3 minute read

Sunday thoroughbred racing is on the synthetic in Devonport, and eight races are scheduled.

Steve Christie is back and provides his analysis on each race below.

R1 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1009m

The resuming Restricted Access (2) is one of three horses in this race making their first appearance for new stables. He trialled up nicely around here recently. The speed in the race looks decent and he's drawn the right gate to park just off them and launch late. There's been a stack of merit in both runs of RICH GLOW (3) since arriving in the state, finding the line strongly over the 1150m at his latest. Back in trip here is the query. The 21-start maiden STARS IN THE NIGHT (10) has been placed at both starts here since returning from a break. She races best here and now gets the services of Craig Newitt for the first time in her career. ZECOUGAR (11) had a torrid run for her new stable back in February then was tipped straight out. Gets a senior rider today, improvement likely. WHO CAN IT BE NOW (4) resumes and has shown a clear liking for this surface. Trials have been good in preparation but is likely to be conceding most of them a start.

Staking Strategy: Restricted Access returns off a good break, has trialled nicely, looks to have come back in good order. 2 units each-way RESTRICTED ACCESS (2)

R2 Ladbroke It! 2yo Maiden, 1150m

There are 12 acceptors for the 2YO race, 6 of them are on debut. Geegees Legacy (1) and GO JEANIE (10) are the best credentialled of those that have raced, having placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in January behind the impressive Ms Tasmania. Those form-lines hold them in good stead for this but neither have had exposure to the synthetic either on race-day or at public trials. Of the debutants, OUT OF THE SPHERE (8) looks the pick of them. He produced a nice turn of foot in his latest trial win, easily rounding up his rivals when asked for an effort. HIGHLAND DUEL (4) looks the pick of the three newcomers from the Leanne Gaffney yard. He finished alongside Out Of The Sphere when they trialled in April and put a space on the others. DANCING WOLF (9) is bred to go alright. Her trials have been sound without raving.

Staking Strategy: Tricky race, leaning to the new comer Out Of The Sphere. He's been impressive at the trials. 2 units to win OUT OF THE SPHERE (8)

R3 Goodstone Group 3yo Maiden, 1150m

Rubick's Affair (11) has been on the sidelines close to a year. Her first preparation was very good without winning. Has trialled up nicely and looks ready to go. GEE GEES BROTHER (4) returns and has had (yet) another stable change. First-up last prep he produced a career-best behind the talented Aruma. He had a very quiet trial at Longford a fortnight back. LIGHTMEUPJAZZ (10) was never in the hunt last start, gets a much better set-up here from the inside gate. The newcomers COOL CONQUEST (6) and GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (9) have shown above-average ability in the trials, particularly the former.

Staking Strategy: Sticking with top-rated Rubick's Affair who's had had good early support off a lengthy absence. 4 units to win RUBICK'S AFFAIR (11)

R4 Tasmanian Horse Transport Maiden, 1650m

Macan (2) ran on soundly 2nd up at his first try on the synthetic. Jumps quickly to the 1650m but does look suited. TAHITIAN WARRIOR (3) is a new addition to the Glenn Stevenson camp. At start 17 all the gear comes off and he presents here first-up over the mile without any trials, all eyes to the market. AFFAIROFTHEHEART (4) is another returning from a break. She hit the line strongly over 1200m at her only local run in February. Blinkers go on for the first time. PINANDI (13) was heavily backed at start no.18 at his third run for his new stable but was never likely at any stage. Maps to settle in the second half of the field again from a bad gate. Craig Newitt gets the call up today. MISS PRIVATE (11) and MISS VIVACE (12) placed behind Kickpass over 1350m around here a fortnight ago. This looks tougher.

Staking Strategy: Can make a case for several runners. Macan gave every indication last start that he'll relish this trip. Affairoftheheart returns with blinkers, wouldn't surprise to see her run well. 1 unit to win MACAN (2) and AFFAIROFTHEHEART (4)

R5 Torque Gear For Guys Bm60 Handicap, 1880m

Alpine Affair (1) won this track and grade last start and gets a very similar set-up in this race from gate one again. He only carries an extra 1.5kg but notably is stepping out in trip. At distances beyond the 1650m he's 0 wins from 4 tries. COPPLESON (7) finished alongside Alpine Affair in that race and is likely to have more improvement in him third-up. MYSTIC HOPE (6) was a big 5l winner in easier grade this track and distance two-weeks back. Importantly, he ran comparable time with the BM64 race on the same day. The form should stack up in spades. WELDBOROUGH (3) won comfortably prior to chasing soundly over this trip in a race controlled by the leader. Drops in grade, rises in weight. LION'S TOOTH (5) has been running on well at his last two suggesting the extra trip today will be beneficial.

Staking Strategy: Mystic Hope spanked his rivals in easier grade last start and ran time. Coppleson is working up to a win. 2 units to win MYSTIC HOPE (6) and COPPLESON (7)

R6 Happy 70th Birthday Jenni Clark Bm72 Handicap, 1009m

The resuming Tony Nicconi (2) excels on the synthetic and will be tough to overhaul. Was only run down late in the $100k sprint here on Cup Day in January. Trialled like she's ready to let rip. SEYDOUX (1) has won 8 from 13 starts since arriving in the state and continues to deliver. The 1009m isn't her best trip but she's too good a mare and simply knows how to win. EXTREME GEM (5) resumes and draws to get the run of the race. She was no match at all though for Tony Nicconi when they clashed here earlier in the year. THUNBERG (7) and QUICKEN UP (8) are similar types that have first four claims. ETOSHA (3) is better suited down south, 9 starts at this venue have only yielded one win.

Staking Strategy: Tony Nicconi has trialled super, can come across and lead these and will take catching. Seydoux the obvious danger. 2 units to win TONY NICCONI (2)

R7 Thai Imperial Class 1 Handicap, 1150m

Lispector (4) led from the start to finish here two weeks ago and recorded the quickest time for the day. She's drawn to advantage again and will take a power of beating. LIBERTY RAE (6) returns from a break and gets blinkers off for her new stable. Has trialled impressively, winning her heat with plenty in reserve. BOKEO (1) is a complete unknown on the synthetic. Was mostly wide no cover first-up and has been back to the trials between runs. The map looks favourable for him. GEEGEES CITY BOY (2) looks better suited here dropping back in trip but has a horror gate to overcome. WHIZ BY (9) next best.

Staking Strategy: Lispector was never under any threat last start when leading all the way and ran time. Liberty Rae resumes , box seats, will get last crack. 2 units to win LISPECTOR (4). 1 unit to win LIBERTY RAE (6)

R8 The Stables At Spreyton Class 2 Handicap, 1350m

Chicane (4) did enough 1st up over an unsuitable trip, working home solidly from off midfield. He has a very good record this track/distance and was a winner at this venue 2nd up last prep. SURELY SPECIAL (3) is racing in good form, maps perfectly, the synthetic is a complete unknown though. BAO BUN (5) arrived just in time to score last start in a very bunched finished. She's a good hope again in a race that doesn't appear any harder. I'M KEEFE (6) has had a stable change since his last run mid-April. He was ridden with intent in a recent trial and won quite well. Might take some catching if they adopt similar tactics. Would prefer to see BORN A WINNER (8) over more ground but she's racing consistently and has a case.

Staking Strategy: Chicane did enough 1st up and will appreciate stepping to the 1350m. Bao Bun came from well back to score last start and is similarly likely to relish the distance rise. 2 units to win CHICANE (4) and BAO BUN (5)