A big 9 race card this Sunday in Hobart and it is the 3yos taking centre stage with the running of the 3yo Vase. The rail goes out 2.5m from the 1150m to the winning post, staying in the True position for the remainder. The track is currently rated a Good 4 and although some showers are forecast in the days leading up to the meeting, there doesn’t look to be enough to cause any significant downgrades.
Race 1 12:30pm Raine & Horne Sorell 2yo Handicap (900m)
Hard to imagine one of the newcomers will lead Gee Gee Double Dee. It’s Overrated and Kyogle Son have shown speed at the trials to be the most likely to sit behind her.
Gee Gee Double Dee was super impressive when winning the Debutante Plate by a big space. Goes up to 59kgs but shouldn’t be an issue considering she’s such a big strong filly already. Star in the making and looks just a case of getting around safely.
Gee Gee Pure Gold is out of the grand producer La Quita, the mother of Geegees Blackflash and Geegees Goldengirl. Trialled nicely albeit in slow time and had the measure of Gee Gee Pureblonde who managed to place 3rd in the Debutante. Stablemate of the favourite so the betting will tell a guide but she rates as one of the leading place hopes.
Kyogle Son won his most recent trial by a big space, running reasonable time in the process. Should be able to get a nice run behind the favourite and get every chance. Looks a good place hope.
Willby Rules trialled very nicely on the same day as Kyogle Son, finishing a narrow second under a good hold in slightly quicker time. Looks a nice horse in the making but has to contend with the outside barrier. Another in the mix for the placings.
Roundhouse Miss and It’s Overrated come through the same trial at Hobart on Tuesday. While Roundhouse Miss was easily first home, It’s Overrated showed good early speed and was under a tight grip from the corner. Think there was plenty more in the tank and he looks the better of the two chances out of that trial.
Verdict: Gee Gee Double Dee obviously appears the winner after that breathtaking first up win but is likely to start a very short favourite. Looking to the first starters to fill the placings and think there will be good competition for those spots. Leaning to Gee Gee Pure Gold and It’s Overrated to fill the holes but respect for Kyogle Son and Willby Rules.
Recommended Bet: Try a place bet on Gee Gee Pure Gold
Race 2 1:00pm Brooks Lark & Carrick Surveyors Maiden Plate (1100m)
No genuine leader here so expecting one of the on-pacers to take up the running. Turtles Nest, Swinging Ali, Etown and Off The Grid appear to be the ones who can take control if desired and won’t be required to do much work to do so.
Turtles Nest has burnt a lot of fingers as a beaten favourite in his past five starts but again shapes as the favourite here. Didn’t have much luck last time when slow early and caught in behind a slow tempo so can forgive. Raquel Clark takes the ride and has a bit more experience to cope with the inside draw. Top pick.
Off The Grid resumed with a good 2nd behind Hello Gertie and was much improved with the blinkers on. Had a nice run through on the inside there but has a trickier draw here so Ismail Toker may decide to push on and try for the lead. A repeat of that effort rates highly for this.
You Didn’t was well fancied when resuming but was run off his feet in fast run race won by Tough Missile. Ran into the race on turning but didn’t finish it off in the run home. Should be fitter for that run having resumed without a trial and will appreciate the extra 100m. His effort on Hobart Cup day this year is good enough for this so expecting improvement.
Etown was a decent effort last time when trapped wide throughout. Consistent type who is usually around the mark but has had a lot of chances. Should be thereabouts but appeals more as a place hope.
A number of improvers to consider in this at longer odds. Swinging Ali failed at his only start on very heavy ground but did win a trial easily on Tuesday and Siggy Carr takes the ride for her father Royston. Broadway Request showed ability in her first prep and had excuses for the big beaten margins in her most recent runs. Her best form has her around the mark but the outside barrier does make it hard. Faith In Georgina failed at both runs on heavy ground at her first prep but has trialled well leading into this and appeals as an improver at longer odds. Millie Mateba wasn’t hopeless when unsuited in the run on debut and can improve here on her home track.
Verdict: Think the top 3 chances are the main winning hopes here and if you haven’t been burnt too much it does look a good race for Turtles Nest. Faith In Georgina and Millie Mateba appeal for those who like to work around the roughies.
Recommended Bet: Turtles Nest to win.
Race 3 1:36pm Raine & Horne Commercial Maiden Plate (1100m)
Looks to be good speed engaged here, with La Niella, Colonial Coaster, Trot On Candy and maybe the newcomer Box Of Frogs charging across from out wide, while Only Kiss kicks up from her inside draw.
Colonial Coaster raced against many of the leading 2yos last season and will find this easier. Has a lot of speed but has struggled to finish her races off so far, although she improved at her most recent runs in easier grade. Trialled really nicely leading into this. Outside draw doesn’t help but has the speed to overcome it and she looks a leading hope.
Trot On Candy ran alright in a fast maiden on debut after winning a trial. Drawn wide but has most of the speed drawn outside her so Shuji Amano should be able to work over into a nice position. Form from first run appears pretty good and she can figure in this with natural improvement.
Box Of Frogs has trialled well leading into this with a close up effort behind Trot On Candy. Outside gate isn’t ideal with a lot of speed drawn underneath him but looks to have ability and watching the market is a must in an even race.
Visscher showed good improvement through his last preparation and has been gelded since. Given a trial leading into this and finds a race with good pressure up front to suit his get-back racing style. Distance is a little short of his best but suited fresh and being the one coming down the outside is rarely a disadvantage at Hobart. Another with a hope.
Only Kiss was a bit disappointing second up but did a lot of work on a fast tempo and knocked up. Draws inside here and can take advantage of however the tempo pans out. Needs to improve somewhat on her first couple of runs but should get the run to do so.
Minor hopes to La Niella (fancied first up but compounded, better for the run here), Kissed By Fire (very nicely bred mare who appears to want further but trialled well) and a rough hope to Buzzy Wuzzy Woo (runs were better than they read at first prep and could be a total blowout hope).
Verdict: Very hard even race. Colonial Coaster looks to have come on based on her recent trial. Big market watches on the first starters Box Of Frogs, and to a lesser extent Kissed By Fire.
Recommended Bet: Colonial Coaster each way.
Race 4 2:12pm Raine & Horne Eastern Shore Maiden/Class 1 Plate (1600m)
Expecting a genuine tempo with Aim For The Moon and Rangaondarun capable of taking up the running. Invoice, Porus and Real Mad all have early speed to be handy or closer if desired, while Cheers Chappy may push on from his wide gate.
Big Pegg was very good last time in her first attempt at the mile, running 2nd behind smart galloper Shiralee. Was suited by a fast tempo in front there which may have flattered her run somewhat, but she should again get a genuine tempo to chase here. Still on the up and appreciating the longer trips and looks the one to beat here.
Crib Point continues to race well and was solid again last time when 3rd behind Shiralee. Races well at her home track and this distance is her go. Well drawn to get a soft run on the fence and with luck in running she should be right in the finish again.
Cheers Chappy also came through the Shiralee race, running 4th and not far behind the other two. Racing consistently but barrier 12 may cause some issues for Bulent Muhcu to find a good spot in the run. Definite chance if he gets across but no doubt a little question mark there.
Real Mad is an interesting runner from Victoria formerly with the Michael Kent stable. Now with Adam Trinder, he has had two 1400m trials to get him fit for this distance first up, and was scratched from Launceston on Wednesday night to save him for this. Best form looks to be when he gets over 2000m but will find this easier than what he has been contesting, may push forward into a good spot for his nice draw and looks primed to run a good race first up. Big market watch.
They look to be the four main winning hopes. Of the rest, Invoice has been handy at her past 3 starts and is ready to try the mile. Kyle Maskiell on from gate 1 should give her every chance to run it out and she looks a reasonable chance at longer odds. Rangaondarun was a good effort last time when huge odds after racing on speed in a race dominated by the backmarkers. Mixes his form but capable of being in the mix with the right run up front. Foxtrots was plain last time but previous runs had been ok and ready now to try the mile, a trip that looks like it should suit but she is unproven at. Rialto Jess steps up sharply from three 1200m runs and has a wide draw to contend with but has run some decent races at the sprint trips and can show up if she runs a strong mile. Porus is now 2nd up at a mile in an unconventional preparation for his first try at it but is from canny stable and has Anthony Darmanin booked to ride.
Verdict: Think the Shiralee race is the major formline to work with so three leading chances all come through competitive runs there. Real Mad is a bit unknown but may be worth following a market lead for.
Recommended Bet: Crib Point each way.
Race 5 2:48pm Tony Carrick 3yo Vase (1100m)
Small field but plenty of speed, with I’m Wesley, Gee Gee Red Prince and Underplay all liking to lead and Madame George capable of being on their hammer. Every horse should get their chance in a hot little race.
Gee Gees Top Notch is the logical favourite after two very impressive wins this prep. Form out of her last win has been enormous and she returns to her home track where she has won 5 from 7. The negatives are the 59kgs and clear top weight, and the minor drop in distance 3rd up after two 1200m runs. She should get a nice run stalking the speed and drawn the outside she can come to the middle in the straight if that is the better ground by this stage of the day. Deserves to be favourite and top pick again.
Gee Gee Red Prince has been very good at his last couple and had a strong win last time over smart 3yo Siorca. That horse was very competitive with Gee Gees Top Notch as a 2yo so is a reasonable line to take. Back to 1100m isn’t ideal but he has the speed to cope with it and Brendon McCoull now takes the ride. Nice weight pull on the favourite and has a genuine hope.
Nissky was a bit disappointing on face value when resuming but his sectionals were still pretty good chasing home a slow tempo. Think he will appreciate a much faster pace here and has winkers on to try and sharpen him up. Still a bit unknown with his 2yo form on wet ground but looks to have plenty of ability and can be finishing hard late.
Underplay resumed in gutsy fashion with a close 2nd behind good mare Partenza after staying on the fence in what was probably inferior ground. Was outclassed in early 2yo racing last season but addition of blinkers switched him on through the winter and he looks a much improved galloper back for another shot at the topliners. Draw is major negative as hard to see him cross the speedsters inside him and might be a hard race to win sitting outside the leader or even wider.
I’m Wesley was an explosive winner at his only start at Devonport over 900m in maiden grade and ran excellent sectionals in doing so. Tipped back out after that and comes here with a trial win under his belt in pretty good time. Gate 1 looks to be an advantage in that he can hold out the other speed but he won’t want the fence to be going off. Prefer to see him first try in the big time but wary as he has obvious ability.
Madame George had a good winter prep but was found wanting first up at this track. Ear muffs come off for this which can be a big help and she has drawn for a nice run right behind the speed. Unproven in the top grade and needs to improve on first up effort but has her share of ability and isn’t out of place here.
Verdict: Gee Gees Top Notch is obviously a very, very good filly and while she is a little vulnerable at the weights, she looks ideally placed to track a good tempo and run them down. Race is pretty open if she finds the weight too much as you could make a good case for every other runner bar Madame George, who is more of a minor chance.
Recommended Bet: Gee Gees Top Notch to win.
Race 6 3:24pm Lyden Builders Class 2 Handicap (1000m)
Plenty of speed here but not as much pressure as you may expect for a 1000m dash. Cannon Man and Gee Gees Jet look likely to take up the running from Snuffle and Teriki, with only Beryl Bee capable of pushing forward to upset the apple cart.
Gee Gees Jet is a smart 3yo racing in good form. Has been well backed at all three starts this prep and continues to be in the finish. Beaten by a smart one last time but showed ability to sit just off a fast speed if required. Stays well down in the weights with Tayla Patterson-Doyle’s claim and should get a comfortable run close to the lead. Hard to beat.
Silver Bolt is a smart galloper who won well fresh in BM62 grade with a big weight. Comes back from 1200m to 1000m here second up but has run well here at 1000m when 2nd behind Geegees Doublejay in good 3yo company last season. In well with claim for Boris Thornton and will be suited if those wider in the straight are advantaged by this stage of the day. Strong chance to win again.
Hyperbole was good first up when narrowly beaten by Silver Bolt. Like him she returns to 1000m but it is a move she has made successfully before, winning her maiden at this trip after a run at 1200m. Should enjoy the good speed the shorter trip brings and can finish hard if she gets cover, so she comes right into calculations if the run-on horses are featuring.
Teriki was very impressive first up when defeating Gee Gees Jet before being disappointing last time when drawn inside. Drawn out this time which may prove more suitable and should get a nice run stalking the speed. Needs to improve on last time but is good enough on first up win.
Cannon Man was very impressive at his only run in the state last season when leading all the way in Class 1 company to beat Partenza. Resumes here with a brilliant trial win in good time under his belt. Suggest he will ping straight to the lead here and looks suited at 1000m fresh. If the inside ground is giving leaders their chance then he must be respected.
Col’s Hero is a very smart horse on his day with form in the better 3yo races last season. Hasn’t raced at 1000m but some of his best performances have been when chasing the faster tempos of the shorter races. Didn’t show his best last campaign but fresh here and trialled well recently. Another who can finish hard and will enjoy a run-on pattern.
Kentucky Bound ran pretty well last time in this grade at Launceston and return to 1000m may suit as his two wins have been at 1000m and 900m at Devonport. Drawn to do no work from gate 1 which gives him his chance to show his best late. Mixes his form a bit and hasn’t won away from his home track but not keen to totally dismiss back to this trip.
Verdict: Super race with a host of chances from different formlines. Gee Gees Jet and Teriki have the 1000m form but will find stiff competition chasing them, especially if the track is suiting those out wide by this stage of the day. Cannon Man can’t be underestimated if the fence is holding up.
Recommended Bet: Gee Gees Jet to win.
Race 7 4:03pm Rogerson & Birch Surveyors Class 1 Handicap (1100m)
Plenty of early speed here on paper with Brightness and D’inzeo capable of leading from middle draws and Gee Gees Vicki and Duran likely to push on from the widest barriers. With a number of on-pacers behind them the tempo should be strong giving the backmarkers their chance.
Speedhump was well fancied on debut at Devonport back in September and came from last to win in devastating fashion. Was nominated for the 3yo Vase but the stable has elected to take the softer option here. Should get a nice run with cover from his inside draw and if he can get clear when required he looks very hard to beat.
Ariconte was unlucky first up when he struck interference when trying to angle his way through in the straight and only just failed to run down Naadam. Drawn wide but with good speed on should drift back again and will be advantaged if track is suiting those wide in straight. Repeat of first up effort would give him a strong winning hope in this.
Brightness is a promising 3yo filly resuming after breaking her maiden back in July. Tuned up with a nice trial against the smart I’m Wesley and gets in on the minimum here with Raquel Clark’s claim. Ran Gee Gees Top Notch to three-quarters of a length last season so has the ability and drawn to find the lead or find a good spot just behind the pace. Genuine winning chance but especially if the ground near the inside is good.
Our Cheerio resumes with a good trial under his belt after a successful 2yo season. Ran well in good company behind Gold Busker over the summer before breaking his maiden on heavy ground at this track in June. Failed when favourite against Ariconte at Devonport prior but reportedly didn’t handle the surface. Well drawn and can race just behind the speed so might be the one if the backmarkers can’t get into the race late but the leaders are paddling.
Hello Gertie had run a number of good races but caught many by surprise last time when she showed improved early speed to race handy and win impressively over 1000m. Step up to 1100m should suit even better and could land in a similar position again from inside draw. This is much harder but racing well and should be thereabouts, especially if inside ground is still good.
D’inzeo was well supported on debut and just did enough to score, beating Hello Gertie in the process. Given a break since that run and should appreciate the rise to 1100m. Likely to find plenty of pressure for the lead which may prove against and strikes some handy 3yos so has things against. Should be in the mix but will need to be very good to win.
Verdict: Very good quality C1 with a number of promising horses engaged. Speedhump and Ariconte are promising 3yos and look the ones to beat, but Brightness is a smart filly and suited if the track is playing alright for the on-pacers..
Recommended Bet: Speedhump to win.
Race 8 4:43pm Tongs Sheet Metal Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m)
Good speed from wide out with Tiger Jack and Pengalas Gee Gee likely to push forward towards the lead, while Gee Gees Style and Lustica are also drawn out and will be looking for a position. All runners should get their chance.
Gee Gees Style is racing in career best form and proved himself last time at the longer 1200m trip with a narrow but gutsy win. Back to 1100m looks suitable and he always runs well at his home track. Outside gate may be a concern but if the rail is going off it may turn out a positive and he gets a nice speed to camp on like he did when winning at this track and trip back in September. The major query is his big rise in weight, having to carry 58.5kgs after Victor Wong’s claim after a number of runs carrying much less. Still, he has carried higher weights in the past and is going so well that he looks the top pick again.
Partenza is a smart mare up in grade after two impressive wins at Launceston. She is unbeaten at that track but returns to her home track here where she is yet to win. Does look to have improved this prep but she also appreciates firm footing, so the condition of the track is vital and she was scratched from Launceston Wednesday to take this option. Well drawn and relishes races run at a good clip so if the track is firm enough she has an excellent winning hope.
Downwind is a very good mare first up here with two good trials under her belt. Proven in higher grades than this with a placing in the Lady Lynette Plate and has won twice at this track and distance. Doesn’t win often due to her get back racing pattern but has won all three races at this track and is well weighted on 55.5kgs. Will need luck getting clear from the inside draw but if she’s out in striking distance in the straight she has genuine claims.
King Of Finland is having his first run in the state for Scott Brunton after racing in Victoria for Wez Hunter. Consistent with big weights in BM64 grade there and did run some handy races in BM70s. Very capable carrying weight and 1100m looks a good trip for him fresh. Obviously hard to line the form up and the betting will tell more but he looks to measure up.
Lustica is a smart mare resuming without a trial. Generally races well fresh and has placed twice on this track. Gets in light with Raquel Clark’s claim and can get into a good position behind the speed. Consistent type who should be in the finish.
Mon Londo is a smart sprinter who hasn’t found a suitably run race yet this prep and might just find that here. Up to this grade on his best form and drawn to do no work early with no weight after Kyle Maskiell’s claim. Chances are boosted considerably by a run on bias and has a very good hope under those circumstances.
Next best looks to be Beluga Miss (honest type drawn for a good run but tested this grade).
Verdict: Good race with a number of chances. Gee Gees Style is flying and no reason he can’t win again, but if he finds the weight too much there are a number of smart horses who can be running home strongly.
Recommended Bet: Gee Gees Style to win.
Race 9 5:21pm Raine & Horne Kingborough Benchmark 82 Handicap (1400m)
Many on-pacers engaged here which should ensure a solid tempo. Blood Orange, Don’t We Love It, Skip To The Moon and Second Dozen can all work towards the lead, while Geegees Classicboy and Hugo are also capable of being firmly on speed and may take that option from their wide draws. At The Weekend is also capable of landing on speed but may elect to go back from the outside gate first up.
At The Weekend is a very smart mare with a great fresh record. Can forgive last run at Flemington when caught wide throughout. Won fresh twice last prep, ran 4th in the Devonport Cup and 5th in the Vamos Stakes as well as winning four of her seven runs. Has won both times at this track and trip and Siggy Carr takes the ride. The outside gate is the main concern but with a strong tempo likely the field may string out to give her the chance to get in with cover. There is also the chance racing wide won’t be a disadvantage by this stage of the day also. Clearly the top pick.
Tycoon Navigator continues to reward her followers with three wins from four starts this prep, all at generous prices. Gets a good tempo to suit her again here and the likelihood of a run-on pattern being the last race of the day. Takes another step up in grade but gets in on the minimum and expect her to be rattling home as she always does.
Follow My Dust is a promising galloper with a good record here on his home track. Game run last time when 2nd to Tycoon Navigator after doing more work than her in the run. Drawn inside for a softer run and while he’s up in grade he did place here in the Tasmanian Guineas as a 3yo behind Admiral. Doesn’t know how to run a bad race and may give Craig Luttrell his first winner since his return to the saddle.
Hugo returns to his home track looking to regroup after a last placing at his most recent start in this grade at Launceston when sent out a short priced favourite. Always runs well here and while this distance is a little short of his best it looks pretty suitable off a short freshen up. Will be suited if they get off the fence a bit having drawn wide and has a genuine winning chance.
Think they are the main four hopes in an open race. On the next level is Second Dozen (fit now, blinkers back on, Kyle Maskiell claim brings him in nicely but may have strong tempo to contend with in front), Blood Orange (honest type well drawn in 1 but tested this grade and won’t want the fence to go off), Up Cups (very good 1400m stats and will appreciate being ridden quiet off a strong tempo) and Don’t We Love It (racing well before finding 1600m a bit too far last time and better placed here despite rise in grade).
Verdict: Very open race but four main winning chances stand out. At The Weekend appeals if racing wide isn’t a disadvantage, while Follow My Dust is the one drawn for the best run if the track is still racing truly by the last.
Recommended Bet: At The Weekend to win.