The first major Cup for 2016 comes up on Wednesday with the Simons Design Centre Devonport Cup the feature of a blockbuster 9 race card on the Tapeta at Devonport. Big competitive fields are the order of the day on one of the top race days of the year and punters look like getting good returns if they can find a few winners.
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Race 1 12:58pm Kelly’s Waste Management Maiden Plate (1150m)
Looks an uninspiring tempo to kick the day off with Gee Gees Tismore likely to take up the running and expect Colonial Coaster to use her speed to go forward from the wide barrier. Mary Three, Quiet Wonder, Miss Midge can be thereabouts while Gee Gee Black Buty may settle closer with the blinkers on.
Quiet Wonder ran well on debut when 3rd behind Gee Gee Sun Valley before being a late scratching when she was due to race on the 27th. Was well in the market on that occasion and much shorter than eventual 2nd placegetter Gee Gee Black Buty. Has a nose roll and winkers applied here and gains the services of Craig Newitt. Extra distance will help and he looks the top pick.
Gee Gee Black Buty was much improved last time when he ran home for 2nd behind Liberty Dance in what was his first placing in his four career starts. He draws nicely here, gets in well with Victor Wong’s claim and has blinkers go on for the first time. He should appreciate the step up to 1150m here and appeals as a leading chance.
Colonial Coaster has shown some speed through her career thus far and has placed at this track so that should hold her in good stead here. Is yet to really show she can finish a race off yet but will find this just about the easiest race she has ever contested. She can improve here and is a genuine winning hope.
Aussie Alice has run some very nice runs over longer trips but has been freshened up for 1150m here. Has placed around this trip on heavy ground at Launceston which was suitable, but didn’t do a lot at both runs here over longer distances. Drawn wide and getting back might not be ideal in this but she has shown more than most of these and should be running into the finish.
Mary Three was alright when resuming and was only a couple of lengths behind Quiet Wonder. Has placed twice at this track and has run well at 1350m so the step up in trip is fine. Draws well and gets a nice claim for Sherry Barr so no surprise to see her working home into the money again.
Next best is Miss Midge (didn’t do much on debut in good maiden, trialled alright, has a number of gear changes and Darmanin booked, watch market) and Credaro (slowly improving, nice booking of D. Holland).
Verdict: Pretty average race. Happy to go with the market opinion last time and have Quiet Wonder on top over Gee Gee Black Buty, with healthy respect for Colonial Coaster and Aussie Alice coming from better quality maidens.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Quiet Wonder with 1 unit each way Colonial Coaster.
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Race 2 1:33pm Tasracing.com.au Benchmark 72 Handicap (1650m)
Small field but reasonably competitive on speed with Smoke ‘N’ Whisky and Krake capable of looking for the lead while Treasury Bond and Tshahitsi will look to race on speed. Could develop into a tactical affair.
Tshahitsi was very strong in a fast run 1400m last time and looks primed for this trip now. Never raced beyond 1400m but half-brother won over 3000m and reckon it will suit him ideally. First try at Devonport is a query as always but has enough speed for McCoull to find a position wherever he likes and he is a horse going places. Top pick.
Treasury Bond is also a very promising 4yo who comes back to this grade after finding the Golden Mile a little too hot. Will be better for that run over this trip and did win his other two starts at this track. No reason he can’t get a gun run from gate 2 and he looks the main danger.
Geegees Baritone comes here after a pretty decent run in the Sheffield Cup where he was beaten less than 4L despite racing wide throughout. His form at this track has always been very consistent and one of his best wins came over 1600m so this looks pretty suitable. Is rock hard fit and proven in this grade so he has a genuine winning chance.
Smoke ‘N’ Whisky usually takes a couple of runs to get going in a prep but showed last time he was just about ready with a close up 3rd on this track behind Just Call Me Fred. Ready for the mile now and Newitt takes the reins. Proven in this grade and has won 5 races at this trip so he can be expected to run very well, but he might just find a couple of these ones on the up a touch too good.
Be very surprised if one of the four don’t win, with the next best Krake (going poorly but has won this track and can race on-speed).
Verdict: Good little race with 4 genuine winning hopes but sticking with Tshahitsi who is a horse on the rise. Don’t want to take a silly price however as there are 3 good horses with form on Tapeta who will make him earn it.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Tshahitsi.
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Race 3 2:08pm Atkinson Electrical Benchmark 62 Handicap (1880m)
Just an average tempo on paper with newcomer to the state Don Reggio looking most likely to take up the running. Shlingas, Geegees Gran Lodge, Peace Keeper and maybe Known About Town can roll forward on the speed but there doesn’t look to be too much pressure there. Dropaclanger has also shown himself capable of racing closer over 2100m but that was in slower run races and back in trip slightly he may resume his previous pattern of being midfield or worse.
Geegees Gran Lodge is a very promising 3yo who takes a step back in grade here after finding the best 3yos in the state a bit too sharp. Jumps from 1400m to the 1880m but has had two runs, only had 2 months between runs after winning over a mile and is bred to stay being out of the grand mare La Quita. Drawn ideally for Carr to get the gun run from 4 and his only run at this track was much better than it reads on paper. Great chance to rejoin the winners list.
Windell races very well on his home track, having won 3 of his 8 starts here, and was strong when winning in this grade over a shorter trip last time out. Won his only start at this trip last prep so it should be ideal and this is only a little tougher than last time. Has plenty of weight but only gives a couple of kilos to his main dangers and has an in-form Brendon McCoull on top. Hasn’t done anything wrong and should be right in the finish again.
Musique Player is getting on and hasn’t won since June 2014 but worth noting his last four runs at this track have all been good and he has 2 wins and 2 placings from 5 goes at this track and distance. Wasn’t far behind Windell two starts ago and last run at 2100m was reasonable in a tougher race. Will get back but he can be right in the mix in this.
Peace Keeper handled the sharp rise to 1600m last time at Launceston with a convincing win in Mdn/C1 grade. Will find this harder and has to go further in distance again but draws nicely and can put himself into the right spot. Trained at the track and has won here over 1000m so if he can run the trip out you would think he has the speed to be more than competitive. Definite hope.
Gwemrae ran home alright for 3rd last time behind Windell after looming as a big danger in the straight. Ready for this trip now after 4 runs over a mile and wasn’t disgraced over 2100m in the top 3yo fillies events last season. Wide draw could make finding a spot difficult and she may have to race further back than ideal but her formlines tie in and she has claims with the right run.
Next best in an even race the newcome Don Reggio (market watch, Victorian form plain but placed Kilmore 3 starts back), Gee Gee Black Fury (last run was alright, Newitt on), Known About Town (has ability but needs to improve, first go this track) and Dropaclanger (going ok in weak 2100m grade but will find this tougher).
Verdict: Open race but look four main chances. Like the 3yo Geegees Gran Lodge in this grade from the good draw, but respect the Gaffney duo of Windell and Peace Keeper. Musique Player gets his best chance in a long time to break through also.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win on Geegees Gran Lodge and 1 unit each way Musique Player.
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Race 4 2:43pm Tasmanian Horse Transport Maiden Plate (1350m)
No obvious leader on paper here so hard to see much pressure on up front. Frost, Bidirectional, Strategic Moves and Inheritance will all look to race on the pace, while Virac has shown speed over longer trips. On-pacers look suited.
Bidirectional was very good at his second run behind Kissed By Fire albeit after enjoying a perfect run through on the inside from the inside gate. Draws nicely for Carr for his first try on Tapeta but he is trained on the track so you would expect he would handle it. Staying at 1350m is a little query but this looks easier than last time and he appears well placed.
Strategic Moves was much improved when resuming with a close up 4th behind Faith In Georgina. Didn’t have the greatest of runs through the race and was weaving looking for runs in the straight but stuck to his task well. Should appreciate the step up to 1350m and the strength of the senior rider McCoull looks a positive change. Draw is a little tricky but may have enough early speed to take up a spot and be hard to beat.
Frost started favourite last time behind Faith In Georgina but was quite disappointing for no apparent reason. Previous runs were reasonable and does have a 4th on this track to his credit. 1350m should suit with the inside draw and Newitt aboard and he can take up a spot hard on the speed. Needs to improve but has a good chance on his best form.
Bella Abati made some ground last time in the Faith In Georgina maiden and will appreciate the step up to 1350m. Placed at her only run at this track in a pretty good maiden behind Ariconte which is good form for this. Not suited by a lack of tempo up front but can win.
Not much form to recommend outside of the four top hopes with next best Virac (ok run 3 back over 1600m, racing forward would advantage) and Matsan (lightly raced, trialled ok, may be an improver).
Verdict: Looks a good race for Bidirectional but have respect for Strategic Moves. Frost has the barrier and jockey to have every chance and can improve back to his home track.
Recommended Bet: 6 units to win on Bidirectional.
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Race 5 3:18pm Sea FM / 7AD Maiden Plate (1350m)
Just a standard tempo looks likely here with Somatra most likely to take up the running pushing forward from the wide barrier. Etown and Geegee Hot Novel (emergency) can push forward from their inside draws while Olly’s A Star has shown an ability to go forward at this distance range. The on-pacers will get their chance here and the backmarkers might need something unexpected to put some pressure on to run them down.
Derek The Viking was very disappointing last time out when favourite behind Antah in what may have been a flat run 2nd up. Returns to his home track where he raced well through the winter and will appreciate the rise to 1350m, a trip he was placed over here at his only try. Drawn for a decent run and shouldn’t be too far away which could be important in a race lacking obvious speed. Needs to improve on last time but hard to beat on his previous form.
So Much Fun was outclassed last time in a good C1 but wasn’t disgraced. Races well at this track and over this trip with numerous placings and should get a nice run down on the inside from gate 1. Well placed on her first up run when not far behind Derek The Viking and should run well here.
Olly’s A Star has been up for a while now but his better form this prep would have him as a major player here. Has had to contend with wide barriers at his past couple of starts but should get a better run here and Darmanin regains the ride. Has a number of 1400m placings under his belt this prep and if he runs up to any of them he will be right in the finish.
Hirvonen continues to race well but does need the speed on and may not get that here. Ran home nicely last time when he got a mile out of his ground behind Kissed By Fire but that has become a common theme to his racing. Will have to go back from his outside barrier and be at the mercy of the tempo up front so while you know he will be running on hard at the end, those on pace might get it too easy here for him to run them down.
Etown continues to finish close up in his races and wasn’t bad last time when 2nd in what was a pretty weak maiden. Has placed three times at this track and should get a beautiful run on speed from gate 2. He failed at his last try at 1400m but that was on heavy ground and it might be the trip he is looking for now. Should get every chance here and should be close up as always.
Next best in an even race Special Shot (not bad in C1 grade last time, gets blinkers first time, definite improver but drawn wide and probably has to go back) and Somatra (not bad only Tassie run, has early speed, drop back in trip doesn’t suit but winkers first time and Newitt jumps on).
Verdict: Very open race. Derek The Viking can win if you can overlook his latest run but with no apparent excuse it’s hard to totally forgive. Olly’s A Star looks suited and should be reasonable odds.
Recommended Bet: 2 units each way on Olly’s A Star and 1 unit to win on Special Shot.
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Race 6 3:55pm Graeme Dean Memorial Class 1 Handicap (1150m)
Tricky map here but a number of on-pacers should ensure a genuine tempo. Trot On Candy may look to cross the field from the outside gate, with any number of horses looking to box seat on the speed. Might be tricky for those drawn wide in what could be a pretty compact field.
Rougeau has run 3 good 2nd placings since arriving in the state from WA including a nose 2nd at this track and distance last time behind Harvey Bay so appeals as an obvious winning hope here. Has ability to race on speed or get back if the tempo goes on so that will be valuable for Ulucinar as he looks to negate barrier 9. Little query on him being caught wide from that draw but looks hard to beat with any luck in running.
Step The Pedal was very good at her Tasmanian debut when a close up 3rd behind smart 3yo I’m Wesley. Comes to Devonport for the first time but has raced reasonably on the synthetic in Victoria. Draws ideally in 2 and gets in nicely with Maskiell’s claim so she gets her chance here.
Jazzy’s Choice was very impressive when beating Gee Gee Sun Valley to break her maiden in Launceston before just peaking on her run last time behind I’m Wesley. Showed good speed to lead in her only start at this track but knocked up in the run home and spelled thereafter. Racing better ridden a bit quieter early but Newitt can take advantage of gate 1 here and get a gun run behind the leaders. Expect improvement on last time and has a good winning hope.
Blaze Forth resumes after a successful winter Tapeta campaign with a win and 2 placings from his 3 runs. Won his last start over this trip here and arguably should have won his previous start also. Trialled in quick time at Longford and gets in under the minimum with Stephanie Thornton’s 4kg claim. Thornton has a tricky draw to contend with but he looks a 3yo of promise and can be in the finish with the right run here.
Next best looks Geegees Double Jo (not bad at the last couple of races she has finished and well-drawn but needs to find a couple of lengths to win this and having first try on Tapeta) and Trot On Candy (impressive maiden winner then excuses last time, has plenty of speed, first go here).
Verdict: Good quality C1 with a number of chances. Rougeau should run well again but query from the gate. Step The Pedal ticks many boxes and appeals, while Jazzy’s Choice can improve.
Recommended Bet: 5 units each way on Step The Pedal.
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Race 7 4:34pm Simons Design Centre Devonport Cup (1880m)
Not many standout leaders in this year’s Cup but plenty of on pacers looking for a position which should result in at least a genuine tempo. Red Eagle can roll forward to lead with the likes of Mister Moneypenny, Jakcorijim, Eximius and Dream Roller most likely to be jostling for positions on his hammer. Geegees Goldengirl can box seat just behind them, and Aventador is likely to push forward from a bit wider out. A few drawn wide such as Rose Of Innocence and Hugo will have decision to make early and can also go forward if desired.
Geegees Goldengirl is a classy mare who comes here with WFA form under her belt. Very good when 2nd to Admiral 2 starts back then a solid 3rd last start over the mile. Beautifully weighted and drawn ideally to get a gun run for in-form rider Siggy Carr. The main query with her is this is her first go at this track. If she can handle it she looks very well placed and appeals as a clear top pick.
Dream Roller comes into this in super form, having won both lead up races at this track over 1650m and he’ll be even better suited up to the 1880m. Has won both his runs here at this trip in much weaker company and stays down near the minimum weight again. Proved last time he is versatile and can race anywhere depending on the tempo so expect him to get a ideal run again to try and emulate the feats of his brothers Dream Pedlar and Dream Flyer to win the Cup. Looks an obvious winning hope and an excellent each-way proposition.
Eximius was very firm in betting at his Tasmanian debut and ran a very solid 2nd behind Admiral at WFA which is obviously very good form for this. Draws beautifully in barrier 1 and should be able to get a great run on speed. Does have a bit against however – first try on synthetic, first go at this distance and the big top weight of 61kgs in a race where most are on or near the 54kg minimum. Should be there for a long way but is there too much to overcome?
Mister Moneypenny started favourite in the Sheffield Cup when a close up 5th. Had every chance hugging the fence the whole way around and was off the bit a long way from home but did stick to his task and keep coming. The step up to 1880m is a big tick, he draws well again, he can race forward and the synthetic is no issue. If you respect the market confidence from last time he can run well here over a more suitable trip and could be over the odds.
Plenty of minor winning and place hopes here in what looks a most open Cup field but the rest all have queries. Next best the emergencies Hugo (capable this track, very good last two, may go forward from wide gate?) and Valdez (good in WFA company last time, barrier hurts), Eternal Speed (close in lead ups but draws much worse here), Streetwise Savoire (strong form lines but failed at this track in this company last year), Tycoon Navigator (races well here but will need a mighty effort from near last) and Jakcorijim (good last time and gets good run but has repeatedly failed at this trip).
Verdict: Open race but think there are two standout hopes here – the classy mare Geegees Goldengirl and the in-form Dream Roller. Happy to be with them. Multitude of hopes if they don’t win and likely to have to go very wide to find the exotics.
Recommended Bet: 7 units to win on Geegees Goldengirl and 3 units to win on Dream Roller.
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Race 8 5:14pm Max Baker Open Quality Handicap (1150m)
Plenty of speed here as you would expect in a big field quality sprint. Geegees Doublejay will have no option but to go fast from his outside draw with Baldez looking to come across with him, while Gee Gees Style, Snippetee Bee and Beluga Miss are all capable of kicking up from inside draws to make them work to get across. Beck And Call is also capable of going quick early. Every runner should get their chance off this tempo.
Geegees Doublejay comes here in scintillating form with two easy wins with at least 60kgs at his past two starts. The big weight shouldn’t be too much of an issue for that reason and he has raced well on this surface previously. Wide gate can be alright for these speed horses at the 1150m here as they have a nice long run to the turn to come across and if Siggy wants the lead he’s got more than enough speed to find it. Feels like the market may risk him a little with the wide gate and 61kgs but he looks the winner again.
Tennessee Drive returns to the Tapeta where he has won 7 from 9 including a devastating win over Geegees Doublejay a long time ago when they were coming through their grades. Last couple of runs have been ok when not really suited and like him much better here from the inside draw where he can gain the cover he relishes. Craig Newitt is obviously a great booking and if he can get clear he has the sprint to find any chinks in the favourite’s armour.
Erin’s Element has gone to a new level this prep and she finds a suitable race here – a big field to give her cover with plenty of speed to chase. Only have to look at her Newmarket run to see how she can finish off in such circumstances and while this track doesn’t generally suit that racing pattern she won fresh here at 1000m when running down a good tempo. Meets Geegees Doublejay 6kgs better for their Newmarket run and with luck she can run right up to the form she showed that night.
Think they are the 3 major winning hopes but there are plenty with minor and place chances. Quest Master is very good fresh and has reasonable open form without quite being up to the top grade. Snippetee Bee wasn’t bad in the Newmarket and while this is her first try on this track she may be suited by it being a fast on-speed runner. Gee Gees Style will appreciate the big weight drop and draws for a nice run. Meconsul showed himself a very good 3yo last time in and won his only start at this track. Vandemeer has Newmarket and Tennessee Drive form but has a wide gate to contend with. Beluga Miss was very good 2 starts ago at this track and draws for a nice run near the lead, while Lazy Democracy has form around many of these last year before heading to Queensland, has won on Tapeta and draws for a great smother from gate 3.
Verdict: In a very competitive race think there are three class hopes to work around, with Geegees Doublejay being a complete standout again. Don’t think the weight will be enough to stop him and not sure there’s enough real speedsters to bring him unstuck. If they take him on he’s vulnerable, but like him to win again. Tennessee Drive and Erin’s Element look the ones with the talent to beat him, but any number of horses could fill the minor placings without surprising.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win on Geegees Doublejay, with 1 unit to win on Tennessee Drive and Erin’s Element.
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Race 9 5:54pm Dean Walker Designs Benchmark 62 Handicap (1350m)
Should be a good tempo here with Viva La Verve, Foreshore Dane and Gee Gee Sun Valley all out looking for the lead. Wanaea, Calavera and Spihro (emergency) are all capable of going forward if desired behind them. With a bit of pressure up front every runner should get their chance here.
Calavera has been within 2.5L of the winner at all 6 starts this prep without being able to win. Got lost early last time when back to last but ran home in excellent sectionals when a fast-finishing 5th behind Silver Bolt in a much tougher race than he strikes here. Looks ready to step back up in trip and is in nicely with Maskiell’s claim. Barrier is tricky but all form is in better races and he will be hard to beat.
Wanaea has appreciated the 1350m at her past couple of starts here and is nearing a win. Was able to dictate from the front last time but was just grabbed late in a harder race. Has the rise in weight to account for the drop in grade but placed with this weight two starts back and is drawn to get a good run on speed again. Should be right in the mix again.
Foreshore Dane steps up from a strong C1 win over this track and distance last time. Has the early speed to overcome her wide draw and should be able to land in the first couple here. Gets in nicely with Thornton’s claim in a race with many horses right up in the weights and all form on this track is good. Up in grade again but on the up and a genuine winning hope.
Viva La Verve looks better suited back to this trip where she ran 2nd two starts ago after a plain 5th when racing on-speed at 1150m last time. Has a good draw and a relatively light weight to give a good sight near the lead and while it is over a year since she has won a race she has always shown some promise. Needs to find a bit more but gets the right run to have her chance.
Gee Gee Sun Valley ran well when 2nd behind Foreshore Dane at this trip and should be better for that run being her first try at the distance. Racing out of her grade here but gets plenty of weight relief and is proven at this track. Wide draw means she will need to work early but if she can get across without doing too much work she can run a cheeky race.
Next best in a wide race Kentucky Bound (good win here two back with big weight but 61.5kgs is another level) while Super Broadband won at this meeting last year under identical conditions (same trip, first up off 2 quiet trials) and is up to this on his best form.
Verdict: Open race but leaning to Calavera with the drop in grade to finally break through this prep. Hard to write any of them totally off however and is the type of race which could throw up a result with those longer in the market proven in this grade on their day.
Recommended Bet: 3 units each way Calavera.
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