Steve Christie’s Hobart tips: Best bets and staking strategy for Melbourne Cup Day racing

The Keys stable are well represented with 4 of the 6 runners. NATIVE CLAN (3) was no match at all for the progressive Henley Extreme at Launceston – beaten 5.5 lengths – but she put a big space on the rest of the field which included HAPPY CLAN (1), JOHNNIE PINCH (2), REGAL HUNTER (4) and SUGOI LEGEND (6). On that evidence, it’s hard to make a case for any of those runners turning the tables on Native Clan. DA SILVER FLASH (5) is on the quick back-up from Friday night – second-placed in an easier race – but unlike her opposition, she does have upside.

A tricky maiden. The bulk of the field lightly raced and/or returning from a spell. That said, thought there were a couple of main chances. Was keen to be with BEWICKED (10) on Friday night at Launceston but connections have opted for this race instead. This filly was brave in defeat second-up. She ran along at a very genuine pace and led till the last stride. Drawn well, and with fitness on her side, she’ll be hard to beat. ROXY DANCER (7) looks the main threat drawn in barrier one. Was heavily supported and placed on debut over 1200m then immediately spelled. Has early gate speed and can either lead or take a trail. ARIANNA’S GOLD (6) resumes and arguably unlucky not to have won one by now. For exotics … THERMAL MISS (9) UPHEAVAL (3), FIERCE SPIRIT (4) and THERMAL MISS (9) all go in.

ALPINE DRIFT (1) and ROUSING LEVI (4) the main two hopes. Both were very good resuming at Launceston behind Shines Discreetly who has gone on to win again. WHITE MOON (11) made a sound debut in the same race, running into the placings. IRISH BLOOM’s (8) form also ties in with the top 3. She battled on well after working hard in the early stages – another tricky gate, however. SYMPHONY QUEEN (10) has been thereabouts all preparation but struggling to win-blinkers now go on.

JOHN OF JANE (1) is very promising. Bolted in at this track by 5.5 lengths on debut then was just out-bobbed at Launceston returning from a break. Gate a touch tricky but there’s not a stack of speed drawn inside. MISS LYRA (5) has been around the money every start this preparation and draws to be in the finish again. There was no market support for LAWRENNY BOYS (2) resuming and he ran accordingly. He saves his best for Hobart and can improve sharply. OLINDAH (6) is going well. Hard to see her winning but top 4 hope. Blinkers go on GEEGEES ACE (3) for the first time.

VALLEY STAR (4) and BUZZOFFSKI (5) were two of our better 2-year-olds last season and both are well-above average. One of the two should be winning. TASSIE POWER (3) proved to be quite versatile last time in and was quite effective over these sprinting trips and from barrier one looks a strong contender to run top 4. GEEGEESCHASER (8) is suited at the 1000m and also has a case for exotics. ZUNI (7) next best.

FIORENTE DE LEGEND (2) has been racing well in stronger races and excels at track and trip. Has his share of weight but hard to beat back to this level. SIR JAG (4) has been up for a long time but continues to be competitive and raced without much luck start. KIREINA MARUBRAH (6) should get an easy lead and is very fit. GEE GEES ME BOY (1) doesn’t win often but recent form in similar company is solid enough and blinkers go on again. THISISMYTURF (5) gets in well after the 4kg claim and is holding form.

Just the one win for BELLA CHINKARA (6) from 20 starts but her form is better than it reads. Got a mile back at Launceston but she caught the eye late. First try at Hobart for WHO’S IN DEV (3) but she put the writing on the wall last start and is ready to win. TOORAK LAD (1) never got into the race last start after winning well the start prior. The concern is the wide gate. SNOWDONIA (5) next best.

DURAZZO (1) has to give plenty of weight to his rivals but is the class runner in the field. Finished second in this race last year but draws a better gate this time around. Maps for the perfect run and can make amends. FLYING CONCELLO (7) has been a revelation since arriving in the state, winning 4 of 5 starts. Faces a steep rise in grade but continues to raise the bar and gets a great run in transit from barrier two. BLAMEITONTHEBOOGIE (5) was unbeaten last prep winning 3 from 3. No doubt a superior synthetic horse but is more than capable on the grass. First up record is impressive. It’s been 2 years since GEEGEES GEMSTONE (2) won but there were good signs last preparation. Best goes close. PRINCE OF KHATUN (6), ZANY GIRL (8) and GLORY MISSION (10) are racing well in easier races. Zany Girl the pick of that trio. PERSPIRATION (3) will be better with a run or two under his belt but could into the top 4. ALPINE THUNDER (11) a big query at this level but loves the track and trip. Will lead for a long way.