Steve Christie’s Sunday Hobart Preview: Best best and staking strategy

CALLED THROUGH (3) has had plenty of chances but is seldom far away. He always concedes a start so the small field works in his favour. SORELL EAGLES (5) was the best of the beaten brigade last time after covering extra ground throughout and maps for a much softer run here. TIMELY NEEDS (6) also covered too much ground behind Jedd’s Jet and the run was better than it looks. STRIP’N’TOUGH (9) is coming off a career-best effort and has further upside. LIGHT WORK (7) is rock-hard fit and continues to race consistently in similar company. CROWNED BEAU (4) is a runner worth throwing into first-4s. Led and faded here last start but was used up early and under the circumstances ran okay.

DON TURBOAS (2) has been placed in four of five starts and gets every hope from the inside draw. He can be slowly away but should settle close enough to prove hard to hold out. GOLD ARMOUR (5) was an eye-catcher on debut when narrowly beaten at big odds and looks the main danger despite a tricky gate. GOLD TIANNA (6) is racing well over 1400m. The drop back in distance is a concern despite the 6-week freshen. KIMBA (8) and STOLLAWAY NED (9) both ran better on debut than their beaten margins would suggest. HONEST WARRIOR (7) makes her local debut on the back of a solid trial. The stable has enjoyed plenty of recent success with tried horses. FUEL ON THE FIRE (4) and VINRAAM (10) have drawn poorly but have trialled like possible improvers.

VABUIAGI (10) has drawn to advantage and was rock-solid first-up and the extra 100m looks favourable.  UP TO TORI (9) resumes and has performed okay before when fresh. WHITE STAR SUZIE (12) will likely to be better suited over more ground but was placed here on debut earlier in the year. THERMAL MISS (8) resumes after three unplaced runs in her initial preparation but she won her latest trial by a decisive margin and strikes a maiden that lacks depth. POETIC LIGHT (5) hasn’t raced for around 20 months and has changed stables. Sure to be better for the outing but there was some merit in both career runs and could run top 4 without surprising. CAFFY (3) was just fair first-up but strips fitter.

LAWRENNY BOYS (4) was best of the on-pace runners last time and at the run prior, ran a career best behind a smart winner. The one to beat but wary. This clearly a deeper class 1 than two-weeks ago. BELLA CHINKARA (7) returns and was an impressive winner resuming last preparation. A repeat of that performance goes close. MEGALITA (2) is promising and another one returning from a break. Was arguably unlucky not to win on debut then was quick to make amends the following start. New stable for FIERCE ’N FABULOUS (3) and capable of a forward showing fresh. GEEGEES MERCEDES (8) got the maiden out of the way last time but this is a step up. FRUIT OF DE VINE (14) going well, place claims. CELESTIAL GLOW (4) didn’t have a lot of luck behind Wild Nights.

DAYTONA DIVA (3) is likely to start favourite after an impressive first-up victory here and gets in very well after the claim. TAROONA (5) backs up seven days after a tough all-the-way win at Devonport in a strong race. She was comfortably held by Daytona Diva two starts ago but is rock-hard fit and the rise in trip brings her into contention. ZAMBEZI BLONDE (1) finished five lengths behind Daytona last start but is capable of much better and can improve sharply. THE REAL MAN (2) has form around the main contenders and has to be respected.

TRIBAL COUNCIL (3) was only beaten narrowly in one of these races 28-days ago and the form has held up well with the 3^rd horse winning since. He has a fitness edge over several main rivals and looks one of the key chances. ROYAL DETECTIVE (5) and HUBUBBAJAHN (8) are resuming and both impressive winners first-up last prep at track and trip. WILD NIGHTS (7) brings winning form and while this is a shade tougher, she warrants plenty of respect. ALPINE FURY (1) and VERHOEVEN (4) also have claims in a deep race.

AZONTO (1) last couple of efforts have been very good and is close to another win but is going to need some luck from the wide gate. BAYSIDE (4) was never going to be suited dropping back to the 1200m last start and hit the line okay, can improve sharply. HENLEY EXTREME (5) has the talent and the last time she raced at Hobart she strolled home by almost 4 lengths. Tough ask first-up coming off a 6-month spell but rates a key chance if she’s ready. Market the best guide. PURR SEFANEE (11) is getting fitter and took some running down last start, ready now. LIGHT FORCE (2) faces toughest test coming off back-to-back wins but keeps improving and has drawn well. REGAL HUNTER (3) is racing out of his grade but maps well and should be peaking third run back. SIR JAG (6) was blocked at a vital stage last run but dropping back further in trip is a concern.

IN THE OCEAN (1) resumes with winkers back on and has a strong fresh record, including a first-up win in similar company last preparation. THE LONGEST YARD (4) found the 1009m too sharp at Devonport when resuming but is much better suited stepping up to 1200m. TASSIE POWER (15) has been a revelation as a sprinter this campaign and comes here off a couple of strong performances. This is tougher, but takes plenty of catching. THESPIAN WATERS (5) also resumes and a return to his best would see him right in the finish, although it’s been a while between wins. BILLIE THE GREAT (12) has returned in good order and can feature again, while NO ACCESS (8) hit the line very well first-up over an unsuitable trip and will relish the extra distance.

FLYING BILLIE (3) found a very suitable race last start and the result was never really in any doubt once he found the front uncontested. Rises 5kg here dropping in grade but is capable of stringing a few wins together at this time of the year.  VERBANO (7) returns from a brief stint in Victoria and is always a chance at this level. DESIGNER DREAMER (6) comes off a 10-week break and has genuine claims fresh. ARAYA SUNSHINE (11) is hard to catch but she’s going well. Her most recent win was this track and distance. FIGHTING FLOYD (2) was doing his best work late resuming and now gets out to his preferred trip but will need luck from the wide gate. ADACHI (5) last run was okay over the 1200m and this will be more to his liking.