3 minute read

This Sunday is the last in a stretch of four consecutive Devonport meetings, with eight races scheduled. Tassie thoroughbred action moves back to the grass with a return to Launceston next Friday night.

The first race of the afternoon is scheduled for 13:25.

R1 Ladbrokes Odds Surge Maiden, 1009m

Espur (3) has trialed up well in preparation for her return. Something was obviously not right at her last start back in January when beaten 21 lengths. From gate 1 she should be able to lead these and take running down. Muisca (4) hasn't been far away at all five starts since arriving in the state. Senior rider engaged for the first time. 16 start maiden Stars In The Night (7) strikes a winnable race again but always seems to find one or two better. She has drawn out, but the small field size will assist. The lightly raced 3YO filly Belle Blonde (9) is capable of improvement. Pass Us By (5) and Wild Jack (2) next best.

Staking Strategy: The top three in the market look to have it between them. Espur will take some catching from barrier 1 if she can drive through and hold the lead. 2 units to win ESPUR (3)

R2 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1350m

Daiquiri Diva (5) has drawn ugly at first glance but the majority of these will get back and hence can settle in the first half. She was desperately unlucky last outing and the rise in trip suits. Auntie Jake's Bar (1) has had a long campaign and was run off his legs last start. He possibly leads here over the more suitable 1350m and there doesn't look to be a lot of pressure, so he has claims. Our Indulgence (3) hasn't had much luck since resuming, covering ground at both starts. Visors go on and possibly improves third up. Bankrollbenny (10) boxed on okay last week behind a dominant winner and will find this easier. Geegees Sunshine (2) and Lady Sarah (8) both hit the line at their last outings but overall have poor records. It may pay to keep Deevie (6) safe. At her one and only local start, the saddle shifted and her 16-length defeat was no guide at all.

Staking Strategy: Daiquiri Diva was locked away at a vital stage at her first local start before hitting the line late. Has an awkward gate to contend with but doesn't map too badly. 4 units to win DAIQUIRI DIVA (5)

R3 Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 Hcp, 1350m

A fortnight ago Chicane (1) was smashed in the betting at his first start in the state but found one better. He's clear top pick in this. They ran good time and he beat his other rivals easily. In the same race Gee Gees Choris (3) made good ground at her second start back for her new stable after giving too much start. She can park handier in this and looms as the key threat. Doubt Mihoko Takeo (5) and Clara Karen (2) can win, but they're strong first four candidates.

Staking Strategy: Keen on Chicane. He was well supported here 2 weeks ago but was just no match for the winner over the final stages. They put a good gap on their rivals. Gee Gees Choris clear second pick. 4 units to win CHICANE (1). 2 units to win GEE GEES CHORIS (3)

R4 Goodstone Group Mdn/cl1, 1880m

Knot Dancing (7) is showing plenty of staying promise and is sure to find this significantly easier than the BM76 he contested last start. First try on the synthetic is the unknown. A Little Deceit (1) hasn't been far away at his last two. He's rock hard fit and is sure to make his presence felt. Stablemate Mr Rouquin (5) was strong late and just missed at this track seven days ago. He'll relish the 1880m. Rafael's Raid (6) wasn't disgraced at his first start over the mile a fortnight back and sure to have derived benefit.

Staking Strategy: Knot Dancing has been racing well in stronger grade without winning. This is easier and she gets her chance to break through. 3 units to win KNOT DANCING (7)

R5 The Stables At Spreyton Bm60 Hcp, 1150m

Keen on the chances of Geegees Misty (2) who was only narrowly denied last start after being held-up at a key stage. Power Magnum (1) was good on return after tracking wide throughout. Has an awkward gate to overcome but an expected strong tempo will assist. Aragon Star (3) hasn't won for over two years but importantly gets a senior rider and must respect. Can entertain Ventus (11) as a first-four hope at least. Prior to the last run her form was good enough to be competitive in this.

Staking Strategy: Geegees Misty was arguably stiff not to win last start. Ventus draws to get the right run and represents a bit of value. 2 units to win GEEGEES MISTY (2). 1 unit each way VENTUS (11)

R6 Great Northern Bm60 Hcp, 1350m

Last start winner Lord Whitegate (6) had the blinkers applied for the first time and was quite dominant over the concluding stages over this trip and course. There's a bit more depth here but he does map extremely well again. As does Kay Oh Ell (9) who resumes. She comes into this off a strong trial performance and is very capable on the synthetic. No Access (5) is flying and no reason he can't go back-to-back. Stablemate Rodrick's Secret (8) deservedly broke through last week, albeit he did have the right run in transit. This is slightly harder, but he's in good form. Have a lot of time for Gee Gee Can Win (2) but he has to carry 63kg, which is arguably a bit of an ask.

Staking Strategy: Can make a case for several of them but have settled on last start winner No Access who is in career best form. 2 units each way NO ACCESS (5)

R7 Dean Rawlings Senior Memorial, 1880m

Carneros (1) and Macs Relaxed (2) are clearly the two form horses of the race notching up six wins between them at their combined last seven starts. Both are thriving and showing no signs at all of tapering off. Romanesco Fresco (8) got very close to knocking off Carneros last start after having the blinkers applied and has to be rated a chance again. Not sure Willby Rules (4) and Metaverse (5) could turn the tables on Macs Relaxed on their last outing but they're in the mix. Stablemates Vintage Diesel (10) and Further North (11) are wider chances.

Staking Strategy: The two at the top of the betting are clearly the ones to beat but have been well found. Romano Fresco wasn't far away at his last start. She gets a similar set up today and should be thereabouts. 1 unit each way ROMANESCO FRESCO (8)

R8 Thai Imperial Class 2 Hcp, 1650m

Chorizama (6) finally put it all together last start and was a strong winner in good time. A repeat of that performance and he's the one to beat. Gee Gee Silentnite (8) was typically rock solid when runner-up to Carneros 21 days ago over this same trip and class. That's good form, and he's sure to take running down again. Can entertain both Sugoi Legend (1) and Big John (2) who finished only a length or two behind Gee Gee Silentnite in that same race. Has The Look (7) got too far out of her ground last outing and is better suited back to this trip. This is a tougher task for last start winner A Wee Nip (5), but she's racing well and hits the line hard.

Staking Strategy: There was a lot to like about the win of Chorizama a fortnight back. He was strong late and stepping out to the mile for the first time today shouldn't faze him. 2 units each way CHORIZAMA (6)