The alternating Sundays between Hobart and Devonport continue with Tasmanian thoroughbred action on the synthetic in the state’s northwest.
The first race on the eight-event card is set for 11:00.
There’s little separating the leading chances. KNIGHTS REIGN (2) has been ultra-consistent, beaten less than a length at his past three starts, all at this track. RESPITE (6) brings almost identical form lines and looks ready for this distance now. REGAL HUNTER (3) wasn’t far away in a stronger Hobart race last Sunday and finished just out of the placings here the run prior. LAST TREMBLE (5) is worth another chance. The 1880m may have stretched her last time and she lost momentum at a crucial stage. GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (4) needs to improve sharply on recent efforts but has a strong record over this course and distance.
Staking Strategy: Rolling the dice one more time with Last Tremble who lost momentum at a key stage last time and looks better suited back in trip. 1 unit to win LAST TREMBLE (5).
COLONEL BOGEY (2) was a beaten favourite resuming but the winner looks capable of winning more races. There was a clear margin to the third horse in that race, always a good sign. UNA PALOMA BLANCA (11) has placed 3 times from 4 starts this track and draws to be thereabouts again. COOL AS YOU (3) has been ordinary last couple when ridden up on the speed. First up run was his best when he settled at the tail. The stablemates SUBARASHII EXPRESS (7) and EFFRONTERY (9) look the pick of the debutants. GUBER (5) place claims. DENG (4), EQUIVASTER (10) next.
Staking Strategy: Colonel Bogey doesn’t interest at the short odds, given that he’s been beaten as favourite in five of his seven starts. Cool As You can run better than his price suggests. 1 unit each-way COOL AS YOU (3).
TURBO CHOOK (1) gets every chance from the inside draw with winkers going on fourth-up. Wide gates have worked against him past couple of runs. MERLIN BEACH (2) is always around the mark and has blinkers back on dropping in distance. SAY IT WITH WORDS (8) has only one win from 19 starts but wasn’t far off last time and looks well suited over 1350m. FRUIT OF DE VINE (7) continues to race consistently without breaking through and is a winning hope if he handles the synthetic surface. NUNKERI (3) is worth another chance after working overtime early last start and has since been freshened. His previous form stacks up.
Staking Strategy: Turbo Chook has performed well all three runs this prep and has finally drawn a decent gate. 2 units to win TURBO CHOOK (1).
IT’S JAGGER TIME (2) had every chance behind the in-form Taroona here last start but was five weeks between runs and the market suggested he’d improve with the hit-out. SIMPLY DEEP (5) won here three starts ago and had genuine excuses at his past two outings. DON’T GIVE UP (1) looks ready to peak third-up and gets out to a more suitable trip. NATIVE CLAN (6) draws well and rock-hard fit but a query this surface. LAUGH WITH ME (3) has been below his best this preparation but third-up with key gear changes, could be an improver.
Staking Strategy: It’s Jagger Time is yet to break through this preparation but every run has been good in strong races. 2 units to win IT’S JAGGER TIME (2).
HOULIHAN (4) was dominant leading throughout to break her maiden here four weeks ago and looks capable of going on with it. GLADDING (1) returned in good order, strips fitter and proven at the track and trip. JUST PLAIN NUTS (2) caused an upset on debut here before a plain second run and a break. The form from that maiden has stood up well, producing multiple winners. The wide draw makes things tougher but capable of figuring with the right luck. FRENCH SOUL (3) has nice ability, resumes, and looks set to run well after two encouraging trials. BRAVE JET (5) resumes for his first local start and maps to settle off the speed. Hobart trial was solid, closing off strongly. GIE IT LALDY (8) wasn’t far away in a stronger race last time, place chance.
Staking Strategy: Tougher race here for Houlihan but she made an impressive return leading all the way and can win again. 2 units to win HOULIHAN (4).
BILLIE THE GREAT (5) has come back well, winning narrowly first up and just missed by the barest possible margin last start. Draws to get every chance and takes beating. WILD DANCER (7) returned a winner and was a heavily backed favourite second up but was disappointing. Enjoys nice weight relief here and could bounce back. BELLASARIO (4) is building fitness after a long layoff and can improve again third-up. WILD NIGHTS (8) faces toughest test coming off consecutive wins but is in the zone. GET ’EM WARRIOR (6) showed improvement second up but has another wide gate to contend with. PLATINUM REGGAE (9) next best.
Staking Strategy: Billie The Great comes through a strong benchmark race and was only narrowly beaten , maps for the right run. 2 units to win BILLIE THE GREAT (5)
TIKKEN (5) keeps improving. The placing behind Taroona is very good form for this. TUSKEGEE (2) is yet to win first up but has been placed both times and has trialled up nicely. Just has to handle the 61kg. CAPTAIN CAM (1) returned to the winner’s stall in good fashion a fortnight ago in same grade. Rises slightly in weight but the win was quite authoritative. Forget ADACHI (3) went around at Hobart. He’s much better suited back to this track and distance. STROAK OF ART (4) brings winning form. Only lightly raced with upside but this tougher. STAR TERRITORY (7) was poor last time but can do better.
Staking Strategy: Tikken was very good in a deep class 4 race last time. Tuskegee resumes, the trial win was sharp. 2 units to win TIKKEN (5), 1 unit to win TUSKEGEE (2).
First try at the 1880m for WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (2) but gives the impression it should suit. Although no match for Hartman at her latest, she pulled good ground in the straight and held a clear margin over the rest of the field. GODDESS OF ROCK (3) hasn’t been known for her consistency but she’s strung a couple of wins together now and is at the top of her game. Proven here and can win again. HAPPY CLAN (1) has been thereabouts without winning but capable of bouncing back. TIDEFORD (4) has claims but has had minimal exposure this surface. He looks the obvious leader. They only got to him late at Hobart. ALPINE BLAST (5) another one tackling the 1880m for the first time but a track specialist and can’t be ruled out. ALPINE TROUT (6) brings winning form but strikes tougher opposition.
Staking Strategy: Tough race to stand one out. Tideford held on well at Hobart in a similar race and has come up a bit of value. 1 unit to win TIDEFORD (4).
