3 minute read

Favourite to good in the Mystic Journey.

Victorian mare Yellow Sam will now target the $150,000 Vamos Stakes (1400m) on Launceston Cup Day after her impressive victory in the Group 3 $150,000 Kevin Sharkie Mystic Journey Stakes (1200m), in Hobart on Friday.

The Lindsay Smith-trained mare was the favourite for the race from the time markets opened. The 4YO has been staying with Imogen Miller at Seven Mile Beach, who provided the runner-up and the first Tasmanian across the line with Alvarinho ($11) who came from a long way back.

Third placing went to Megamea ($8) who was amongst the tailenders rounding the home turn.

Yellow Sam ($2.80) has now raced 11 times for five wins and six minor placings. The win took her prize money to more than $275,000.

"We always thought we would try and get some black type into her as she was a black type horse.

"Imogen Miller has done a wonderful job. (Fred Kersely) is an underrated rider, he proves it time and time again," Smith said.

"She will stay here with Imogen (until the Vamos)."

Smith and Kersley completed a double in the last two races on the card when Kaliuwaa Falls ($3.90) grabbed Rubbleonthedouble ($3.90) near the post to win narrowly.

Lightly raced filly Perola ($6.50) scored a narrow but impressive win in the 1200m Carbine Club Plate.

After settling near the tail of the field, Perola, with apprentice Taylor Johnstone in the saddle, stormed home out wide to beat Spring Eagle ($2.90) in a photo, with Bine ($13) finishing third.

Trainer John Blacker will now set Perola for the 1200m $100,000 3YO Classic in Launceston on Cup Day.

A clever front-running ride by apprentice Hannah Le Blanc helped land Etosha the winner of the BM60 (1100m) for veteran trainer Terry Evans.

From the outside gate, Etosha ($10) sped across to lead, set a solid tempo and even though Periwinkle ($4.20) was quickly overhauling the leader, Etosha got home in a photo.

"We made a mistake last start. We tried to hold him up, so we decided this time to let him run, and it worked out well," Evans said.

Even though he had run along for the first 500m, Etosha skipped over the last 600m in 35.91.

Le Blanc has had two rides on Etosha for two wins.