Thoroughbred racing returns to Devonport for the first time since Cup Day with a seven-race program on Monday.
The Public Holiday card is set to begin at 13:29.
R1 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1350m
Can make a case for four of the six runners including AWESOME ORPHAN (6) who did enough resuming and the 3.5 length defeat to Prince Of Khatun at the end of the first preparation reads well. GENUINE LADY (5) is yet to be placed in seven starts but has finished just behind the placegetters on a few occasions. RIPPINGTON (4) has only beaten a handful of runners home in five mainland starts but the stable always commands respect with these ex-Waller trained horses. OXY BOLT (3) handles the synthetic surface with three placings from four attempts and has claims despite being a long-time maiden.
Staking Strategy: It’s a toss up between the top 3 in the market with a slight leaning to Awesome Orphan, fitter now and suited at the 1350m. 1 unit to win AWESOME ORPHAN (6).
R2 Ladbrokes Big Bets Copy Now Maiden, 1009m
GEEGEES MERCEDES (8) is an unknown on this surface but has the right gate and will be hard to beat on recent form. FRANCIUM (4) has only had the one start and that was a failure on a very heavy track at Swan Hill. Looked sharp winning her trial here last Tuesday. STRATO KEN (2) has the outside gate to overcome but is working up to a win. DINA TYCOON (3) is a new arrival with plenty of early speed and recorded the fastest time of the morning winning its Longford trial. NUNKERI (10) returns from a break and could be an improver on her home track. LIGHT WORK (9) was beaten 6 lengths at Hobart but the race has already produced a couple of winners and now gets winkers and a tongue tie added.
Staking Strategy: Francium is a newcomer to the state and thought there was plenty of merit in her trial win. 1 unit to win FRANCIUM (4).
R3 Save Greyhound Racing In Tassie Benchmark 60 Hcp, 1150m
BAYSIDE (2) drops sharply in trip coming off a 6-week break and is very capable fresh. ZOETE’S ROCK (3) has a great record this circuit and the synthetic is clearly his preferred ground. Where he gets to in the run the slight query. MATERIAL MADAM (6) has returned in good order with two solid placings in similar races. BILLIE THE GREAT (8) has an awkward gate but is racing consistently. FLUFFY’S GIRL (4) shouldn’t have any trouble leading from barrier one and usually gives a sight.
Staking Strategy: Like the set-up here for Bayside with blinkers going on, back in distance and 43 days between runs. 2 units each way BAYSIDE (2).
R4 Lending 4 U Benchmark 60 Hcp, 1650m
WHO CAN IT BE NOW (6) performed well in this grade last start and has strong claims if able to repeat that effort. ALPINE BLAST (3) is on a 5 day back-up from last Wednesday night. His last start here in January saw him beaten only a length by Stone Cold Stunner, and that performance also came on a quick back-up. SCARLETTI (2) showed nice improvement at latest and gets blinkers back on third run back. FASHION FOX (4) an interesting runner resuming and should be forward enough to run well with 4 trials under the belt. GEE GEE CAN WIN (7) next best.
Staking Strategy: Who Can It Be Now appreciated getting out over more ground at Launceston and tackles a similar assignment here. 2 units each way WHO CAN IT BE NOW (6).
R5 Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 Hcp, 1650m
BELLSPROUT (4) stayed on well at Launceston after covering ground and comes into this off a dominant trial win here last week. BRIGHT NIGHT (5) is back in trip and well-drawn to settle handier. Has been getting too far back in her races. LITTLE EL (1) has been out of her depth in recent runs but will appreciate the drop back in distance and grade. SILVER GRANGE (2) was one-paced at Launceston and looks better suited at the 1650m. ALPINE HONEY (3) can mix his form but can be hard to get past when able to lead. TIZSA NICE DROP (7) next best.
Staking Strategy: Two key hopes. Bellsprout draws to lead and couldn’t have trialled much better. Bright Night is going better than the form reads and is worth another chance. 2 units to win BELLSPROUT (4) and BRIGHT NIGHT (5).
R6 Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 68 Hcp, 1350m
HARTMAN (3) has had a consistent preparation and his last run here in January behind Coal River is the right form reference. FLYING BILLIE (1) went too quickly in the lead at Hobart. Chance if he can settle better. AGNETE (4) never runs poorly and the last start win was well deserved on the back of a string of placings. WHIPPIN PICCADILLY (2) never threatened last start but had winning form prior in similar races. EASTCOAST MISS (5) was a complete forgive run last start and is proven here.
Staking Strategy: Most runners have a case so not getting too involved. Hartman either leads or sits handy and won’t be far away. 1 unit to win HARTMAN (3).
R7 Stables At Spreyton Benchmark 64 Hcp, 1880m
SPRING BEAN (1) has been contesting much harder races than this most of the preparation and takes a power of beating back on his home track at this level. THICKSKINNED (3) ran on OK at Hobart in a race that was leader dominated. Lightly raced and progressive, he’ll be hard to hold out. LINDRUM (5) run was better than it looks behind Vino Cavello and has each-way claims. MIGHTYMAXI (6) is hard to catch but does save best for here. MANHATTAN NIGHTS (4) is a two-time winner here and should be ready to peak fourth run in.
Staking Strategy: Lindrum ran OK at Launceston and was 33 days between runs so should strip fitter here. 2 units each-way LINDRUM (5).
