Betsy’s Set: Magic Millions Tasmanian Derby Day

Tough maiden to kick off proceedings with several runners bringing good recent form and a number of other runners that look hard to beat resuming. LIGHT FORCE (2) returns with a raft of gear changes.  His first‑up run behind Geegees Missile last preparation reads well for this, maps to stalk the speed. GEEGEES MERCEDES (14) was the best of the on-pace runners last start after leading, he had no peace in front, pressured all the way, he toughed it out well. WOOLCLASSER (4) another one returning from a break, was placed 3 times from 4 starts in first preparation, all at this track. LIGHT WORK (15) started favourite on debut and was well beaten but after a tough trip from a wide gate, the run is best forgotten. Been given plenty of time and can improve sharply. ACCUSAIENT (13) was beaten 6 lengths first up but the run was better than it looks and now blinkers go on. THE BIG FELLA (9) trialled very well and was the pick of the first-starters. Might measure up but this is tough.

The rise in trip looks suitable for UP TO TORI (13). She didn’t have a lot of luck last time and her beaten margin was unfair. SAVAGE RIVER (5) has been around the money at his past few and in the mix again but awkwardly drawn. IRON STUPA (3) brings moderate form from Victoria but is lightly raced and resumes with winkers. COLLEEN’S CROWN (6) settled well back and was never a factor at Launceston but though well beaten, the run wasn’t as bad as it seems. Look for a better showing from NANDI CLAN (12) who was outclassed last time and better suited here. SURF SOUL (2) and A QUEENS BUZZ (9) next best.

ARISTOPOLOS (1) was far too good again last start, making it three impressive wins from as many runs. He’s the clear benchmark. SOVEREIGN DASH (2) produced a solid debut, chasing home Aristopolos and grabbing a minor placing. In the mix for another top‑three finish. COPPER REIGN (6) showed good gate speed to lead on debut but was found wanting late. Started a solid third pick in the market and can improve with that run under the belt. RAMIRO (5) and CHAMPAGNE ROCKET (7) hail from strong stables, have trialled well, and look the standouts among the debutants.

MAZZINI (4) is chasing his seventh win from just eight starts and has risen to every challenge this prep. Was far too good for the older horses last time and already proven at this track. Hard to find a negative. SWIFT FORCE (5) is unbeaten from two starts. A very exciting prospect though still has plenty to learn. PERSPIRATION (1) took a step forward second‑up and is open to further improvement. AGADOO (6) ran right up to her strong first-up effort at Devonport with another solid showing last start at Hobart, closing off well behind Swift Force and beaten under three lengths. SKY LAND (2) has had a break since finishing well down the track in the Newmarket. She goes well here and looks a genuine top‑4 hope.

Typically open Benchmark 60 with plenty of live hopes. SNOW EAGLE (4) is racing in good heart and strips rock-hard fit. Back in trip more of a plus than a minus and gets her chance from a soft draw. RICH CLAN (8) is third-up and ready to peak. Placed at both runs this prep and was solid chasing a hot tempo last time in a race that suited the swoopers. Extra ground no concern. MONTEZULU (7) continues to hold form in similar races. Made good late ground here last time in an on‑pace dominated race after being slowly away. STEELE MY SUNSHINE (13) doesn’t win out of turn but usually gives a sight in these Benchmark 60s. GODDESS OF ROCK (5) relished the soft ground at Launceston and finished too well for a heavily backed favourite. Not discounting, but this is a very different set-up. BAYBOUGG (1) has been ultra-consistent this prep and continues to hold form. Hard to knock and deserves respect again. MOORLANDS MISS (3) was safely held when resuming. Solid record at this track and capable at her best but does need to lift. Monitor the market for a lead.

With eight of the ten acceptors coming from the mainland, the locals look to be up against it. The Ciaron Maher trained DAD AND DAVE (1) won the Launceston Guineas in good style and the extra 200m should only enhance his prospects. The market points to JOHNICH (2) as being the main threat. Hasn’t run a bad race all preparation. At latest, finished off strongly from last at Flemington over 2000m and not much went right the run prior. OCTANE REIGN (5) and STOLE HIM (6) both come through a strong off‑season Caulfield race. That form reads well for a race like this. WOLF JUNIOR (3) was safely held by Dad And Dave in the Guineas and looks unlikely to turn the tables, but he’s honest and should be around the mark again.

BELLA CHINKARA (6) was arguably unlucky not to make it back‑to‑back wins last start after an impressive first‑up victory. Ready now for the rise in trip. SOUTHERN AURORAS (5) is super honest and never runs a bad race. Had no luck behind Antheia here last time, locked away for most of the straight. Can bounce back. VERHOEVEN (3) deserved his maiden win after several close finishes and now steps out to 1390m. His only prior attempt at the trip was unplaced but inconclusive. Tricky map though in the big field. THEM’S THE BREAKS (7) and THANKGODITSFRIDAY (9) both finished within a length of the very promising Beneficiary last start. CRIPPS (1) Victorian form is tough to line up with the locals. Arrives here first up on the back of 2 jump out wins. A beaten odds-on favourite resuming last prep at Mildura. Betting best guide.

THE TRINE (2) has been up for a while but keeps improving. Scored his third win of the preparation last start but it was the most dominant of the three. Strong claims again. SANDUAL (5) overcame early difficulties to win second up. Tougher here, but looks well-placed after the claim. BERSERKER (4) is going well. Looked a touch unlucky when just no match for Sandual, held up at a key stage while trying to build momentum. FIORENTE DE LEGEND (8) has been racking up the minor placings and  is overdue for a change of luck. WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (1) has won her past couple. It’s no easy task to win 3 straight. Drops slightly in grade but cops a sharp rise in weight. Unproven at Hobart albeit has only made the one appearance.