Tasracing

The three feature races on the eight-race card in Hobart on Sunday boasts some of the best gallopers in the state, with the line-up in the Tasmanian Bloodstock Summer Cup a mirror image of next month’s Ladbrokes Hobart Cup, minus the interstate contenders.

Last year’s Hobart Cup winner Toorak Affair has been impressive in winning her past two outings in weight-for-age events and on Sunday she will be hoping to expand her winning run and win the race she won so convincingly last year.

Mandela Effect is finally being tested beyond 2000 metres and his trainer Scott Brunton says the time has come to “test the water”.

Glass Warrior (Kyle Maskiell) wins the Longford Cup over 1800m at Longford on New Year’s Day.

“I’ve said all along that Mandela Effect will stay, so we’ll know more about him after this race on Sunday,” Brunton said.

Also engaged in the race are John Blacker’s two major cups contenders Glass Warrior and Super Swoop.

Glass Warrior comes off a Longford Cup win and Super Swoop gained ballot-free entry into the Hobart Cup by winning the Brighton Cup in Launceston last start.

Add to the mix former Chris Waller-trained stayer Captain Cook, that now resides in the Charlie Goggin and Luella Meaburn stable and champion Tasmanian stayer Eastender that resumed from a long spell in the Tasmanian Stakes, it promises to be a fascinating race.

Tasmanian Bloodstock Elwick Stakes

The $100,000 Tasmanian Bloodstock Elwick Stakes for two-year-olds looks a match between the Glenn Stevenson-trained Turk Warrior and Miss Charlie Brown from the Adam Trinder stable.

Miss Charlie Brown (Bulent Muhcu) wins the Alfa Bowl in Launceston.

Turk Warrior has had one start for an impressive debut win in a 2YO handicap over 1000 metres in Hobart in late November.

On Sunday he lines up in a way tougher assignment and Stevenson is hoping the gelded son of Outreach can emerge from the race with his unbeaten record intact.

“When you get a really good horse you can’t help but be on edge when they are about to race in a big race and that’s what it’s like with Turk Warrior,” Stevenson said.

“We don’t know how good he is because he’s only won one race but if I’m right he could be very, very special.

“I fully expect him to get over much more ground further down the track but for now he is doing all the right things to be very competitive over the shorter trips.”

“I couldn’t be happier with my horse’s condition going into Sunday’s race and I wouldn’t be swapping him for any other runner.

“My horse has been to Hobart and handled the trip beautifully, so that is a big plus, especially for a youngster.”

The Adam Trinder-trained Miss Charlie Brown is the logical danger as she is unbeaten from two starts that comprise wins in the Alfa Bowl and Alexandra Plate, both held in Launceston.

Miss Charlie Brown’s disadvantage is that she is yet to race on the Hobart track, but given the way she has dispensed with her rivals at her only two starts, the Myboycharlie filly only needs to replicate her last start form to win.

Steve’s Liquor Thousand Guineas

Hela goes into the Steve’s Liquor Thousand Guineas over 1600m unbeaten from three starts, which is good enough form to warrant her starting favourite.

Brunton says the filly is in good order and Sunday’s race has always been one of her main targets.

“Hela was very good last start carrying 58.5kg against older and more experienced horses and she drops back to set weights on Sunday (56kg) and meets the others in the race better at the weights,” Brunton said.

“I believe she will get out to 2000m or more so stepping up to the 1600m won’t be an issue.”

Vivilici won the 3YO Trophy over 1400m and followed up with an eye-catching fifth in the Tasmanian Guineas against the boys, so she looms as a genuine winning chance.

Mystical Beauty has won her past two and the latest in Devonport on cup day was outstanding and she looms as a great each-way prospect.

Watch Toorak Affair win the Tasmanian Stakes in Launceston last start.