The Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Stakes is run in Launceston this year due to the Hobart track redevelopment. Six of the eight runners come through the Conquering Stakes which was also run under weight for age conditions.
The Master Speed made life difficult on-speed for Hellova Street in the Conquering, but he isn’t here so the lead looks there for the taking aboard Hellova Street. Stablemate Count Da Vinci may push forward and Speed Force has shown tactical early speed on occasion.
- Hellova Street (8) – Assessed Price $3.00
As mentioned above he was given no peace by The Master Speed in the Conquering and was typically brave to box on and be beaten by just over half a length. He loves the Launceston mile and is the winner of the last three Mowbray Stakes, generally held on Launceston Cup day. Jason Maskiell has a great relationship with the 9YO and the wide barrier looks a positive which will enable him to work across under his own steam.
- Exoteric (1) – Assessed Price $70.00
This looks another fitness run on the way to the major Cups as it was for him in the Conquering a few weeks ago, though I’m sure connections will be hoping to see him stronger through the line as the distances increase.
- Count Da Vinci (7) – Assessed Price $35.00
He won this race last year when it was held in Hobart. The 9YO was perhaps a touch disappointing in the Conquering, but he was first-up and the stable are hoping to get him to the major Cups which are still over a month away. He is proven at this level, and significant improvement wouldn’t totally surprise.
- Mandela Effect (2) – Assessed Price $2.40
When the 5YO gelding flashed home to be beaten a nostril in the Conquering, I’m sure many were thinking this race would be his for the taking and here we are. His first attempt at WFA in the state proved he is clearly up to the level and his last mile run was a tough win on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. From gate two you would think Craig Newitt will want to keep Hellova Street within striking distance to ensure his powerful finish will enable him to get over the top.
- Speed Force (4) – Assessed Price $10.00
Bill Ryan’s 7YO marvel just lacked the turn of foot of the placegetters in the Conquering but ground to the line and was beaten under two lengths. Brendon McCoull has shown tactical nous in these small fields before to be positive out of the gates, so he may look to use the middle draw to keep more behind him than in front upon settling. Placed in five of seven at the track and distance and can certainly add to that tally here.
- Zatacla (3) – Assessed Price $12.00
He ran up to his best in the Conquering to be beaten only 1.4 lengths in what is obviously the key form reference for this race. The 6YO has generally been just off the front-liners at this level, but the same could have been said for his stablemate Blaze Forth who now has a Conquering Stakes to his credit.
- Paion (5) – Assessed Price $80.00
With a rating of 66 Paion is racing well out his grade, particularly under these conditions where he will carry the same weight as Hellova Street who has won over a million in prizemoney. He is racing in good form and I’m sure this will give connections an indicator of where he fits in at the top level in the state.
- Manilenya (6) – Assessed Price $100.00
The 6YO returned over 1400m, finishing down the track in a benchmark 74 behind Balearic. The Bow Mistress and Vamos Stakes against her own sex are more achievable targets later in Summer and this looks a stepping stone along the way.
Matt Reid’s Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Stakes market below:
| Hellova Street | 3 | 33% |
| Exoteric | 70 | 1% |
| Count Da Vinci | 35 | 3% |
| Mandela Effect | 2.4 | 42% |
| Speed Force | 10 | 10% |
| Zatacla | 12 | 8% |
| Paion | 80 | 1% |
| Manilenya | 100 | 1% |
| 100% |