pacers. Gee Gees Cricket returns to the track where his best form is. Is Don Is Good (2) was brought up to the mark with a nice trial on Tuesday and may appreciate the expected pace in the race. He hasn't missed the quinella in two Devonport runs. Magic Waler (5) was plain last time and now has the blinkers back on. His winless streak is up to 14 dating back to October 2019, and he's been a single figure price in all bar one of his runs across that period.
