After the excitement of Hobart Cup Day a week earlier, thoroughbred action returns to Hobart on Sunday for an eight race program.
The rail moves out to +9m after being at +6m for the Cup meeting last Sunday.
The weather forecast is fine, likely resulting in a good-rated track.
LAWRENNY BOYS (3) is going well and ready to win. No match for his stablemate last time but battled on very well. Not much between him and GEEGEES MERCEDES (8) who brings similar form lines but both drawn a touch awkwardly. OUTBUSH (1) fitter now, gets some gear changes, perfectly drawn, good chance at odds to run first 4. SMASH ’N’ GRAB (6) better suited back in trip but a long-time maiden. UPHEAVAL (4) had some support last Sunday but was disappointing despite not being far away. No easy task from the gate over the 1000m. Monitor the market with first starters LIN THIZZY (9) and STEEL SHOSHA (10). Thought they trialled only fairly.
Staking Strategy: Hard race to sort out with a few of the better credentialled runners drawn out and there’s speed underneath them. Outbush isn’t the worst hope from the good gate. 1 unit each-way OUTBUSH (1).
R2 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1430m
ALPINE WHISKEY (1) performed much better third-up with some gear changes. Has drawn well again, should lead, takes running down. A QUEENS BUZZ (10) had zero excuses here on Derby Day when third-placed behind Nandi Clan but strikes a similar race, leading chance. ROYAL SCENE (7) looks desperate for more ground and gets it here, solid each-way claims. SH’BOURNE RISING (9) had the pattern against at Launceston and ran well under the circumstances. SEDITIOUS AWARD (8) is deep into the prep and is consistently finding the line but struggling to break through. Had every possible chance here two runs back but is holding her form. JOEJOE (5) found the line on debut and looks suited out to the 1430m. DANDIROSE (6) was weak on debut at Mornington, can improve out in trip.
Staking Strategy: A Queens Buzz settled a pair too far back last start, can box seat here, gets her chance. 4 units to win A QUEENS BUZZ (10).
R3 Ladbrokes Odds Surge Bm68 Hcp, 1430m
FLYING BILLIE (2) has a few things in his favour, including dropping back in grade and boasts a strong record at this track and trip. GEE GEES ME BOY (3) won 2 runs back then raced wide without cover last outing but toughed it out well, maps perfectly. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (7) isn’t a regular winner but was placed at her only start this track and distance. ETHICAL DILEMMA (4) made an early move last start and wasn’t able to finish off but with a quieter ride he’s not without a chance. ARAYA SUNSHINE (5) has better form at 1200m, but she was only beaten narrowly at this trip at Longford earlier in the year.
Staking Strategy: This looks a good set-up for Flying Billie, dropping back in grade and can lead unchallenged. 4 units to win FLYING BILLIE (2).
R4 Ladbrokes Big Bets Copy Now Class 1 Hcp, 1430m
SOUTHERN AURORAS (5) keeps racing well and was the best of the local contingent last start. TRIBAL COUNCIL (2) put the writing on the wall 2 runs ago and then broke through for a well-deserved win last start. THANKGODITSFRIDAY (9) hasn’t been far away at past couple but concedes a start, live hope if they over do it in front. BELLA CHINKARA (6) got back and never threatened in the race won by Cripps on Derby Day. Awkwardly drawn again, chance if things fall her way. GEEGEES DOWNPOUR (3) was below par last start but runs prior were good enough to be competitive here. SILVER GRANGE (1) has had some issues but put it all together last start and won his maiden quite impressively. Tougher here and rises 4.5kg.
Staking Strategy: In a race lacking obvious pace, Southern Auroras appeals as the one that can roll forward and get the race on her terms. 4 units to win SOUTHERN AURORAS (5).
R5 Ladbrokes Mega Multi Class 2 Hcp, 1200m
An open race to kick off the quaddie. MAGNOLIA SKY (1) is chasing a third straight win and both victories have had plenty of merit. Stretching out to the 1200m shouldn’t be an issue but this clearly a tougher race. MATERIAL MADAM (2) return run was rock-solid and a proven performer this track and distance. ANTHEIA (3) returned to the winners’ stall last start and while a couple were stiff in that race, there was still plenty of merit in the performance, coming from last and well back at the 600. SWINGING IT (10) had little go right at Launceston, her form this prep has been good. GEEGEES LEGACY (4) is racing consistently and recent form measures right up. BILLIE THE GREAT (6) can’t be left out ….
Staking Strategy: No real confidence here, though Material Madam appeals at the price. Very good first‑up run, fitter now, and just needs things to fall her way from the draw. 2 units each way MATERIAL MADAM (2).
R6 Winning Edge Presentations Bm68 Hcp, 1100m
ALPINE THUNDER (1) had clear excuses 7 days ago, can make amends if gets control, boasts a 50% winning strike-rate at track and distance. STREET DIVA (4) returned in good style at Launceston and maps for a similar run. GEORGARONI (2) presents fresh and drops back to the 1100m, a trip at which he’s proven. Key chance, though the wide gate with the rail being out 9m makes the map a touch awkward. FIRST LINE (7) and SWEET LUCIFER (3) weren’t far away in a harder race on Cup Day and better suited back to this level.
Staking Strategy: Street Diva had the right run to win first-up and maps similar here, should go close. 2 units to win STREET DIVA (4)
R7 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Class 4, 1600m
COAL RIVER (1) continues to race well and has proven a great addition for the stable, bringing up his fourth win of the preparation last start. GODDESS OF ROCK’s (4) consistency hasn’t been her strong point until this preparation, she’s a mare in form, a big run here on Derby Day coming from last in a moderately run race. FIORENTE DE LEGEND (3) adds further depth to the race, coming off a last‑stride win that finally broke a run of minor placings. ROYAL DISPATCH (5) was beaten a long way from home last Sunday and clearly didn’t appreciate the genuine soft ground, can be competitive on prior form. STRATOJACK (7) next best.
Staking Strategy: Coal River has gone from strength to strength this time in but at around even money doesn’t represent any value. Fiorente De Legend and Goddess Of Rock are genuine contenders. 2 units to win FIORENTE DE LEGEND (3) and GODDESS OF ROCK (4).
R8 Mingari + Co Maiden/Class 1, 2100m
WYNDINTHEWILLOWS (8) has performed well in all three local runs and will have no trouble at all handling the 2100m. INFRINGEMENT (3) keeps improving and is working up to a win. Extra trip a positive. TIDEFORD (2) got his maiden out of the way last start after dictating terms, finally breaking through at start 29 in a similar race. Has a fitness edge on many and stays in contention. WHOLESOME (7) had traffic issues at Launceston, the beaten margin was very unfair, proven at the trip. CARNOTAURUS (10) gets in well after the claim but had every possible last start with a similar advantage. Awkward gate here but will keep finding the line. LORD HEAR US (4) next best.
Staking Strategy: Carnotaurus had her chance last start but is working up to a win and looks a solid each-way gamble. 2 units each-way CARNOTAURUS (10).
