3 minute read

For the first time since Hobart Cup Day, thoroughbred racing returns to Ladbrokes Park Elwick on Sunday where the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) is the highlight of an eight-race program.

Races five and seven are restricted to apprentice riders with the first quaddie leg the dedicated points race for the NARS.

The rail is in the +15m position and warm weather across the weekend points towards a good rated track.

R1 Glenn Stevenson Racing 2yo Hcp, 1200m

Decisive Choice (3) defied a betting drift to win her maiden last start and she's the only horse in the race with a victory to her credit. She's raced near the speed at the majority of her starts and meets Unique Glow (5) 1kg better for beating her home last start. Siggy Carr stays with the John Blacker-trained filly who was pocketed behind the leader for much of the race and when the gap came in the straight, the race was over. Share The Gold (1) was no match for Vokes on debut where he tracked the leader throughout. Unique Glow was further down the track in that race.

R2 Crt Racing Maiden, 1100m

Move Like Jagger (3) was heavily supported in Launceston but could only manage third after absorbing some pressure leading the field. David Pires sticks with him, the multiple Premiership winning jockey looking for his first winner in over two months. Gee Gee Snowflake (8) closed well from midfield over this distance last time. She'll be strong late if she isn't looking for further. Gee Gees Joe Blow (2) won't be far away from a low draw, as was the case two starts back on Derby day. A Little Shady (6) and Fire Tigeress (7) both debut after seeing a bit of each other at Longford. The two fillies weren't tested at the trials but draw off the track. Husavik (10) missed a start as emergency in the maiden won by Vetlanda in Launceston. She'll carry no weight with Chelsea Baker aboard and her gate speed should be suited over the short sprint.

R3 Siggy Carr Racing Maiden, 1450m

TENNESSEE BEACH (8) showed good speed to lead last start but found one better in a race dominated on pace. She draws a low marble for the first time in her Tassie career and this doesn't look a field where there will be a lot of pressure up front. That could harm the chances of a horse like MONTE BIANCO (7) who has settled too far back to be a winning chance in both career starts but shown a powerful finish on both occasions. She's the sole runner at the meeting for both trainer and jockey. VIVRE IS THE WORD (3) should appreciate the rise in distance at this stage of his campaign. His form can receive a push if Move Like Jagger wins the previous maiden. POPEYE THE SAILOR (4) ran much better than his debut SP and resuming at 1400m with the blinkers on would appear a clear plan. DID YOU DECIDE (1) should do little work from the inside draw and didn't shirk the task in a recent 1400m trial.

R4 Elite Racing Solutions Maiden, 1450m

MELITON (3) has been firm in the market at both start this campaign but has never been better than three-wide on either occasion. The tongue tie comes off and Brendon McCoull goes on for the rise to 1400m. GUN ACHEEVA (5) won a recent Longford trial by a good margin with STRIKE IMPACT (2) among those chasing the winner who was a tearaway leader. It will be interesting to see whether the same tactics are attempted on race day. SWINGAPINGA (4) has been up a long time but is holding form well and simply struggled to keep up over 1120m last time out. SELKIE (7) was wide without cover at her most recent outing and went close to a maiden win here three starts ago. MISS NIC NAT (6) closed well from a long way back to just miss the minors last start, but the draw likely dictates she'll be giving a start again.

R5 Ranvet National Apprentice Race Series 2022 Class 1 Hcp (apprentice Riders Only), 1450m

This is the dedicated NARS points race for apprentice riders only. STAR COUNTESS (4) sat outside the lead at a big price when she resumed and was too strong late. That runner-up competes earlier in the program. RICH CLAN (3) started $4.40 fav on cup day in a race that featured many of his rivals here. He covered ground from a wide gate on a day where it was beneficial to be nearer the inside. FINXY (2) wasn't beaten far in this grade last start when a huge betting drifter. He has a narrow victory over REAL BRAZEN (6) earlier in the campaign. BLACK EAGLET (1) jumped well last time but was immediately restrained and found himself a long way off the leader halfway through the race. It would be a surprise to see such negative tactics repeated. ESSEX (8), SUNSET GUN (7) and NINTH ANGEL (5) all bring form that can be easily tied in.

R6 Brunton Racing Class 3 Hcp, 1100m

REITE DEN BLITZ (1) was a comfortable winner in this grade before finding the Group 3 Bow Mistress a bit hot. Both EPIC SONG (2) and RHYME WRITER (4) were among the beaten brigade in Launceston, and she meets them better at the weights. Epic Song was far from disgraced at Moonee Valley, though dropping in distance well into the campaign must be some query. FREAK ON A LEAD (3) gets weight relief from each of his two runs this campaign. He arguably should've run second last time, unable to get clear at key stages. BERRUTI (6) ran on from the tail at his Tassie debut, crossing the line just in front of Lady Joker who won next start. GEE GEE GOLDENLASS (7) can run well fresh and maps to be smothered up on the rail. Look for a market lead on SET PLAY (5) who hasn't raced since New Year's Day 2021 and resumes without a public appearance.

R7 Ladbrokes Live Betting Benchmark 62 Hcp (apprentice Riders Only), 1600m

This field has spent most of the last few months racing each other. RAVAGE (3) was on the right end last time after getting the run of the race tracking the leader. He was narrowly defeated by LUCKY LIL (2) the start prior who has since gone on to run well in much better company. HAMOGANY (4) has appeared to have every chance at his part couple but hasn't been beaten far. YARRA MASTER (8) has run on well from midfield or worse at his past couple and maybe able to land a little closer from the inside draw. MAGIC KHAN (9) hasn't raced since Hobart Cup Day when sent out a $3 chance. Any on-pace pattern will aid her chances. VIDEMANETTE (6) was forced to work very hard to find the front two starts back before being outclassed in the Vamos. HIGH MAINTENANCE (1) and JOHN'S LAD (5) bring a different formline, dropping back from a 2100m race that was dominated by the two horses at the front of the field. NORTHERN SPIRIT (10) was a winner at the T&D last time she was here and TRAVELLING GIGOLO (7) can be strong late if horses are able to make ground.

R8 Jkb Racing Benchmark 68 Hcp, 1450m

ROMARY (1) had her bubble burst after five on the bounce with a plain effort in Launceston last start. She carries 3kg less here for the rise in grade and is undefeated in two previous Hobart runs. KUROSET (3) settled well back in both fillies & mares Group 3's across the carnival and never really looked a winning chance. She's unproven past 1200m but has generally been a force in this company. SKYWAR STAR (5) has been freshened after failing in the Summer Cup. He has won twice first-up previously and has Pires aboard in a race where Scott Brunton has four acceptors. GEE GEE TRUE STORY (2) has been giving big starts and working to the line strongly. He's another on trial at the trip but is deep into the campaign so may be looking for it. QUEEN'S NEEDS (6) was too bad to be true in the Vamos and has won on this day previously. SHAMPZ AGAIN (4) hasn't shown his best for a while but may settle closer to the speed in a race lacking much pace. Both PHENOMENAL DANCER (8) and GEE GEES PUNTER (9) were in the money in Launceston in easier races.