Betsy’s Set: Hobart Cup Day

UPHEAVAL (8) ran into the minor money on debut and although beaten five lengths, the winner looks above average. TRIBAL COUNCIL (4) just missed second‑up over this track and trip. Has a habit of being slowly away, which doesn’t help. CARDIOSPHERE (1) is best when able to lead and maps to do just that. Can be vulnerable late but is rock-hard fit, genuine top‑4 hope. DUBAI AFFAIR (11) has been consistent without breaking through. First‑up off a 10‑month layoff and drawn wide are clear obstacles. STRATO KEN (7) has been well beaten in both runs but had excuses. Trialled well before the debut run and gets a tongue tie on.

MAGNOLIA SKY (6) won with authority over this track and trip at her second start, on the back of a big run in defeat on debut. The most impressive part of the win was her dominance late, after being pressured all the way. TAROONA (8) resumes off a 10‑month break. A handy juvenile, though not top tier, but above average. Trial winner in the slowest heat of the morning. Drawn wide, chance if things fall her way. OLIVE GIRL (11) is trending the right way and gets blinkers on for the first time. MEL’S STREET ABOVE (12) better suited back to 1100m. Went too hard fresh and was entitled to weaken. ZAMBEZI BLONDE (3) and NOVALARGO (7) are both last‑start winners resuming. Lightly raced and still on the up.  ROUNDLE PARK (5) has been beaten as favourite all three runs this prep. Freshened 28 days, first look at Hobart, wouldn’t be diving in at short odds.

JOHNNIE PINCH (1) is very fit and firing, coming off consecutive wins and then proving the best of the beaten brigade in the Sydeston Cup. Has the early speed to offset the wide draw and will take plenty of running down. MILES ’N’ MILES (7) wasn’t suited latest at WFA. Will be running on hard and has better staying credentials than most. ROYAL DISPATCH (3) gave a good account at Launceston, stepping out to a staying trip for the first time. Improves off that run and maps well. ZURICH (4) is deep into the prep but holding form. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (5) last run over the mile can be forgiven. Placed at staying trips in tougher grade prior but is yet to win beyond 1600m. SPEED ROCK (16) a big run in defeat last start. Top‑4 chance if he gains a start. NO RUMOURS (8) comes off a Sandown midweek placing over 2400m. He’s a grinder who takes time to wind up, the drop in trip looks a clear negative.

The five local runners all come via the 1000 Guineas over the mile, taken out in strong fashion by roughie LITTLE EL (3). There was plenty of merit in the win. DAYTONA DIVA (4), FIERCE ’N FABULOUS (6) and BRIGHT NIGHT (2) weren’t up to it on the day, but the extra trip here could bring them into the race. AURORA RISE (7) looks the pick of the mainlanders. The one she knocked off last start has since come out and run second in Friday’s Tasmanian Derby.

KISS MY ROCK (3) hasn’t shown much in recent runs, but if he can reproduce the form he reached in Victoria last year, he’ll be very tough to hold out. BLOOMING EDGE (2) drops back to the 1600m and is going well. Looked the winner on the turn in a similar race last start but couldn’t put the leader away late. Holding form, should be thereabouts again. WYNDINTHEWILLOWS (12) has been in good form since arriving in the state and draws for every chance. INFRINGEMENT (6) is still a maiden but was strong against the pattern last start after getting a long way back. Draws to settle much closer. SOUTH GEORGIA (9) brings the best recent form but it’s no easy task drawn widest in the full field. ALPINE HONEY (1) comes straight off a tough, all‑the‑way maiden win but this harder.

POPILITA (4) didn’t measure up in stronger company last start, returning to this grade will be very hard to beat. GEEGEES MISSILE (7) chased home a smart winner last time, maps to get the run of the race here. ALPINE THUNDER (1) is building a very good record, never in doubt last start, excels this track, always tough to get past. PRINCE OF KHATUN (8) keeps racing well, though the drop back to 1000m and an awkward gate are genuine queries. MS TASMANIA (3) is competitive at her best, Launceston run last start was plain, she needs to lift.

SANNIYA’s (9) record speaks for itself, her elite early speed can negate the wide draw, the one to beat. PRESS FOR BOOM (8) was only beaten 1.25 lengths by Sanniya last start and meets her 3kg worse, but the extra 100m is a plus and she’s unbeaten at this track and trip. SILVER DAGGER (6) has been a frustrating mare for punters and her connections, has loads of ability, small fields and soft tempos have brought her undone the past couple, chance at odds. MISS ICELANDIC (4) bumps into some smart locals here and will need to bring her A‑game. ALVARINHO (5) is a very reliable mare with a good fresh record, fourth-placed in this race last year. ZANY GIRL (10) was only even first-up, place claims look best.

What a cracking edition of the Thomas Lyons, with a strong local cohort taking on some well credentialled mainlanders. STEPARTY (1) comes off a narrow defeat at Flemington. He hasn’t won since September 2023 but is regularly around the mark in Listed and Group company. JIMMY THE BEAR (2) has had a slow build up this prep and should be ready now fourth run back. DURAZZO (5) a proven weight‑for‑age performer in peak form and chasing a fourth straight win. He was narrowly denied in this race last year, awkwardly drawn though. WELWAL (4) resumes and a proven performer fresh. His Randwick return last prep was a huge run after conceding an impossible start. JUST CRUISIN’ (9) hasn’t won this prep but couldn’t be going any better, three runs for three seconds behind Durazzo. The poor gate the obvious hurdle. CARTOON GRAVEYARD (6) and SUSHI EXPRESS (7) next best.

BOLD SOUL (1) is no stranger to Hobart having won the Derby in 2024. Lead up runs have signalled he’s on track to give this a shake. ZIRYAB (8) went poorly as a well‑supported favourite last start but had genuine excuses, wide the trip and pulled up with issues. Worth another look and gets handy weight relief. TARAMANSOUR (2) is proven at the distance and was a dominant Pakenham Cup winner two runs back on a dry deck, conditions he gets again. Comfortably beat Ziryab at Pakenham by four lengths but now meets him here 5.5kg worse off. STRAWBERRY ROCK (4) won this race last year with 55kg. Deeper into his prep versus last year but is building at the right time. BANK MAUR (3) was well rated in front last start, winning here over 2200m at WFA. Harder assignment under handicap conditions but fit and in the mix. WINEGLASS BAY (7) was sound at WFA last start and always saves his best for this track. The leading local hope.

NAVARRE RIVER (4) is coming off a wide run when only beaten a length in a Class 3 race. Down in grade and the rise in trip suits. HUBUBBAJAHN (10) cops a sticky draw but has a case on recent form. Dominant winner here 3 starts back. CARNELIAN ROCK (14) is getting fitter and was rock solid behind Beneficiary at Launceston and does save best for here. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (9) is going well enough but the 1400m remains a query. ROYAL INFANTRY (3) is a last start winner at Camperdown in a modest race but respect any market push.