The All-Weather Spreyton is the scene for Sunday thoroughbred racing, with an eight-race program.
It’s a good card of winter racing with the $45,000 Open Handicap (1009m) a clear highlight.
The first of the day in Devonport is set for 11:16.
Full selections are below.
LAST TREMBLE (6) has found some form at her past couple and if she can run up to her effort here behind Taroona two runs back will be very hard to beat. JUST BOBBY (2) has had a freshen since his Hobart run when led and was brave in defeat. It’s been a very good form race with both 3rd and 4th winning at their next starts. TIZSA NICE DROP (10) saves her best for this track and if they’re able to run on has a case. MERLIN BEACH (3) has been sent around favourite at his last 5 starts and only once has he tasted success. Has had every chance at past 3 runs and can’t be discounted but would be wary of diving into a short quote. SOUTH GEORGIA (9) looked a bit unlucky last start at Hobart and was a similar story the run before. The sythetic for the first time is the big query with her. CALLED THROUGH (5) next best.
Staking Strategy: Last Tremble only has to repeat her third placed run here from two runs back to go close and looks a solid each-way gamble. 2 units each-way LAST TREMBLE (6).
BUZZOFFSKI (2) has a wide gate to overcome but won well on debut and has enough early gate speed to get across without doing too much work. SHE’S GOT SWING (7) is the only debutant in the field and brings winning trial form and rates a top chance. VALLEY STAR (1) has also drawn out but was eating into the margin when just no match for Buzzoffski on debut and looks suited out to the 1150m. TOO POETIC (8) showed enough in her first prep in some good races and should be competitive. ALL INTRIQUE (5) and SCARLET BULLET (6) next best.
Staking Strategy: As expected, the top 3 hopes dominate the market. The first starter She’s Got Swing has drawn on the inside of the other pair and if she can find the lead will be hard to beat. 1 unit to win SHE’S GOT SWING (7).
CAN’T CATCH CHILLI (8) is having her first look at this surface and her first try beyond 1200m. This is a very winnable race and from the inside draw should be able to find the lead or at worst box seat. COOL AS YOU (2) got home nicely from the rear resuming and was probably ridden upside down last time. Can do better ridden quietly and out to this trip. ALLA RUSTICA (1) met with good support at his first Tasmanian start but finished well down the track. Blinkers have now been added and with 6-weeks between runs could be a sharp improver. LIGHT WORK (10) has been thereabouts of late in similar company and has a case. GUBER (3), AWESOME ORPHAN (7) and LEO DAVINCI (5) wider hopes for first 4’s.
Staking Strategy: Cool As You was ridden upside down last start and Can’t Catch Chilli can lead from barrier one and gets her chance. 2 units to win COOL AS YOU (2) and CAN’T CATCH CHILLI (8).
A good class 4 race and there looks to be 3 standout chances. GARCON D’ESPOIR (1) was beaten a whisker first up behind one that is flying and he put a big margin on the rest of the field. Have marked him just on top from IT’S JAGGER TIME (3) who has had a freshen coming off a wide and unplaced run at Hobart. Form prior was very good and from a better draw gets every conceivable chance. The other major player TAROONA (6) has been mixing her distances but keeps racing well and comes through a strong race. STAR TERRITORY (5) and TIKKEN (7) are going well in easier races, include in first 4’s.
Staking Strategy: Concede the favourite will be awfully hard to beat but at the same time he is well found. There’s good form around Its Jagger Time and Taroona and they are capable of causing an upset. 2 units to win IT’S JAGGER TIME (3) and TAROONA (6).
KNIGHTS REIGN (5) is fit and racing well in similar company. Wasn’t able to find the front last start but maps to lead here and has solid claims. RESPITE (7) was brave in defeat last time this track and distance after covering ground and maps for a far better run. TURBO CHOOK (4) looks to settle in the second half of the field and will need luck but is going well. GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (8) was a complete forgive second up and can improve sharply. GEEGEES ACE (1) won an average maiden at Hobart but maps to advantage and has plenty of scope.
Staking Strategy: Knights Reign is racing well and should be able to lead on his own terms and will be hard to get past. 1 unit to win KNIGHTS REIGN (5).
WILD DANCER (2) beat a handy line-up at his first local start and is sure to be further improved. PLATINUM REGGAE (8) is racing well without winning, placed behind a smart one at her last couple. Maps well here , has a chance. CAPTAIN CAM (1) hasn’t won for over a year but there were good signs resuming and will find this easier. GET ’EM WARRIOR (7) is better than what he produced last time. STARS IN THE NIGHT (4) has just the solitary win from 17 attempts at track and distance but ran into the placings second up in a harder race. GEEGEES DOWNPOUR’s (6) has been around the mark in similar races of late but have reservations on this surface.
Staking Strategy: Liked the way Wild Dancer hit the line to score over 1009m here a fortnight ago and will only be better suited getting out to the 1150m. 2 units to win WILD DANCER (2).
TSUNAMI SAM (1) won this race last year. Could not have trialled much better for his return, drawn to advantage, key hope. BLAMEITONTHEBOOGIE (5) made a winning debut at this corresponding meeting last year and has progressed nicely since. He’s unbeaten this preparation and this his toughest test but looks capable of measuring up. CHEROKEE DANCER (3) and THOROS OF MYR (4) are fit and in form in slightly easier grade and enjoy nice weight relief. ALPINE WOLF (2) never runs poorly at track and distance but place claims look best.
Staking Strategy: Blameitontheboogie is easy to like but gee he’s very short. If there’s an upset in the race, Tsunami Sam could be the one. He won this race last year and maps to get the run of the race. 1 unit to win TSUNAMI SAM (1).
HARTMAN (1) has managed three wins from five starts at Devonport and was dominant from the front at latest. The rise to 1650m the slight query. IFFYCOULD (3) is 49 days fresh and there’s good form around him. Chance if handles the synthetic for the first time. SKELMORLIE (4) is back in trip and has an ordinary gate but gets some nice weight relief. WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (2) stayed on well after covering ground last time and may be wanting further now. ALPINE BLAST (5) arrived last bound and scored an upset victory here a fortnight ago but there’s a bit more depth to this race. THIN RED LINE (8) reeled in a tearaway leader two runs back and then was rock solid again behind Alpine Trout. LAUGH WITH ME (6) never threatened first-up when heavily backed but has some respectable second up form so improvement would not shock.
Staking Strategy: Hartman a slight query at this trip with the big weight but gives the impression he’ll run it out strongly. 2 unit to win HARTMAN (1).
