For the next few months SAHorseracing.COM brings you the best form from Tasmanian, Australia. This includes previews and selections with advice on how and what to bet on in these races. Enjoy the best of Tasmanian Racing. 

The new season of Tasmanian thoroughbred racing kicks off on Sunday at Devonport with another 9 race program highlighted by the $20,000 Luxbet All Weather Sprint Prelude. The Tapeta surface has had plenty of recent racing but continues to provide an even, unbiased track and expect it to continue this week.

Race 1 11:50am Sharee Marshall 3yo Maiden (1000m)

Count Montagu showed an abundance of speed despite missing the start on debut and looks the likely leader here. Gucci Guccimo showed speed at the trials while Tantivy Belle can work across to a forward position. Kepta may surprise and settle closer with blinkers on.

Mariah’s Magic (5) resumes after a good 2yo campaign where she was 2nd behind the two leading 2yos of the season, Hot Dipped and Gee Gee Double Dee. Comes here off a decent trial which gave her a look at this surface and the 1000m looks ideal fresh. Finds a pretty competitive off-season race but has a touch of class and looks hardest to beat.

Kepta (4) was an exceptional run on debut when unable to go the pace early over 900m but her closing sectionals were the fastest of the day and those of a horse with ability. Extra 100m here is right up her alley and she may settle much closer in the run with the addition of blinkers. Inside draw always an advantage here in the sprints and if she’s in striking distance on the corner she’ll take some beating.

Count Montagu (1) was a good run on debut when 2nd behind the runaway winner Silzoar after showing lots of speed to get outside the leader despite being slow to begin. Raced very ungenerously in the straight and had a warning placed on his racing manners so improvement with the nose roll on would not surprise. Finished alongside Kepta so form ties in and he has a good chance here from the front.

Giselle’s Girl (2) had no luck in the run on debut behind Greensborough but did enough to suggest she has ability. Trials prior to that run were solid enough for a race like this and she should appreciate the smaller field. Runs into a couple of above average ones by the look of things but she can be in the mix.

Verdict: Mariah’s Magic (5) has the form on the board and will be hard to beat. Kepta (4) and Count Montagu (1) both look to have ability and have the fitness edge and will provide stiff opposition.

STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Mariah’s Magic (5).

Race 2 12:25pm NJT Raceday - Hobart 2nd October Maiden (1150m)

No obvious leader here. Etown and Sunset Party look most likely to settle near the lead on exposed form in this state, while newcomers Shanghai Lily and O’Witchway have shown speed in their Victorian runs and make take up the running. Those who can take up a spot near the lead look advantaged.

Miss Bluegrass (8) made substantial improvement second-up when 2nd behind I Love This Bar over this course last time out after enjoying a good run through the inside for Darmanin. Draws inside again, this time for Catania, and beat home a couple of her rivals here last time. Only has to run up to that effort to be hard to beat here.

Biscay Barb (7) has been well supported at his past couple of runs over this course but has been slightly disappointing on both occasions. Drawn a bit better here should help after being forced to race a bit wide last start and finds a pretty even maiden to tackle. Still improving and looks one of the better chances in a very even race.

Pelagia (9) has an issue at the start which has resulted in her settling near the tail at both career starts. Made up good ground last time to run 3rd and should be better for that run over this course under her belt. Likely to be back near the tail again from the outside draw which might make it tough in a race of muddling tempo but looks a trier and will be running home into the mix.

O’Witchway (3) has his first start for the Scott Brunton stable here after racing for Team Hawkes in Victoria with limited results. Had a look at the synthetic tracks at her past couple but was well beaten in what look to be much better standard maidens than he’ll contest here. Has a tongue tie for the first time and looks to have the speed to take up a position so be sure to monitor the market for his Tasmanian debut.

Etown (1) is winless after 25 starts but his first-up 4th behind Greensborough was quite acceptable and he may be ready to make the jump this prep. Drawn inside should ensure he gets a good run near the lead and he has placed twice from 5 tries over this course. Limited galloper but he is always around the mark and would expect to see the same again here.

Next best Sunset Party (5) (can go forward and not bad at both career starts over this course) and Shanghai Lily (4) (newcomer for Campbell, Clark takes ride, has speed and placed at Avoca so watch market.).

Verdict: Very even race here and difficult to sort out. Lean to Biscay Barb (7) of those that have raced in the state but really any of about 6 or 7 could win. Obvious market watches on O’Witchway (3) and Shanghai Lily (4).

STAKING STRATEGY: 2 units to win on Biscay Barb (7).

Race 3 1:04pm Magic Millions Maiden (1350m)

Tilmosa led last week over the mile so the drop in distance won’t help but she may still take up the running ahead of the likes of Gee Gees Tell All, Gee Gee Mightymiss and Fought For. Euro Express and Appmat can kick up also but the tempo looks average at best.

Tilmosa (8) showed good improvement last time when up to the mile in running a close-up 3rd behind Rialto Jess. Was given a good run in front by Carr there but projects to get a similar run for Catania if she can begin well. Previous run over this course wasn’t hopeless when raced back in the field behind Irish John. Probably better suited at the mile but may have gained plenty of confidence from last run and can go on with it in a weak race.

Appmat (1) ran a good race on debut over this course when 4th behind Irish John after enjoying a good run working through nearer the fence. Form ties in well enough from that run and no reason he won’t show natural improvement into this. Might not get as great a run from the wider draw but has less convictions than most of these so he has to go in.

Sh’bourne Dylaca (7) finished alongside Appmat last time after enjoying a similar run back on the inside. Trickier draw here from 8 but will be better for that run over the course under her belt Form ties in with the major hopes here so considering she is third-up and just about ready to show her best she has to rate as a major winning chance.

Gee Gee Mightymiss (10) has been well in the market at both starts this prep but has struggled to show the early speed she had done last prep and that looks to be costing her in her races. Gets her chance to race on speed here with an inside draw over the 1350m and she may appreciate the steadier tempo to improve on her recent showings. Has to improve but concede the conditions are right to do so.

Aggie (9) was quite plain on debut behind I Love This Bar when midfield and she didn’t make much impression until the last little bit where she finished off ok. Well bred filly who looks suited by the step up to 1350m if Toker can negotiate the wide barrier. Needs to improve on her only start but gets her chance to here.

Next best Gee Gees Tell All (4) (tough but very one-paced galloper who likes to work to find the lead in his races, not suited inside draw but can show up with a good run here).

Verdict: Another very even maiden with not much exposed form to work with and a number of chances. Lean to Appmat (1) who has less convictions than the rest of these and may have come on from his first run.

STAKING STRATEGY: 2 units to win on Appmat (1).

Race 4 1:44pm Tasracing Off The Track Series Maiden/Class 1 (1650m)

Big field to do battle here and expect a genuine tempo with Berry Wise Fox, Irish John and Into The Night capable of leading. Becerikli, Sparkling Moon and Poacher’s Son are most likely to be on speed but many of these are capable of going forward with an aggressive ride. All should get their chance here.

Storm Gust (7) has blinkers on for the first time after a solid 6th last time in an on-pace dominated race behind subsequent winner Robbo The Bold. Previous runs were good including a close 3rd at this track first-up. If he can settle closer than usual with the blinkers on he will take a power of beating but his racing pattern remains a concern at this track.

Berry Wise Fox (9) finally broke through last time out with a strong win after enjoying the right run in front. Up to a mile now for the first time which is a query until she proves herself at the trip but can get the right run on speed to have every chance of running it out. Carr sticks with her and she looks one of the hardest to beat despite the rise in grade.

Into The Night (3) ran a handy 3rd two starts ago behind Willby Rules and backed up that effort last start with a gutsy win from the front over 1350m. Goes to 1650m for the first time but out of a staying mare and races like it will be suitable. Can race on speed which is a plus and gets a nice little claim for Raquel Clark. Can roll forward into a good position and capable of winning two in a row.

Princess Atilla (12) was good first-up when a narrow 3rd behind Crystal Flame here over 1350m. Goes out to the mile second-up but sure to be fit with the M.S. Trinder polish. Only run over this course last year was acceptable after getting a long way back and she may be able to settle closer being earlier in her prep. Has to be in the mix here.

Irish John (4) stacked them up and won two starts ago over 1350m before sticking to his task well last time when racing a bit further behind the speed than usual. Expect him to roll forward this time up to the 1650m and while the trip is a query at his first attempt it looks suitable after his last effort. Mixes his form but his efforts on firm footing suggest he can be competitive here.

Next best in an open race Pretoria Miss (11) (not bad last time, only second try at trip but seems suitable, maybe drawn a touch awkward for the apprentice Punch) and Becerikli (1) (capable galloper very poor at last few but may improve from good draw).

Verdict: Yet another open race with many chances. The recent maiden winners Berry Wise Fox (9) and Into The Night (3) are up in grade but get good runs on speed. Storm Gust (7) and Princess Atilla (12) have the form in this grade to recommend but may have to make up some ground from back in the field. Respect for Irish John (4) on his last run also. Tricky.

STAKING STRATEGY: 1 unit to win on Storm Gust (7) and Princess Atilla (12).

Race 5 2:24pm Jockey Celebration Day Class 3 Handicap (1350m)

Doesn’t look great speed here so expect Scouting Around to take up the running and give them something to chase. Geegees Drummerboy can be close to the lead but the rest generally like to relax off the speed in their races. Siorca may be able to rail through to a good spot with Farnor West. Those in the first few look to get good runs here.

Siorca (1) was beaten over this course last time as an odds-on favourite but that was in C5 grade and he will enjoy getting back to C3 company here. That said he’s found a pretty tough race but the inside draw looks a massive bonus here in a race without great tempo on paper. All three runs this prep have been very good and with a nice run in behind the leaders he looks very well placed. Hard to beat with any luck in running.

Scouting Around (4) gets back to a more suitable trip after finishing midfield last time behind Luxembourg at 1150m. Has been ridden a bit quieter lately but with Siggy Carr taking the ride from an inside gate in a race without any other genuine speed he should dominate this race from the front. Tends to find one or two better but rarely far away, has never missed a place over this course and can give a big sight here.

Lord Farquaad (2) has been very good at both runs this preparation and finished just behind Siorca second-up in an effort which obviously ties in very nicely here. Won at 1400m last prep so rise in trip doesn’t hurt here but lack of pressure on those in front might work against him. Racing very well so if he gets cover and a crack at them late he has a definite winning chance.

Tara’s Gem (5) is another who has been finishing her races off very strongly, especially so last time out when a head 2nd behind Luxembourg over the 1150m here. Two starts back over this course was a good 3rd behind Episodes but did get favours from inside draw. Gets in light with Clark’s claim and drawn to get cover in the run. Good enough with the right run and is in the mix.

Geegees Drummerboy (8) looks to be suited by the tempo here and can roll forward into a good position on speed. In very light with Victor Wong’s claim and all four runs this prep have been more than satisfactory. Only beaten a length by Eternal Speed in BM82 grade two starts back over this course so he must be respected here.

Next best Sentimental Dream (3) (mixes his form but last start 4th behind Luxembourg was good, wide draw against with inexperienced rider on) and Farnor West (6) (visually impressive last start but was suited by tempo in easier grade and this looks a pretty big step up).

Verdict: Does look a nice race for Siorca (1) and he deserves to break through. Keen to have something on Scouting Around (4) also with the likelihood of a good run in front, while Geegees Drummerboy (8) shapes as a good chance at longer odds.

STAKING STRATEGY: 6 units to win on Siorca (1), 2 units to win on Scouting Around (4) and 1 unit to win on Geegees Drummerboy (8).

Race 6 3:04pm Tasracing.com.au Class 3 Handicap (1350m)

D’inzeo should take up the running here with Foreshore Dane while Tambro’s Game can take up a position from her inside draw. Auntie Beverley and Alilad may push on from their wide draws but most of these prefer to race midfield or worse.

D’inzeo (1) gets to his right distance range here after a couple of solid runs in from a spell. Did a good job last start to stick on behind Luxembourg and should find the lead here. Has won two races at 1400m and Carr is a smart booking. Promising galloper who will be hard to run down.

Tambro’s Game (4) is somewhat of a course specialist, having won 3 of 9 here at the trip and all her runs this prep have been solid. Can forgive last run after racing wide and she won two of her three starts prior. Gets in light with Clark’s claim and draws ideally in gate 2. Rarely runs a bad race and looks the main danger.

Don’t We Love It (3) is racing pretty well without success in this grade and above. Wasn’t bad last start in a decent BM72 over the shorter trip, and the same can be said for his previous run at 1350m. Placed three out of four over this course including a win and looks suited on the quick back-up. Has a hope.

Foreshore Dane (5) didn’t do much first-up behind Nielson at the shorter trip but is better suited here over a course she has won at previously. Looks like getting a good run near the lead which is generally the key to her performing well. Yet to prove herself in this grade but looks to have a good place chance at least.

Next best Gwemrae (2) (did nothing first-up but has won second-up, got through to good company last prep and better suited at this trip) and Alilad (6) (going ok in predominantly harder races and looks better suited here).

Verdict: Looks a lovely race for D’inzeo (1) and with even luck in running he can be winning. Tambro’s Game (4) is an obvious danger in a pretty thin race.

STAKING STRATEGY: 10 units to win on D’inzeo (1).

Race 7 3:38pm Simons Design Centre Class 1 Handicap (1000m)

Big field over the 1000m generally results in a fast tempo and this looks that way with Rocklea Road, Silzoar, Repeat Fire and Little Elsa all likely to look for the lead. Another group of these can be with the leaders or just behind including Tuscan Classic and Gee Gees Vicki so the likely pressure should give those back in the field their chance.

Silzoar (5) was most impressive last time over 900m when winning by a big margin in decent time. Should get a good lead on the strength of that form with the placegetters going around in the first race but suggest it is ok. Drawn ideally to find a good spot near the lead and has found a pretty suitable race to make the jump in grade. Looks one of the leading chances in an open race.

Rougeau (2) was fancied first-up and ran a pretty good race from the wide gate when a close-up 4th behind Shockwave Miss. Comes up with a wide draw again but should be suited by a strong tempo which can aid him to find cover midfield. Rarely runs a bad race and has strong claims here with luck in running.

Tuscan Classic (1) returns to this grade after a good run in C3 company behind Luxembourg last time. Draws well again and gets some weight relief with Clark’s claim. Back to 1000m is a little concern after three runs at 1150m and he may not be as sharp as he was at the start of his prep. Class runner of the field and should be right in the mix again.

Black Hills (7) produced an exceptional finish last time over this trip when a narrow 2nd behind Exclusive Saturday. Strikes a similar field here and his better form is up to a race like this. Always hard from back in the field at this track but should be plenty of pressure up front again and if he can repeat his last effort he’ll be right in the finish.

Rocklea Road (9) has been running reasonable races over this trip and is drawn to hold the lead with a good beginning. 1000m looks to be his go and he ran well against many of his rivals here last time. Will give a sight on speed and has place claims at least.

Next best Gee Gee Sun Valley (8) (resumes with a trial under her belt, in light, well drawn and goes well here).

Verdict: Even race with a number of chances. Silzoar (5) looks well placed to try and back up his maiden win in this grade. Rougeau (2) looks to have come back in good style and can win with the right run.

STAKING STRATEGY: 3 units to win on Silzoar (5) and 2 units to win on Rougeau (2).

Race 8 4:12pm Luxbet All Weather Sprint Prelude (1000m)

Manchero, Sound Bar and Underplay look most likely to lead here from their inside draws ahead of Merrick’s Beauty. Maybe an advantage to be on speed here with high pressure appearing unlikely but with a genuine tempo and a smaller field there should be no real excuses for any of these.

Le Bel Opera (5) is racing in a rich vein of form having won his past four starts and he has won a trial to keep him up to the mark since his last win six weeks ago. Loves this track, having only missed a top 2 finish once in his 10 runs, and has won 3 races over this 1000m trip. Takes on this grade for the first time but regularly runs fast time and can travel strongly on any speed. Main negative is the wide draw as he has been thriving on tracking up with cover in his wins but if he can get in and get a good cart into the race he can win again.

Sound Bar (2) resumes here after two good trials so he should be ready to fire first-up. Ran 2nd in this race last year behind Tennessee Drive and has won 6 of 9 here on his home track. Looks to get an ideal run near the lead from the good draw and proven in this grade. Has a good winning chance.

Tennessee Drive (3) is another resumer who has had a recent trial and should be ready to go. Won the two sprint races here last season in impressive fashion before a consistent campaign where he just didn’t quite measure up against the top class. Has won 7 of 10 here including 3 of 4 at this trip and has a devastating sprint when able to get cover in the run. Looks like he can get it here and has as good a hope as any.

Underplay (7) is racing well in easier grade against some pretty smart horses, winning well first-up over Siorca at this trip before being narrowly beaten by Nielson last time. Will appreciate a big drop in weight here and can get a good run on speed from a good draw. Has to prove himself in this grade but finds a pretty suitable race to have a crack in. Definitely in the mix.

Merrick’s Beauty (4) is a smart mare resuming without a trial but is generally very good fresh. Has won at this track and while she has no real exposure at this short trip it should be very suitable with the speed on. Proven to be up to this grade and she has been victorious against many of her rivals here so she must be respected.

Next best Manchero (8) (strong win last time in easier grade, loves this course but query in this class).

Verdict: Small but quality field with as many as 6 winning chances. Le Bel Opera (5) is flying and can win again, while Sound Bar (2) looks ready to give a big sight on speed.

STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Le Bel Opera (5) and 2 units to win on Sound Bar (2).

Race 9 4:50pm Birdcage Tavern & Function Centre Benchmark 72 Handicap (1150m)

A number of these like to be near the lead but look for Gee Gees Style to find the front as he did last time out. Just Call Me Fred, Private Currency, Steel Moon and Meconsul will fight out positions on speed ahead of Son Of Faith.

Steel Moon (5) is racing in excellent form and wouldn’t have been out of place in the Sprint Prelude. Very impressive winner last time under these conditions and wouldn’t have thought a 1.5kg weight rise would be enough to pull him up. Wide draw but has the speed to work across into a spot near the lead. Hasn’t run a bad race since arriving in the state and looks likely to win again.

Just Call Me Fred (3) is a very honest galloper who resumes with a trial under his belt and won his only start here on his home track. Always finishes close to the winner and can get a gun run from the inside draw. Clark’s claim helps with a bit of weight relief and he is proven in this grade. Looks the main danger.

Private Currency (2) is a very talented galloper who was quite easy in betting when resuming with a plain 5th behind Vigilante. Has a number of gear changes here and gets in well at the weights with Graham’s claim. No doubt he is up to this on his best form and has had a trial since to tighten him up further but coming back from a bad injury and punters may want to see him return to his best first.

Meconsul (4) copped a bad check first-up when finishing midfield behind Steel Moon so he should have finished closer than he did. Generally races well on this surface and gets in pretty well with Punch’s claim. Comes up with a tricky draw which may cause issues if he can’t get in but does have early speed to try and overcome it. Hasn’t won for over a year but has strong place claims at least.

Son Of Faith (6) was very disappointing first-up in easier company when he was struggling to hold his position on the home turn and was well beaten. Gets a bit of weight relief here going up in grade but this looks a harder race so he will need to improve sharply to be in the mix. He has promised plenty in previous preps so the ability is there but hard to recommend too strongly off that fresh effort

Next best Gee Gees Style (1) (gutsy on-pacer better for first-up run but has plenty of weight and hard to see him turning the tables on the winner so more of a good place hope).

Verdict: Hard to go past Steel Moon (5) in the form he is in. Just Call Me Fred (3) looks the major danger.

STAKING STRATEGY: 8 units to win on Steel Moon (5) and 2 units to win on Just Call Me Fred (3).