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Sunday afternoon thoroughbred racing in Devonport with an eight-race program scheduled.
The first race of the day is set for 13:05.
R1 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1650m
Mystic Hope (3) really battled last start as a warm favourite. His form prior was rock solid. Blinkers go on again so inclined to give him one more chance. IKIGAI KATSUMI (8) had to work early last outing to find the lead and was found wanting in the straight but stuck to her task well. Has a similar scenario here but from the 1650m start the early pressure probably won't be as hectic. MONTE FLEUR (7) wasn't far away last start over the 1350m and kept finding the line. This is her first attempt at the mile. The former Hayes trained horse MR ROUQUIN (2) was sound on debut for her new stable. Most likely to be fitter but does need to find some improvement to be winning. FRENETICO (1) was heavily backed at Hobart but never really looked likely. He's untried on the synthetic and worth noting the tongue tie goes on but think he's more of a watch than a betting proposition.
Staking Strategy: Ikigai Katsumi looks like she'll appreciate stepping out to this trip and should be peaking fourth up. 2 units to win IKIGAI KATSUMI (8)
R2 Goodstone Group Class 1 Hcp, 1650m
At last the penny seems to have dropped with Londiani (3) who's been in very good form on the Hobart circuit in similar grade. He has one unplaced run at this venue on his CV but that was sometime ago so can't draw conclusions off that. He will be hard to run down the way he's going of late. A WEE NIP (5) is clearly the main threat. His last run here was full of merit after simply giving them too big a start in a race where the leader dictated terms. Reckon the others are fighting out the minor prizes headed by A LITTLE DECEIT (1), FIFE AND DRUM (2) and PUNTER (4) who are all coming off solid performances last week.
Staking Strategy: This looms as a showdown between the in form Londiani and A Wee Nip who be hitting the line hard. 4 units to win LONDIANI (3) and A WEE NIP (5)
R3 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1150m
Can make a case for several of these. Whiz By (4) was luckless last start and should've won. He draws well again, a senior rider goes on and he can make amends. D'ORO STAR (11) looks to have his share of talent from what we've seen at the trials. Has an awkward draw to overcome but does possess good early toe and probably leads. Second campaign for ADA WAY (1), blinkers go on first time so have to respect. Newcomer ES AND ES (12) has shown ability at the trials and wouldn't shock to see him figuring in the finish. Next best GEEGEES CITY BOY (2) and SPIETH MAGIC (14).
Staking Strategy: First starter D'Oro Star has impressed at the trials. Main threat is Whiz By who was held up at a crucial stage last start. 3 units to win D'ORO STAR (11) and 2 units to win WHIZ BY (4)
R4 Ladbroke It! Class 1 Hcp, 1150m
It took 16 starts for the mare Elmajay (5) to finally break through last week giving nothing else a chance leading all the way in quick time. If she handles the quick back-up she's a great hope again. PRINCESS MATOAKA's (3) last effort on the heavy at Launceston was forgivable. She's better than her overall record would suggest, and she's a definite hope. SPINHOF (1) won well on debut at Hobart but it was only a moderate race, nonetheless he is sure to be better for it and has claims. WHEELING (9) will find this easier than his last start when facing the breeze alongside the speedy Tequila Spirit. He has minor claims. LIBERTY RAE (7) is capable of showing up on resumption with blinkers on first time but has an awkward gate. Former Victorian GOOD MORGEN (1) has a heavy track win to his name and a placing on the Ballarat synthetic. He's tough to assess. Market the best guide.
Staking Strategy: Elmajay ran her rivals ragged last start and was impressive on the clock as well. If she can repeat she probably wins again. Princess Matoaka the main threat. 3 units to win ELMAJAY (5) and 2 units to win PRINCESS MATOAKA (3)
R5 Thai Imperial Bm64 Hcp, 1150m
Cannot fault the form of Tequila Spirit (4) who is shooting for a hat-trick of wins. Back to 1150m is a plus but more pressure seems a given & this is her toughest test to date. WARICA (5) was locked away last start and simply never had enough room when it counted. She can sit off the speed and be strong late. Same for GEE GEE CAN WIN (2) who should be ready to fire third-up. He was doing his best work late last run in a race that wasn't run to suit, winkers go back on, expect him to be closing off strongly. TILTHEREWARSYOU (11) won two starts back here prior to a placing on the heavy at Launceston. Been freshened in the interim and does map to get a good run. GEEGEE LUCKY JESS (8) returns and does perform well here. Trialled soundly a fortnight back. Last start winner MOVE ON OVER (3) has been a model of consistency at Hobart over the winter months. First time for her at Devonport but worth noting she has had one run on the synthetic in Victoria for a six-length defeat.
Staking Strategy: No knock at all on the favorite Tequila Spirit but this is her toughest test to date. Warica appeals at each way odds. She didn't have much luck here a fortnight back. 2 units each way WARICA (5)
R6 Carlton Draught Bm76 Hcp, 1009m
Sirene Stryker (3) is a very smart mare with good stats around this circuit and is the one to beat. ALGERNON (1) is an interesting runner. First time at Devonport for him an obvious query and 1009m perhaps not ideal plus plenty of weight to boot. His best is good enough, but he has some challenges here. On face value this looks a stretch too far for QUICKEN UP (8) but a recent trial indicated she's in very good order and poised to run well. GEE GEE QUEEN BEE (5) resumes for a new stable and similarly won a trial in good style recently. Last start winner GEE GEE PLANE (4) is in the mix but this is clearly a tougher task. THUNBERG (6) next best.
Staking Strategy: Sirene Stryker is a quality mare, races well fresh and is the one to beat. Quicken Up looks ready to let rip after an impressive trial win recently. 3 units to win SIRENE STRYKER (3) and QUICKEN UP (8)
R7 Winning Edge Presentations Open Hcp, 1350m
Vivilici (5) hasn't looked back since she had blinkers applied two starts ago registering consecutive wins. This race has more depth but she's a mare in form and can go on with it. MYWORDIS (7) chased Vivilici home last start and enjoys significant weight relief after the claim. Should be ready to peak third run back. Barrier 1 proved to be a negative for JAJA CHABOOGIE (4) when she was well beaten on resumption at Hobart. She's capable of sharp improvement. STREET TOUGH (6) can win. He has drawn favorably and maps to get the run of the race. SIR SIMON (3) won't be far away but doubtful the 1350m is optimal for the 10-year-old. RING OF HONOUR (9) and HOT RELATION (10) are first four hopes.
Staking Strategy: This is the most open race of the day so treading warily. Jaja Chaboogie is a good mare whose first-up run was inconclusive. Happy to spec her each way . 1 unit each way JAJA CHABOOGIE (4)
R8 Tasmanian Horse Transport Bm60 Hcp, 1350m
Cornelian Bay (1) was only narrowly defeated last start after covering ground from a wide gate. He's drawn better today, the tempo looks to be very genuine and he should get every opportunity in this small field . SPIRITED TOFF (7) gave a great sight for his backers last week. With no weight on his back, he'll take some catching again. RODRICK'S SECRET (5) is the other main chance. He's in good form for his new stable, and his last run at this venue back in July was terrific. Last start winner O'REILLY MCLUKE (2) had to pull out all stops but managed to hold on here a fortnight ago over the same trip in same grade. He had barrier 1 that day, and now he draws out, so clearly has a tougher task. Next best NEEDS REMEMBERING (4).
Staking Strategy: Cornelian Bay's wide gate worked against him last start when narrowly defeated. Rodricks Secret has been running very well without winning. They look the standout chances. 3 units to win CORNELIAN BAY (1) and RODRICK'S SECRET (5)
