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Thoroughbred racing is back on the turf this Sunday for the first time since 16 May when Hobart hosts an eight-race program.
The weather has been ordinary to say the least in Hobart this week, so I would be expecting the track to race no better than soft and the rail is in the +15m position. The rail was last in the +15m spot on 29 November where winners came from the inside and outside part of the track but racing was on a good 4 throughout the day.
Field sizes are restricted with the rail in this position which has resulted in emergencies for all eight races.
R1 Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Maiden, 1200m
BRINKTOP LAD (1) had good late market support here four weeks ago and then was a huge run after racing wide without cover. The break between runs offsets the drop back in distance well into the campaign. Stablemate MASKED BANDIT (3) was third in the same race after enjoying a much more economical run. Blinkers go on for his third career start. ONE MORE PARTY (6) finished ahead of Masked Bandit when they met in early May. She raced wide there from an awkward alley, and she's again drawn the outside half of the track. STARS IN THE NIGHT (8) has early speed and will give a sight out in front. BANCA STAR (5) was solid upon resumption in Devonport and has been towards the head of the market at most of her Tasmanian runs.
R2 Hygain Maiden, 1400m
SEA NYMPH (8) seemingly didn't handle the synthetic on debut and then interestingly crossed Bass Strait for her second start where she was far from disgraced. It was a soft 7 at Cranbourne so any sting out of the track shouldn't be a big issue. Blinkers are applied for the first time on Brunton pair HELLOT (4) and WE DESERVE THIS (6). Both were only fair last time out. BREW HORSE (1) went straight to 1400m first-up and was solid without threatening the placegetters. That form is tested in the opening race. OXY DREAM (9) has her first start on the grass tackling the older horses as a 2YO and stablemate GOLDEN JAZZ (7) has trialled up twice in preparation for her debut run in the Apple Isle.
R3 Happy 21st Birthday Harry Joyce Class 1 Hcp, 1400m
LE MONDE DE LUCAS (2) and RED ROGER (3) filled out the quinella behind Needadollarbill to close the last Hobart program. The former was a big effort after racing wide on speed and was well-supported from early markets. Red Roger was a drifter but hit the line well and he's obviously bypassed synthetic options closer to home to race here. GHOSTED (1) brings strong mainland form to John Blacker's stables for a race like this and has performed well with sting out of the track. Only a month between runs but he was asked for plenty of effort in a recent trial. SUNSET GUN (5) was a little plain in a heat of the apprentice series, but Georgie Catania goes back aboard who steered the filly to her maiden win. FIGHTING FAITH (4) was well in the market at her only start for Siggy Carr and could easily have come on from that run.
R4 Tasmanianbloodstock.com.au Mdn/cl1, 1600m
EVELINA ROSE (5) led throughout for a soft win second-up with that form tested earlier in the day. After two 1400m runs the mile seems suitable and she should be able to lead again. SIGNAL HILL (7) kept her fitness up with a run in Devonport off the back of a huge performance here two starts ago. Expect her to be ridden closer to the speed than last start. YARRA MASTER (3) has a 3kg swing on Signal Hill for finishing second to her in the apprentice series. He is an on pacer who should be a relatively straightforward ride for Erica Byrne Burke. RYLSTONE (2) was smashed in the betting in Devonport but could only manage third after having every opportunity. Not sure back in distance is ideal. SARDEGNA DEEL (6) has the blinkers back on and each-way claims despite this being short of her preferred trip.
R5 Kevin Sharkie Class 1 Hcp, 1200m
FREAK ON A LEAD (2) did what the market expected in Devonport but is likely to be better on the grass. Pires stays on and this looks like a nice progression point for him. HOT RELATION (1) resumes having run in the quinella in two previous first-up starts. A potentially testing track may be a slight concern but he's been competitive against some of the state's better 3YO's. JOHN’S LAD (3) was outclassed last start without being disgraced. This is more suitable. SWINGIN’ GEORGE (6) has been gelded since we last saw him. Look for any market lead as he has been plunged a few times in the past. PERKINS (5) has been very consistent for Alana Fulton. SEGUIMIENTOS (10) was scratched at the barriers last Sunday and finished just behind a few that run in the third race last start. ROBBEN ISLAND (9) weakened after racing on a hot speed last Sunday and backs up with no weight on her back.TALLY MO (7) has blinkers off for her first Tasmanian run and may need further unless the market says otherwise.
R6 Ladbrokes Switch 0-66, 1200m
ROUGH ROAD (1) was doing his best work late first-up. 1200m may still be a bit sharp but he is a quality performer on his day and gets in well with the claim. DON’TBUCKME OFF (2) got a great ride last start to win from STRATEGIC AGENDA (10) in an on pace dominated affair. This isn't much harder despite the rise in class on paper. NEEDADOLLARBILL (4) was a last stride winner off a freshen and that form will be proven by this stage of the day. We will also know whether gate one is any negative. GYMPINS (9) had market support before being scratched at the barriers from the last Hobart meeting. Stablemate KUROSET (7) also resumes having never missed a place at the track in seven runs. She'll likely be back from a wide barrier. MAGIC KHAN (5) hasn't raced since early May but was in good form then. She's in the mix in a very deep race.
R7 Tasmanianbloodstock.com.au Benchmark 78 Hcp, 1100m
Early shoppers were rewarded when O’LONH STAR (2) won last start in Devonport though that resembled a boat race. He may get more pressure in front here. RUETTIGER (1) was $2.70 favourite in that race and finished off well, as did GEE GEE TRUE STORY (4) with GEEGEE TRENDSETTER (5) in between. I'd expect all the beaten brigade to be better on the turf. BOOM DOT COM (9) is a noted wet tracker who will be finishing hard but 1100m may be a bit short. JEREMIAH (2) is another looking for further but is a quality performer on his day. Stablemates SAVS FINALE (6) and UBER ED (7) only battled away fresh but will likely have taken improvement as they both drifted in the market there. If it's an on pace day APRIANO (8) warrants thought, interestingly getting blinkers for the first time at start 83.
R8 Unique Doors & Windows Benchmark 66 Hcp, 1600m
SHAMPZ AGAIN (1) has been a shade disappointing compared to market expectation in two runs this campaign but may be looking for the mile. He has only missed the quinella once in six previous Hobart runs. LA DERNIER FILLE (9) was plunged late over 2100m but just missed. First and third from that race have since run well. Back to the turf should help LUCA BRATZI (3) though he has little form on rain effected going. Either FLOURISHING FUTURE (6) or ODIN’S FOLLY (2) is the likely leader, and we will certainly know by the last race any track pattern for the day. PHENOMENAL DANCER (7) is racing in very consistent fashion but needs to transfer that synthetic form to a track where she's only raced once previously.
