It’s time for those considering chasing Tasracing’s Eureka slot to stand up.
With the Raider Stakes, Granny Smith, and a $20,000 3YO lead-up race all scheduled for Hobart in July, which will then culminate in the $80,000 Qualification race in early August.
The Qualification race is restricted to Tasbred three and four-year-old’s or Australian bred horses of the same age, that are 100% owned by a Tasmanian resident (or residents) for no less than 12 months, and 100% trained by a licensed Tasmanian trainer for no less than six months before the race.
That winner will fly the Tasracing flag in the $2.1 million Eureka at Menangle on 2 September.
Several eligible horses for the Tasracing slot were out in force last weekend, while some were spotted in last weekend’s trials at Carrick Park and Hobart in what should be a fantastic few months of racing ahead.
The Stars
Reely Nauti – claimed the $30,000 Trainers Encouragement Final with a dominant 4m win. Trainer Paul Hill has sent the filly to the spelling paddock before chasing some features later in the season.
Iylac Pakaria – returned for the first time as a three-year-old with a dominant 14.5m win against the older horses in a slick 1m 57.3s for trainer Bianca Heenan and reinsman Mitch Ford.
Baby You A Song – also made a big impression with her race track return in Launceston when she dashed home in a 56.8s last half mile to score by 25.4m with her trainer, Rohan Hillier, in the sulky.
Ben Yole – trained five winners in Tasmania last weekend and recorded his 1,700th career winner at Shepparton on Tuesday.
Feats of the meet
Launceston, 19 May
Ben Yole – two training wins,
Jacob Duggan – two driving wins,
Gareth Rattray – two driving wins,
Rohan Hillier – two driving wins.
Hobart, 21 May
Ben Yole – three training wins,
Bianca Heenan – two training wins,
Gareth Rattray – two driving wins,
Mitch Ford – two driving wins.
Calculated Sectional Standouts
Launceston, 19 May
Baby You A Song 56.80s, Kivik 57.21s, Cinocal Jamane 57.48s, Soulwritter 57.77s and Ozzie Major 57.80s.
Hobart, 21 May
Magician 56.69s, Khaki Nui 56.79s and Cullenburn 57.14. Outside of race one: We Salute You 57.52s and Spooky Girl 57.61s.
Tasracing Official Price
Launceston, 19 May
Hits: Didyalousarooster $2.05 into $1.65, Baby You A Song $2.30 into $1.40, Kivik $3.40 into $2.90 and Mr Kiwi $8.50 into $6.50.
Defied The Drift: Soulwriter $3.50 to $6.00.
Missed: Kenya $6.00 into $4.80, Starofremembrance $4.60 into $3.20, Isolation $101 into $31 and Major Generaljujon $4.20 into $3.60.
Hobart, 21 May
Hits: Isolation $151 into $61, More Than This $4.40 into $3.60, Reely Nauti $2.25 int $1.75, Hez Razor Shap $15 into $8.50 and Proficient $8.50 into $6.50.
Defied The Drift: Alaphillippe $26 out to $41 and Iylac Beach 41.85 out to $2.45.
Missed: Khaki Nui $6.00 into $4.60, Sharkattack $3.70 into $3.10, Major Lester $4.20 into $3.0, Moth Hunter $4.80 into $4.00, Rock On Playboy 412 into $8.00, Major Mucha $8.50 into $5.50, Aha Reaction $11 into $5.00 and Christian Jazz $6.50 into $4.00
Week Ahead
Saturday: Trial at Carrick Park from 9:00.
At Melton, Kosimo and Max Delight line up in race five, Meanwhile at Menangle last start listed winner, Tasmanian owned, Gordans Bay, lines up in race five, with Timely Sovereign to contest the final race on that card.
Sunday: The Devonport City Of Quality, Sheffield Cup, Latrobe Cup, and Leigh Plunkett are all $14,000 features on the 10-race Launceston card from 17:22.
Tuesday: After a last-start second, Ignatius will line up in the second race at Yonkers in New York.