3 minute read

Trainer John Blacker will take a two-pronged attack into Friday’s Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Stakes (1600m) in Hobart.

John Blacker has last started Conquering Stakes winner Indispensable and last season's Devonport Cup winner Swoop Dog in the $125,000 Weight For Age event.

Indispensable, a newcomer to the Blacker stable was impressive, winning the 1400m race in Launceston, beating local champ The Inevitable on a rain-affected track.

Swoop Dog has raced just twice since a spell, finishing unplaced at both, the most recent being in the Conquering Stakes.

The 6YO has won under WFA conditions, albeit over a much longer trip.

The Inevitable gets his chance to bounce back after his defeat in Launceston. The 'little champ' was just too far back on the rain-affected surface, and although he made ground circling the field, he was no match for the winner.

He should, however, be much better suited to the conditions in Hobart, where he has won four times from six outings, including twice at the distance.

From barrier four in a small field, David Pires should be able to position The Inevitable wherever he wants, and early markets have him installed as the $1.30 favourite with Indispensable $4 and nothing else under a double-figure quote.

Also on the 10-race program is the Wakeful Club Brighton Cup (2100m), a traditional lead-up race to the Hobart Cup on 11 February.

Victorian mare Glitter 'N' Gold is the $2.20 favourite. The 5YO, a part of a team campaigning in Tasmania from the Lindsey Smith stable, has won six of her 23 starts, including the Penshurst Cup (2000m) two starts ago.

Ashy Boy was a tremendous run when second at Devonport last start after being caught wide for the trip in the Golden Mile, and with Craig Newitt to ride looks good value at $7.50.

For my best bet, I'm looking at an each-way play on Kings On Queens (R4 #10). She missed out in Launceston last run, but her two Hobart runs prior to that were sound.

From barrier 3, hopefully, she can settle closer than she has been and with as much as $34 bet, it could be a great way to finish off the year.

It's a late start, with the first race at 13:38 and the last scheduled for 19:13. All the action will be hosted by Matt Reid and Richard Robinson on TasracingTV.