Racing returns to the Tapeta surface at Devonport this Sunday for the Sheffield Cup meeting, the last major lead up to next month’s Devonport Cup. With rain forecast on Saturday the track should get the water it needs to race well and backmarkers may have more opportunity than at the Golden Mile meeting.
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Race 1 1:26pm Doc Sender Memorial Maiden Plate (1000m)
Millie Mateba and Liberty Dance should land in the first couple here and can run along at a good clip without much pressure. Shockwave Miss and Quiet Wonder look the ones to sit behind them. Those in the front half look to get comfortable runs making it hard for the backmarkers
Liberty Dance was very impressive on debut when doing a lot of work outside Gee Gee Sun Valley and only narrowly failing at the finish. Draws wide again but should be able to get outside the leader fairly comfortably and the 1000m shouldn’t be an issue if she can be a little more conservative through the run. Looks top pick.
Millie Mateba has run two handy 3rds behind a couple of handy horses recently and has the early speed which is often suited at this track. Gets in light with Thornton’s 4kg claim as she searches for her first winner. Drawn to lead and should be there for a long way.
Quiet Wonder ran home alright on debut when a well-beaten 3rd behind Gee Gee Sun Valley and finished a few lengths behind Liberty Dance. Gets a nose roll and winkers for the first time here which may spark improvement. Drawn wide but McCoull could well find the one-out one-back spot to be the best chance to run down the leaders.
Mary Three ran home alright for 4th in the Gee Gee Sun Valley maiden and will appreciate the step up to 1000m. Has placed here at this trip behind a runaway winner Underplay off similar 900m fresh run. Well drawn and can get a good run behind the main hopes and should be around the mark.
Shockwave Miss didn’t do a whole lot last campaign but did run a well-beaten 2nd behind Teriki at this track and trip. Trialled well and drawn 1 for Clark so should get a good run just behind the leaders. Has shown glimpses of ability over her career and can feature among the minors.
Verdict: Liberty Dance looks very hard to beat on her good debut effort. Millie Mateba has her first run at this track but has the speed to be there for a long way, while Quiet Wonder can improve with the slightly longer trip. They look the 3 main hopes.
Recommended Bet: 6 units Liberty Dance to win.
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Race 2 2:01pm Alan Hardstaff Memorial Benchmark 62 Handicap (1650m)
Kool Kash should take up the running as he usually does with Alilad and Before All the only ones likely to make him work for the lead. If they are happy to just take spots near the lead there doesn’t look to be much pressure in the run and the on-pacers will be advantaged.
Kool Kash was a tough win under these conditions last time when leading all the way. Goes up a couple of kilos for that win but does look to get a good run in front again. Very consistent type who looks clearly the one to beat again with just the rise to 60.5kgs the main question mark.
Windell was a good effort last time when first up at this trip, running home well for 3rd behind Kool Kash. Should be fitter for that effort and draws beautifully in gate 2 to get a cheap run back in the field. All three runs here at this trip have been good and with the benefit of that one run under his belt he shapes as the main danger in this.
Gwemrae was a clear second favourite last time behind Kool Kash but she weakened out of the race after covering a lot of extra ground from her outside gate. Drawn much better this time so sharp improvement should be expected with a better run through the race. Can also be improved with that look at the track under her belt and was a very impressive winner at her previous start. Definite danger and may be overlooked by the market.
Sir Joey ran home strongly again second up when 2nd to Kool Kash and looks to be in a much better place this prep after being off the boil last time in. Draw may be a little tricky to find a spot midfield and may drift back a bit further back than ideal trying to slot in. Should be cherry ripe third up and looks a genuine chance.
Tuesdaynitedelight comes back in grade from a run in the Golden Mile and has proven herself in this grade and above this prep. Raquel Clark gets back on and won on her at her only ride over this trip and she has shown herself capable of carrying big weights. Gate 1 will give her a very soft run with plenty of cover and if she can get clear running to make ground approaching the turn she has the form to be right in the finish.
Alilad appreciated the step up to the mile last time with a strong victory at his first try at the trip. Drawn out shouldn’t be an issue as he looks to roll up outside Kool Kash and he can get a decent run near the lead. Hasn’t placed on this track but has run some handy races and should get the run to have every chance in this tougher race.
Verdict: Kool Kash looks top pick again but will have competition from five dangers with genuine hopes. Maybe Gwemrae will get under the market’s guard after her last run and be value to save on.
Recommended Bet: 5 units to win Kool Kash, 1 unit to win Gwemrae.
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Race 3 2:36pm A J Skirving Memorial Class 2 Handicap (1150m)
Looks good speed here with Tara’s Gem, Madame George and Harvey Bay all capable of taking up the running, as is Black Hills who draws the inside and will be fitter 2nd up. Artie Edna has also shown speed on the mainland.
Madame George is a handy filly who will find this a bit easier than the good races she has been contesting this prep. Has blinkers first time and returns to her home track where she was unbeaten in two runs through winter. Should find a good spot near the lead with Siggy on and be very hard to beat.
Harvey Bay comes here unbeaten with the most recent win being a tough on speed effort at a fast clip. Goes up in grade again but this isn’t the strongest C2 going around. Might have to spend some petrol from his wide barrier but showed he could last time and rates highly again.
Tara’s Gem broke her maiden in impressive style last time over this track and distance running respectable time for that program. Draws well in 2 and stays down in the weights with Clark’s claim and has the early speed to get a good run. Big leap in grade from a maiden into a C2 but should have every chance and looks capable of figuring.
Col’s Hero was a smart 3yo who has lost his way since but finds a reasonably suitable race here. Drops back from a disappointing effort at 1350m last time but is better suited at this trip. Has to improve on what he has been producing but he will appreciate a good tempo and should horses be able to run on his best form is good enough to feature here.
Black Hills was found out last time fresh in a very fast run race behind Harvey Bay but should be fitter for the run. Races well at this track and will appreciate the smaller field and the inside draw. Has to improve on last time but has placed this trip in this class and is one of the better chances.
Next best Littlerayov, who is also jumping from a maiden win and ideally wants a little further but will be suited by a good tempo and can run on late if the track pattern allows.
Verdict: Trinder looks to have the key to the race with his stablemates Madame George and Harvey Bay top picks. Lean to the filly with the blinkers on. Tara’s Gem looks next best with Col’s Hero and Black Hills capable on older form.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win Madame George.
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Race 4 3:11pm Joe Mason Memorial Benchmark 62 Handicap (1150m)
Should be at least a genuine speed here, with Bella Venus driving through from an inside gate and Beluga Miss pushing forward from her outside draw. Viva La Verve can be there and possibly Spihro from the inside in his first run in the state. Unless something wide looks to push on however it may be steady through the middle stages and give the on-pacers their chance.
Beluga Miss was most impressive last time at this track and distance and now drops to easier grade. Has a big weight rise but does get in alright with Thornton’s 4kg claim. If she can work across into a good spot from her wide barrier there’s no reason she can’t win again.
Kentucky Bound comes back to the 1150m from a good win in this grade over 1350m. Stays around the same weight with Clark’s claim but draws awkwardly in gate 7. Has very good stats on his home track with 3 wins from 4 runs and while he can mix his form he should be finishing hard if he gets the right run.
Triple Bee is first up from a bit of a break and won under these conditions when first up last time here. Has won two races at this track and distance and should get a good run from barrier 5. Proven in this grade and higher and expect him to feature in the finish if he’s fit and ready to go so watch the market to get a gauge on where he’s at.
Lustica has been disappointing this prep with two plain efforts despite being well fancied in the betting. Campbell has pulled a couple of gear changes to try and spark her, taking the ear muffs off and applying a tongue tie for the first time. She was a very good 2 and 3yo competitive with the best of her age so she has the talent, and gets a good draw here for Darmanin. Needs to improve but the gear changes might do the trick and can win if so.
Viva La Verve ran a much improved race last time over 1350m when 2nd behind Kentucky Bound. Did have every chance in front there but has failed to run that trip previously and may be better suited back at this trip. Should get a good run from 4 and has won 2 from 4 at this track so she can figure on her best form.
Next best in an open race Bella Venus (smart mare but taking a little to get into this prep) and Spihro (has reasonable Victorian form over a bit longer but draws inside and in on the minimum, watch market).
Verdict: Combinations of jockeys and barriers make this a very even race with up to 8 winning chances. Beluga Miss appeals as the obvious after a big win last time and looks hardest to beat.
Recommended Bet: 2 units to win on Beluga Miss and Lustica.
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Race 5 3:50pm R J (Snow) & N C Aylett Memorial Class 1 Handicap (1350m)
Should be a good tempo here with speed runners Foreshore Dane, Tambro’s Game and Gee Gee Sun Valley drawn wide and looking to run to the lead with Farnor West capable of kicking up through the middle.
Savrajette was very good resuming in a good C1 behind I’m Wesley in a leader dominated affair. Step up to this trip looks suitable with her only win coming over 1400m. From gate 1 she may be able to race closer to the front and save enough ground on the inside to be finishing hard late and looks the top pick in a competitive race.
Foreshore Dane returns to his home track where she broke her maiden and she looks ready for this third up. Drawn to lead, she has winkers and a tongue tie on for the first time in a bid to find the couple of lengths she’s been lacking at her two runs this prep. Gets her chance here and should be there for a long way.
Gee Gee Sun Valley is sharply up in trip after breaking her maiden at this track last time over 1000m. Had three runs prior to that with two over 1200m so should be fit enough for this trip although it remains a query being her first try at it. Has the early speed to go forward from her wide barrier and should be able to slot in somewhere on the speed. Has to improve up to this grade but still lightly raced and on the up and can win.
Princess Atilla has been freshened up since a good 4th at Launceston in this grade behind One Shot Off. Draws ideally for this trip in gate 2 and gets in under the minimum with Clark’s claim. Has run some reasonable races at this track despite never placing in 6 goes and can show up here off a cheap run if the leaders have to do too much work.
Next best with minor chances Farnor West (won maiden at this track and trip and can improve on first up effort in leader dominated race) and Tambro’s Game (in light and also won maiden this track/distance).
Verdict: Savrajette is a handy mare and looks well placed here with the little query on her getting too far back than ideal at this track. Foreshore Dane and Gee Gee Sun Valley look the best of the on pacers.
Recommended Bet: 10 units to win Savrajette.
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Race 6 4:26pm Wagyu Pie Company & Bakehouse Sheffield Cup (1650m)
Big field so expect a good tempo but no clear leader if emergency Miss It And A Bit doesn’t get a run. Expect Dream Roller probably takes it up again after winning when doing so last time and draws perfectly to do so. Fund Trader, Mister Moneypenny, Oerter and At The Weekend can all go forward to box seat but none are obvious front runners.
Dream Roller did it tough from the front last time when winning the Golden Mile and there is no reason he can’t do it again staying on the minimum weight and finding a race with less obvious pressure. If anything should be better placed after jumping from 1200m to this trip last time and draws better to do less work to find his spot in or near the lead. May have been long odds last time but ticks a lot of boxes and looks hard to beat.
At The Weekend loomed up to win last time when 2nd up but just died on her run late when 4th behind Dream Roller. Fitter for that and looks well placed now on her home track. Drawn wide for Darmanin looks tricky but he may be able to find a spot close to the speed if she begins well. Has bandages first time which is a concern but she’s a smart mare and only needs to improve a little on her last run to be winning here.
Eternal Speed was very good in his first try in this company last time when 3rd in the Golden Mile. Finds similar conditions in this and draws inside again to enjoy a good run just in behind the speed. That was his first run at this trip so expect he can improve again and he looks a leading chance with luck in running.
Tycoon Navigator tackles open grade for the first time at a track she has won 2 of her 3 runs, including one over this distance. Has been in excellent form this prep and while she isn’t suited under this weight scale, Dream Roller showed last time this grade is vulnerable to a horse on the up. Always runs home hard and as long as the track isn’t strongly favouring on-pacers she can do so again.
Fund Trader is racing very consistently and has form around a number of good hopes in this race. Very strong last time when beating Lingo and he’s had a nice break leading into this. While gate 1 appears a major positive in a race like this it might be a negative for him, having failed here over this trip when racing behind the leader and his best form has been with a lot of room in his races. If he can handle the inside draw he’s a very good winning hope but the query is there.
Next best in a wide open race Follow My Dust (promising horse on the up, looking for this trip and similar formlines to Tycoon Navigator), Mister Moneypenny (8yo with respectable Victorian and synthetic track form), Lingo (2nd in Golden Mile from inside gate but draws 13 here), Up Cups (races well here and wasn’t far away last time) and Geegees Baritone (no hope last time from back in field, races well at this track but wide gate makes it tough).
Verdict: Wide open race with most horses having some winning chance. Dream Roller can win again with a similar run to last time while At The Weekend is fitter and can go close.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win Dream Roller, 2 units to win At The Weekend.
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Race 7 5:05pm Tas Horse Transport Benchmark 72 Handicap (1350m)
Not a lot of speed on paper here with Smoke ‘N’ Whisky and Just Call Me Fred most likely to take it up. With no obvious pressure they can enjoy good runs and be hard to run down.
Just Call Me Fred continues to race well in this grade and looks perfectly placed here. Should get an ideal run from gate 1 and gets in well with Clark’s claim. Yet to race here but trained on the track so should be fine and he is clearly top pick.
Smoke ‘N’ Whisky comes here 3rd up and should be just about ready to show his best after two respectable runs. Failed only try this track but that was in a pretty good race when drawn wide so inconclusive. Key to his chances is the good run he should get on speed and that gives him every chance to be the major danger to the favourite.
Sahara Girl hasn’t done a whole lot in her two runs in from a spell over shorter trips in good races but raced very well at this track and trip through the winter, breaking the track record on one occasion. Should improve sharply getting back to this surface but outside gate does make her job tricky to slot in with a muddling tempo likely. Good hope if gets right run but query on that.
Wanaea ran reasonably last time in easier grade over this trip but will find this a little harder. Improving with the runs at this trip under her belt and does have early speed if they want to use it which would be a bonus in this. Hasn’t won for 15 months but should be around the mark again.
Incumsdacash races well at this track and trip but this is his first try in this grade. Wasn’t bad last time on a track advantaging on-pacers but finds a race likely to suit the on-pacers again. Blowout hope if they go too hard but probably looking at place chances only.
Vdict: Hard to go past Just Call Me Fred with the likely tempo and great barrier draw. Smoke ‘N’ Whisky looks hardest to beat while Sahara Girl has the form at this track and distance to feature if she can improve off her first runs this prep.
Recommended Bet: 10 units to win Just Call Me Fred
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