The Tasbred series for the 2014/15 racing season commence at Devonport on Monday night. The 4YO legs, the Maxfield Drilling Raider Stakes (entires and geldings) and The Adam Brooks Granny Smith (mares), each have two heats. The $30,000 finals will be conducted at Devonport on Sunday 26 April 2015.
Heat one (R6) for the males appears to be at the mercy of Resurgent Spirit (N7), who was gallant in defeat when third (beaten 1.2 metres) off 20 metres in the North Eastern Pacing Cup at Launceston last Sunday. His career record of 26 – 17 – 1 – 3 is far superior to his opposition. The other seven appear to be evenly matched and the main interest in the race may centre on the quinella.
The second heat for the males (R7) includes the defending champion Chopstix Boris (N2) who had two wins from four starts prior to a luckless eighth placing in the North Eastern Pacing Cup last Sunday. Ektoras (N5) had a similar hard luck story in the same race but did win at Launceston on 29 March. Vande Velde (N4) won the North Eastern Pacing Cup last Sunday and his sprinting ability should be an asset in the small field on Monday night.
Artarama (N3) is Tasbred (Fred and Pauline Barker) but the 4YO Art Major – Nellirama gelding has raced exclusively on the mainland where he was spelled after unplaced runs in a heat and semi final of the 3YO Vicbred Super Sires. An eight month break from the races appears to have worked wonders with three wins and a second from four mainland starts in recent weeks.
The mare’s heats will feature a short priced favourite in each. Last year, Miley Rose defeated Faithful Gabby in the $30,000 3YO final with 22 metres back to the third horse and these two appear certainties in their respective heats. Miley Rose (R8 N2) has two wins and two seconds from five starts this season while Faithful Gabby (R9 N4) is undefeated at both starts this preparation.
The Hardings Hotmix Pace (R2) for the maidens includes two first starters. Liz Grant (N4) is trained at Fingal by Scott Woods. The 4YO Grinfromeartoear – Flora Grant mare is well related being a half sister to Walton Grant (17 wins), Chrissy Grant (12 wins) and George Grant (12 wins). Liz Grant was fifth of six in a Carrick trial on 21 March but any of the four that beat her, These Days, Fioki, Isundula Artist and Kamili, would vie for favouritism in this race.
Midnite Runner (N7) is trained at Wesley Vale by Dick Aylett. The 3YO Major In Art – Jillsmidnitetango filly is out of an unraced mare and this is her first foal. Midnite Runner was third of eight in a Carrick trial on 28 March behind House Haunter (N2) and Days Like This.