3 minute read

Finding best bets on the seven-event program in Hobart on Sunday won’t be easy.

In Brief

• Brinktop Lad showing signs of wanting more ground.
• Neutralize could get Pires off to a flying start.
• Galenus ready for Flemington outing.

 The Scott Brunton stable is out in force and many races are loaded with potential winning chances from that yard, so following the money could be the safer way to play some events.

However, one of Brunton's most consistent sprinters Brinktop Lad gets his chance to bounce back into the winner's circle in the benchmark 68 handicap over 1430m.

Brinktop Lad won two in succession just before heading for a short break and he won first-up in Hobart over 1100m in late October defeating Nev's Boy and Epic Song that went on to frank that form by winning next start in Launceston.

The Wordsmith gelding's next two starts were over 1200m when placing third to Fighting Floyd and most recently Don'tbuckme Off, all on the Hobart track.

"He had been dropping the bit mid-race at his past couple of runs and that's an indication that he might be wanting more ground so that's why we targeted this race," Brunton said.

Jockey David Pires has a good record on the gelding, and he too will be hoping to notch multiple wins at the meeting.

Pires has had a decent run of outs, but the multiple premiership-winning rider is probably just warming up for what could be a lucrative summer.

He will be hoping to open the card with a win aboard speedy three-year-old filly Neutralize in the Solahart Hobart 3YO Maiden over 1100m that kicks off the program at 12.50.

If none of the emergencies gain a start, she will start from gate five, from where Pires should be able to find the front and let her do what she does best.

The filly has had eight starts for six minor placings, so she deserves to break her maiden status.

All of Pires' mounts are for Brunton and he closes the card aboard Verbano that has started only once for a decisive win over Neutralize in late July.

The filly trialed well at Longford 12 days ago which should have her ready for this first-up assignment over 1100m.

Meanwhile Brunton will be at Flemington on Saturday to tend to his smart sprinter Galenus that tackles the Christmas Plate over 1000m (race 9) with Brett Prebble booked to ride.

"I think it is a winnable race for Galenus because he's going extra well, he's drawn a nice gate and we've got a top rider on," Brunton said from Melbourne.