3 minute read

The Pst Power Solutions Goodwood Handicap to be run over 1100m in Hobart on Sunday promises to be the best sprint race held on the circuit in ages.

In Brief

• Star-laden Goodwood a feast for punters.
• Most of state's best sprinters to do battle in Newmarket lead-up race.
• Gee Gee Secondover looms as the value bet in the race.

Of the 13 final acceptors, most are genuine Newmarket Handicap prospects and if this field was to line up in that race nobody would be disappointed.

Bookmakers have installed the Glenn Stevenson-trained Music Addition as the $4 favourite ahead of his stablemate Turk Warrior at $4.80, closely followed by Barry Campbell's rising star sprinter Julius at $5.

The most likely reason Julius is not favourite is the barrier draw, with Stevenson's pair drawing gates one and two respectively, while Julius must contend with the outside gate (13).

Last preparation Julius won four of his last five starts and was a game second in the other as he graduated through the classes, while Music Addition won four of his last six starts before taking a well-earned break.

Add to the mix, arguably the best hose in the field in The Inevitable, although he had his fair share of issues that prevented him from producing his best last preparation, but his trainer Scott Brunton is confident those problems have been ironed out, which means the $8 being offered could be a big over.

The Inevitable has drawn gate four and will be partnered by David Pires who has been aboard for the gelding's two trials, of which the latest was for a win over Pristine Image and Ourconi in a seven-horse field in Hobart last week.

The Inevitable's stablemate First Accused is a $6 chance and goes into the race on the back of a shock second to former Newmarket winner Gee Gee Secondover in an open handicap in Launceston a month ago.

There were plans to take the gelding back to Melbourne, but he will now stay at home and head to the Newmarket on November 30.

The Team Wells-trained Gee Gee Secondover impressed with his fast-finishing burst to defeat First Accused last month, so at $19 he represents great each-way value in Sunday's assignment.