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The second thoroughbred meeting for the week is in Hobart on Sunday where an eight-race program features the first 2YO race of the season.
The first race of the day is scheduled for 13:22 with the rail in the +8m position.
R1 Pst Power Solutions 2yo Maiden, 1000m
We kick off the card with the first two-year-old race of the season. Ms Tasmania (5) was an impressive trial winner in Launceston, the time was decent for the session and notably almost a second faster than the other two-year-old division. GEEGEES MISTRUTH (4) was under a pretty good hold most of the way in her Hobart trial victory and seemingly had a bit in reserve. OLIVE GIRL (6) did everything right winning her trial but time was only moderate. GEEGEES LEGACY (1) next best.
Staking Strategy: Ms Tasmania has to be the one to beat from the trials but is rock-bottom odds. 1 unit to win MS TASMANIA (5).
R2 Pst Power Solutions Maiden, 1100m
Prepared to give Miss Chica Mala (6) another go third-up. She didn't have a lot of room at her last start when finishing unplaced in Launceston. Hoping she can lead these and take some running down. SHOOTING NORTH (2) was given every chance at his last start before a break and on face value was a bit plain but the form out of the race has been solid. RESTRICTED ACCESS (15) is the other of the raced brigade that interests me. The last run was a forgive effort after racing wide, his first run he did a lot wrong but still ran very well. HELL TOFF (3) and LOYALTY BLUES (4) finished alongside each other in a recent Hobart and look the best hopes of the debutantes.
Staking Strategy: Wide open race. Restricted Access ran well on debut then was ordinary last time. He's good odds today and is worth another chance. 1 unit each way RESTRICTED ACCESS (15).
R3 Pst Power Solutions Maiden/class 1, 2100m
Pennine (7) is overdue. He was gallant in defeat last start in same grade and notably pulled up with mild lameness. The run prior, he was unlucky not to win being held up at a crucial stage of the race. King Kurt looms as the main danger, he's rock-hard fit and races well at this venue. PREWINGO (8) ran a terrific race over the mile on resumption three-weeks back. The rise in distance a big plus for him. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (1) finished off strongly over an unsuitable trip last time. He needs this journey but invariably his better efforts are away from Hobart. Last start winner CO ACCUSED (4) will find this a bit tougher than last start but does has more upside than most of her rivals.
Staking Strategy: Pennine is the one to beat but current odds on offer are too short. King Kurt is fit, hasn't been far away at his last couple and handles the soft. 1 unit each way KING KURT (6).
R4 Pst Power Solutions 0 - 60, 1200m
Better Than Banksy (1) found the line better than anything else last week in Launceston over the 1100, this trip is clearly more suitable. He's a better horse than his overall record would suggest and arguably could have a couple more with a bit better luck. GEE GEE GOLDENLASS (7) has returned in good form for her new stable. She arrived late to win first up in same grade. She was unplaced at her latest in Launceston but wasn't far away and always reserves her best for this track. NEV'S BOY (9) certainly doesn't win out of turn but he hit the line strongly last time in similar company. FEISTY LION (8) battled on well last outing and he's not the roughest if he can find the front and they leave him alone. DING DING (4) next best.
Staking Strategy: Better Than Banksy found the line better than anything else last start in a good class 1 race. The extra trip 100m today and the soft track conditions are both big plusses. 6 units to win BETTER THAN BANKSY (1).
R5 Mckay Timber Class 1 Handicap, 1200m
It's a race where there looks to be only a handful of winning chances. Despite drawing badly Cartoon Graveyard (2) has good early gate speed and should be able to slot in first-half of the field. He progressed nicely last prep, has trialed up well and looks the hardest one to beat. LA VIRAGO (8) was only fair when she resumed but they ran time, the winner was impressive and it should be a good form race going forward. Her best is certainly good enough. ENCOUNTER SPHERE (5) has had clear excuses at both runs since resuming Not sure he can win but a must include for the exotics at least. BOKEO (1) best form puts him in the mix but is an unknown around this circuit. Next best KINGS ON QUEENS (6).
Staking Strategy: Cartoon Graveyard has drawn widest but it may not be that significant given the prevailing track conditions. He should go very close. 2 units each way CARTOON GRAVEYARD (2).
R6 Pst Power Solutions Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1400m
Nicco The Greek (1) rattled home late second-up but just missed over the 1200m. The extra trip suits and he will just need some luck in transit. Wouldn't surprise if the stablemate GLOBAL AWARENESS (8) goes close resuming on the back of a promising first prep. JACKJACK (3) was an impressive first-up winner last prep in slightly easier grade and is more than capable of repeating the dose. SWING KING (6) and MALEVOLENT (4) are the other two worth considering. They'll both be up on the speed and with the rail being out so far they're entitled to be in this for a long way.
Staking Strategy: Nicco The Greek never runs poorly and both runs since resuming have been very good. He was a bit stiff not to win last time and can make amends. 2 units to win NICCO THE GREEK (1).
R7 Derwent Park Plumbing Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1100m
There's a stack of speed drawn out in this race and hopefully Tony Nicconi (2) can find the lead and the fence first. He was stiff not to win at his first local start back in May but was able to atone second-up. He resumes here and could not have been more impressive on the back of a big trial win at Devonport a fortnight back. THUNBERG (6) looms as his main threat. Pires gets the steer this time and he has a very good record on her. ALVARINHO (4) stalks these two but perhaps the 1100 is just a touch too short for her? Any rain would assist. GEE GEE QUEEN BEE (1) is racing as well as ever. She ran extremely well at Moonee Valley at her latest. She just has to be within striking range on the turn. MAKE A DECISION (5) is flying since returning from a long break. Back in trip the query.
Staking Strategy: A very competitive race. Happy to side with the 2 speedsters Thunberg and Tony Nicconi. Soft ground is a plus for both. 2 units to win TONY NICCONI (2). 1 unit to win THUNBERG (6).
R8 Rotary Club Of Glenorchy Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1600m
Freak On A Lead (1) at his 32nd career start steps out to this trip for the first time. He appears on paper to get a soft lead and with the benefit of a 4 kg claim could take some catching. ZULU ANGEL (6) bounced back to winning form last start, finishing just a bit too well for the runner-up who subsequently came out and won during the week. GEE GEE MISS QUITA (3) has a great chance again as always. She's never far away and any predicted rainfall would enhance her claims. SUNSET GUN (4) and RODRICK'S SECRET (7) ran the quinella at their latest starts in BM-60 grade. This is slightly harder but both are fit and in form and have claims in a fairly even contest to round off the card.
Staking Strategy: This trip is an unknown for Freak On A Lead but he comes in well at the weights after the 4kg claim and handles the soft. 1 unit each way FREAK ON A LEAD (1).
