3 minute read
Hobart hosts its second thoroughbred meeting for the week with an eight-race program on Saturday.
The feature is the $50,000 Goodwood Handicap, which has attracted an excellent field.
The rail shifts out slightly to +11m from 1200m to W/P, the remainder 9m, after being +9m for the Melbourne Cup Day program.
R1 Hype Tv Maiden, 1100m
Geegees Downpour (3) had specking first up and after finding trouble wasn't knocked around over the final stages. His beaten margin didn't accurately reflect his performance. RAINBOW ALLEY (14) is one to keep an eye on resuming and looms as a likely improver. She was heavily backed into even money on debut when finishing well down the track and hasn't been sighted since. DIESEL'S SUNSHINE (5) looks the likely leader. She's put in respectable effort at both career starts and there's been good form through those races. POWER GENERATOR (2) trialled soundly at Longford and has drawn the right gate, check betting. SHE PLAYS GAMES (8) is long overdue but goes okay here, strikes a winnable race, and has each-way claims.
R2 Raine & Horne Kingston Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1600m
Charlie Bucket (1) brings the strongest form and is very well placed in this grade after the claim. LORDOSIS (4) strips fitter third up and looks ready now for the 1600m. Looms as the main threat and should appreciate getting the blinkers on for the first time. STEEL MIST (6) and LONDIANI (3) are on the back up from Hobart on Tuesday and ran respectably there in a good race.
R3 Raine & Horne Sorell Maiden/class 1, 2100m
The 2100m is unfamiliar territory for Rowing Power (4) but he chases hard, is racing well, and gives every indication he'll relish it. He's raced without a lot of luck of late and gets his chance to make amends. EMMJAY (5) was good here on Tuesday in BM 60 grade getting out to this trip for the first time. That's decent form for this. MISS VIVACE (6) and UNNERVING (9) ran solid placings behind the dominant Spring Bean at Launceston. PUMA (3) and PINANDI (8) ran fairly in the same race but are rough hopes at best.
R4 Kelly Civil Contracting Class 1 Handicap, 1100m
Kakia (1) won well first up last prep and was only beaten narrowly by a smart filly the following start. Presents here with blinkers going on and has trialled up nicely. DIOS (2) would have pleased connections when second-placed behind Magnaprime at her first run for her new stable. She had trialled extremely well in the lead up and it was no surprise to see her run well. Strips fitter, wide gate a slight negative. STRATOJACK (3) didn't cope with soft ground last preparation and was quickly tipped out after two runs. Has run some good races in better company than this. His best goes close. TURF PUZZLE (10) has had a break since last run when caught wide. His best is competitive. BATCHY BULLET (5) won a mediocre maiden earlier in the year. Last effort was a complete forgive run and will appreciate getting back to her home track. Good roughie for first 4's.
R5 Tony Carrick Goodwood Handicap, 1100m
A very deep race and with plenty of speed drawn nearer the inside, wide gates will be a challenge for a number of them. Durazzo (14) isn't one with that worry. He's a horse that is going places, having been a brilliant winner at his past 4 outings and has drawn the plum alley. This his toughest test so far but with even luck should go very close. The only slight query is handling the Hobart track for the first time. GEEGEES GEMSTONE (4) is a top-quality sprinter resuming. The concern with him is where he gets to in the run from his gate. THESPIAN WATERS (10) had an outstanding 3yo season and is still untapped, has trialled well, great chance. Big fan of TSUNAMI SAM (5) who has plenty of talent and makes his own luck near the speed. Saves his best for here notching up 5 wins from 8 starts. Wider chances to BELLO BEAU (3), JAGUAR STONE (9) and TONY NICCONI (12).
R6 Raine & Horne Eastern Shore Benchmark 64 Handicap, 1430m
Dayan Star (3) is ultra consistent and is close to another win. HAPPY CLAN (4) commands respect first up. Last prep, his resuming run was excellent after covering ground all the way. FREAK ON A LEAD (1) can win if he's ready to go first up but he's zip from seven so far, although has placed on three occasions. FIORENTE DE LEGEND (8) presents fresh off an 8-week break. Both the stable and the rider are in very good form .The evidence to date though suggests she's more effective on softer ground which won't be the case on Saturday. OLE OLA (5) has had no impact at all this time around but has had a stable change since her last run. Would be right in this if she was able to recapture her best, check the betting. BLONDE STAR (9) has also been off the boil a bit of late. Her best would be competitive. Perhaps she's one to consider with a light weight and getting back to her home track.
R7 Lyden Builders Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1100m
Mastretta (7) is fresh out of maiden grade beating a moderate bunch comfortably at Launceston 8-days ago. The manner in which she won suggested there's more wins in store. DAY PERFORMER (4) is back in business this time in with a close up placing and a 2 length win under her belt. NAVAL ANTHEM (1) form ties in strongly with Day Performer. PERIWINKLE (5) was a bit out of her depth last time in Melbourne. This is more to her liking. ANYWAYS ROXIE (6) also has a case.