Tasmanian thoroughbred racing is in Hobart on Sunday, following on from an eight-race card in Launceston on Wednesdaynight.
The rail moves to +0.5m after being at +11m on Melbourne Cup Day. The track should be in the 5-6 range.
Quaddie : 1-2-3-4 / 3-5 / 1-3 / Field
JOHN OF JANE (1) was a class above his rivals here 12 days ago, winning by a significant margin, and is clearly the one to beat. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (3) hit the line nicely at Launceston returning from a break and looks to be in for a good preparation. CRYSTAL MOONBEAM (4) always runs well resuming and there were encouraging signs from her stablemate APRIL’S DANCE (6) last time, after struggling for form the previous prep. JAMMIN JIMMY (2) has good first-up form on the mainland and has trialled well.
Staking Strategy: John Of Jane is the obvious but the $1.20 currently on offer isn’t enticing. Crystal Moonbeam races well fresh and looks a good chance to finish in the top 2. 1 unit to place CRYSTAL MOONBEAM (4).
UNCLE MARK (8) concedes race-day experience but has trialled impressively and looks capable of measuring up on debut. SMITH ’N’ WEST (7) had excuses at Launceston, striking trouble at the start then worked to contest the lead. The run was better than it looks. THE BIG FELLA (3) returns for a new stable without a trial. There was good market support at both runs in his first campaign. FIERCE SPIRIT (5) ran into the placings resuming but it was a very bunched finish. THERMAL MISS (12) was placed third in the same race and covered a lot of ground. MISS STRAT (11) has been thereabouts all prep but struggling to break through. UP TO TORI (13) resumes and is usually competitive fresh.
Staking Strategy: No shock to see the market support come for the debutant Uncle Mark but is well found. Thermal Miss was never on the track at her latest and is the value in the race. 1 unit to win THERMAL MISS (12).
NIGHT INVADER (3) made good late ground but just failed to catch Go Jeannie at Launceston. Will take plenty of improvement from the first up run and hard to hold out. GEORGARONI (1) will be better for two runs from a spell and gets to a distance that suits. NIGHT PEOPLE (4) looks the likely leader and ready now fourth run back. ISLAND WARRIOR (2) finished just out of the placings first up off a long break and bound to be improved. FIORENTE DE LEGEND (6) was disappointing in an easier race last time but gets weight relief. THE SPIRIT OF ZERO (5) brings winning form but more depth here.
Staking Strategy: Night Invader produced a big run in defeat first-up. Will concede a start but the rise in trip and the uphill run home should work in her favour. 6 units to win NIGHT INVADER (3).
ALPINE WHISKEY (1) gets a senior rider and will be better for two runs from a spell and the longer trip suits. WALKING STREET (9) resumes with gear changes. There’s been good market support for this gelding at all 4 starts. Can be an unreliable beginner but strong claims if puts it all together. LORD HEAR US (4) has drawn to advantage and was placed first up at this track and trip last prep. GEEGEES AVALANCHE (2) faced a task first up from a wide gate but still ran well. JOEJOE (3) battled on well at Launceston off a wide run and will take plenty of improvement. UPHEAVAL (8) gets out to a more suitable trip second up and blinkers get added. SH’BOURNE TOP GUN (11) has shown improvement at every start and also has a case. MIDNIGHT WANDERER (5) was a good hidden run on debut and can improve out in trip.
Staking Strategy: Liked the way Sh’bourne Top Gun closed off at Launceston and is ready to win. Midnight Wanderer’s debut run was better than it looks and is a value hope. 2 units to win SH’BOURNE TOP GUN (11). 1 unit to win MIDNIGHT WANDERER (5).
TOORAK LAD (2) was forced to do too much work last time from a wide gate and maps here for a much better run. SNOW EAGLE (4) led and fought hard but was just no match second up in a similar race. PACIFIC WITNESS (5) brings winning form but carries an extra 3.5kg. KION’S KINGDOM (1) gets a favourable draw after leading throughout last time, with the runner-up since franking the form. ALISENT (8) finished on the heels of the placegetters 12 days ago at her first run for new stable and can be competitive again. TEAM HEIST (3) is back in her right grade and capable of better.
Staking Strategy: This is a raffle. Could be way off the mark but thought Team Heist at big odds is worth a small gamble, dropping in class after a battling effort at Launceston. 1 unit each-way TEAM HEIST (3).
DA SILVER FLASH (5) is going well and has a fitness edge over most of his main rivals. STOLLAWAY NED (3) has been very consistent and should relish this trip for the time. WHITE MOON (9) got the maiden out the way at only her second start and won’t have any issue coping with the 2100m, nor will the improving ALPINE DRIFT (4). NICALBI (1) looks the leader and wasn’t far away last time and will strip fitter. IRISH BLOOM (10) a forgive run last start in a similar race after working too hard in the early stages.
Staking Strategy: Da Silver Flash is fit and comes into this off a couple of sound placings in similar races. The current odds around $6.50 looks overs. 2 units each-way DA SILVER FLASH (5).
ALPINE THUNDER (1) gave a huge sight at big odds in the Goodwood. Drops sharply in grade but carries an extra 6.5kg and has drawn the outside. STREET DIVA (3) made good late ground when placed here last start behind the promising Buzzofski and should have finished a bit closer. TASSIE POWER (4) can improve with the benefit of an inside draw and a senior rider. He won well second up at this trip last preparation. MAKE A DECISION (2) is well credentialled and capable fresh. The 1000m is the query but he should get the right run from barrier two and will be hitting the line. FLUFFY’S GIRL (7) and GEEGEESCHASER (8) next best.
Staking Strategy: Alpine Thunder has the best recent form and the one to beat despite the sharp rise in weight. Street Diva has genuine claims on her last run behind a couple of smart 3-year-olds. 2 units to win ALPINE THUNDER (1) and STREET DIVA (3).
GOLD ARMOUR (2) rounded off his first preparation winning his maiden in good style at this track over 1200m. Perfectly drawn and does have a turn of foot. IN YOUR DREAMS (1) won well on debut then pulled up lame at his next start and has been given time. Has trialled well and drawn to get his chance. LAWRENNY BOYS (3) and MISS LYRA (8) were the best of the beaten brigade behind the smart winner John Of Jane and will find this easier. ROXY DANCER (4) won her maiden with a bit in hand and despite enjoying all the favours in the run has the scope to go on. VERHOEVEN (5) is a horse that has been unlucky at times because of his racing style and is in the mix if he gets the breaks.
Staking Strategy: Given the prevailing soft conditions and the likelihood of rain, inside barriers could potentially be a negative at this stage of proceedings. Sticking with top pick Gold Armour but barrier one could be questionable. 1 unit to win GOLD ARMOUR (2).
