Tasracing

The $100,000 Unique Doors & Windows Tasmanian Guineas over 1600 metres is the feature race on the nine-event card in Hobart on Sunday with many in the field using the race as a steppingstone to the Tasmanian Derby.

It is one of the most even Tasmanian Guineas in ages with any one of six of the field of 13 with good enough form to warrant starting favourite.

The Adam Trinder-trained Warrior Prince has started favourite in his three starts this time in, but after winning first-up on his home track in Devonport in a class one handicap (1009m) he has been a beaten favourite at his two most recent outings.

Warrior Prince was second to War Correspondent, beaten almost three lengths, in the 3YO Cup and last start he was third behind Vivilici and Freelancer in the 3YO Trophy over 1400m at the same venue three weeks ago.

Freelancer tried valiantly to lead all the way in the 3YO Trophy only to be run down in the closing stages by Vivilici that also looms as a top winning chance on Sunday.

Vivilici (David Pires) wins a maiden in Launceston last month.

Freelancer, prepared at Spreyton by Leanne Gaffney, has given the indication he will appreciate stepping up to 1600m for the first time.

“I couldn’t be happier with the horse’s work since his last start and Daniel (jockey Ganderton) was rapt with his fast work on Wednesday,” Gaffney said.

“He is still a very gangly-actioned horse that is still learning what it is all about, but he can gallop and if he doesn’t play up in or at the barriers, they will know he’s about.”

The Scott Brunton-trained First Accused has been the “buzz” horse since his effortless debut win in Hobart in early July, but his first-up third was disappointing when sent around the $2.10 favourite and last start he took forever to run down French Heiress and Brimondo in a BM66 in Launceston last Wednesday week.

First Accused has shown all the attributes of a potential star, but he will have to make a better fist of this assignment if he is to live up to expectations.

John Blacker will saddle up two of his promising three-year-olds in Swoop Dog and maiden filly Needs A Tycoon.

Swoop Dog broke his maiden status two starts back over 1200m in Launceston and at the same venue last start he was a game second to Supalopo over 1600m, while Needs A Tycoon has been placed second at two of her past three starts, the latest behind Mystical Beauty in a maiden over 1400m in Launceston last Wednesday week.

Alexandra Plate

The Alexandra Plate for two-year-olds opens the program with the Adam Trinder-trained Miss Charlie Brown likely to start a warm favourite on the strength of her debut win in Launceston last Wednesday week.

Miss Charlie Brown, a $62,000 purchase at the SA Magic Millions Yearling Sale in March, could not have been more impressive at her only outing, with the filly she defeated that night, GeeGee Lucky Jess, her main opposition on exposed form.

GeeGee Lucky Jess won on debut in Hobart in the first 2YO race of the season, so she warrants plenty of respect and the Siggy Carr-trainer Jetz was impressive in winning a trial over 900m in Hobart two weeks ago.

Gee Gee Otherwords improved at his second outing for a third to Miss Charlie Brown and GeeGee Lucky Jess in Launceston and warrants respect on that effort.

Watch the replay of Vivilici defeating Freelancer in the 3YO Trophy last start.