The third week of the Devonport winter carnival takes place this Sunday with an 8 event card set to kick off at 12:15pm. The highlight of the day is the $25,000 Luxbet All Weather Sprint Final where Le Bel Opera will be looking to do the double having won the Prelude a fortnight ago.
Race 1 12:15pm Magic Millions Maiden (1000m)
Giselle’s Girl showed good speed last time and can be near the lead here with newcomer Orange Encounter and Divine Plan, who both look to have plenty of early speed from the trials. Gee Gee Mightymiss might look to push forward also if she begins well. Those settling near the lead look advantaged.
Orange Encounter (7) makes her debut here for Adam Trinder after two trials in the past month. Showed good speed at her most recent trial where she won easily by a space in average time. Looks primed for a big showing and has found the right race to kick off in so must respect any positive market moves. A leading chance.
Canam (1) found some form last time over this course when a narrow 2nd behind Kirribilli Kid in what was admittedly a weak maiden. Has both a fitness and experience edge over many of these and has been improving with each run. A repeat of his last run has him in the mix here.
Gee Gee Mightymiss (4) comes back to 1000m after a couple of fair runs over further at her past couple. Hasn’t been far away at all three runs this prep but hasn’t had a lot of luck at the start of her races. Has a nose roll on here which may bring about some improvement but she does have a tricky draw to overcome. Shouldn’t be too far away again and can win with the right run.
Giselle’s Girl (5) wasn’t hopeless first-up before a plain second-up effort in what looks to be quite a strong maiden won by Count Montagu. Showed much more early speed there and can take advantage of the inside draw if she performs similarly. Yet to finish off a race properly but looks an improving type who may be underestimated by the market.
Divine Plan (3) ran last at her only start as a 2yo behind Hot Dipped before being immediately spelled. Has had two nice trials leading into this and been held together on both occasions. Looks well placed on her home track over this short trip and can run a race fresh.
Verdict: Orange Encounter (7) finds a nice race to kick off in and think she can be winning if she puts it all together on race day. Keep an eye on Divine Plan (3) who can show up at longer odds off the back of a couple of handy trials.
STAKING STRATEGY: 5 units to win on Orange Encounter (7) and 2 units to win on Divine Plan (3).
Race 2 12:55pm Sharee Marshall F&M Maiden (1150m)
Looks a very basic tempo with no genuine leader. Shanghai Lily and Glistening Star look most likely to take up the running ahead of Our Caption, while Somatra showed good speed in a recent trial for a mare looking for longer trips. Those that land in the first couple should get every chance here.
Our Caption (2) has been freshened after a couple of 2nds over 1350m to come back to this trip. Ran a good 2nd behind Roo Barb over this course three starts ago, beating home subsequent winner Exclusive Saturday, and with racing she has been overcoming her tardiness at the start. She can get a good run from the inside draw here and looks a top chance to break her maiden status.
Mariah’s Magic (6) was a little disappointing fresh when beaten as an even-money favourite behind Count Montagu. That may prove to be a decent race however and this looks less competitive. Rise in trip looks very suitable and she may settle closer from the good draw. Clearly has ability on her 2yo form and no surprise to see her improve sharply here.
Pelagia (7) has run some nice races in her three run career so far, with them all being over this course. Not far away at her past couple and may have finished closer with a touch more luck but her get-back racing style does require things to work out in her favour. Maybe looking for a bit further now at her 4th run but continues to run into the finish and she can be the one storming home late again.
Shanghai Lily (3) wasn’t hopeless first-up in this state when a close-up 6th behind Sunset Party over this course a fortnight ago. Should get a good run on-speed here for Clark and that run may have brought her on for this. Expect her to be in the right spot and challenging at the business end.
Glistening Star (1) was a better run last time than it reads on paper as she got skittled in the home straight and should have finished much closer. Rise in trip should help and she looks capable of putting herself into a good position in the run. Lightly raced so has a bit of scope but she needs to keep improving to be a leading hope here.
Next best Somatra (4) (form reads poorly and better over further but showed plenty of speed in her trial so no surprise if she runs a much better race).
Verdict: Our Caption (2) looks hard to beat but may come up at a price that reflects that so happy to give Mariah’s Magic (6) another try second-up here. For those looking for something longer in the market, Glistening Star (1) and Somatra (4) may improve.
STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Mariah’s Magic (6).
Race 3 1:35pm 2016 Thoroughbred Award Dinner 26 August Benchmark 62 Handicap (1650m)
Good competition for the lead in this with Dehughes, Kool Kash and Scouting Around all looking to be in front or close to it. Robbo The Bold and Welcome Invader will look to go forward from wider out while Quaternion Eagle and Rialto Jess can be just behind them. A good tempo should give all their chance.
Robbo The Bold (2) hasn’t done much wrong since arriving in the state, winning both starts on this track and there is no reason he can’t make it a winning hat trick. Won over this course two back before getting the job done in this grade at 1880m. Wide barrier could be a concern but has the speed to go forward to overcome it and if he can slot in her looks an excellent chance to complete a winning hat-trick.
Big Pegg (7) ran an excellent race second-up to finish a narrow 2nd behind the flying Tara’s Gem after losing the rider first-up. This looks a bit easier and the step up to the mile looks very suitable. Made good improvement last prep and looks to have made the step up again this time in. From a good draw she only has to run up to her last effort to be hard to beat here.
Scouting Around (5) continued his consistent form with a 3rd behind Tara’s Gem last time over 1350m. Hasn’t raced over this distance range for a while but last time he did he ran a game 2nd behind Charcol after setting an insane tempo in front, and he also placed 2nd in his only try over this course. Ready to try the trip again and with a good run near the lead he will be hard to run down.
Princess Atilla (9) has run two good races from as many tries this prep, the latest being a narrow win over Storm Gust in easier company over this course a fortnight ago. Should be just about cherry ripe now 3rd up but Toker does have the job ahead to slot her into a position. Up in grade is a concern but has a light weight and can win.
Kool Kash (1) ran his usual honest race last time over 1880m when 3rd behind Zigold. Has been quite consistent this time in without winning and drop back to 1650m is probably ideal considering his good record over this course. Has plenty of competition for the front here but thrives on a solid tempo and expect him to be around the mark again.
Next best Dehughes (4) (races well over this course but may not get the chance to dictate this time).
Verdict: Big Pegg (7) looks to have come back in good order and is suited up to the mile here in a race with many chances.
STAKING STRATEGY: 3 units to win on Big Pegg (7).
Race 4 2:15pm R J Print & Signs C,G&E Maiden (1150m)
Plenty of speed from wide out should ensure a genuine tempo here. Life’s Quest, Etown and newcomer O’lonh Star can charge forward out wide to take up the running ahead of Highly Leveraged, Tough Vic and debutant Westerly Haze down on the inside.
O’lonh Star (6) is a 4yo gelding by O’Lonhro making his debut here for John Keys. Had the one trial, where he was very impressive winning by a big margin in good time. Looks to have plenty of early speed to overcome his wide draw and is in with a nice weight with Punch’s claim. Watch the market but suggest he will be very hard to beat.
Saint’s Quest (7) has his first run for his new trainer Rowan Hamer here after previously racing with Graeme McCulloch. Form from first prep was quite consistent behind some handy gallopers and should find this a bit easier than the summer form. Has had a couple of handy trials and can run a big race fresh.
Etown (1) has run well in two starts here since a spell, including a close 2nd last time over this course behind Sunset Party. Has the speed to go forward from his wide draw and looks to be going as well as he ever has. Winless in 26 starts isn’t a great stat when trying to find a winner but consistent type who should be around the money again and looks one of the dangers.
Tough Vic (11) didn’t show a great deal in his two runs as a 2yo but has had two trials to prepare for this and his last one was quite a solid performance. Bred to improve with age and distance so it wouldn’t shock if he has come right on since his first prep. Not a hard race to show up in and has shown better speed at the trials so if he can find a good spot from his wider draw he has a winning chance.
Highly Leveraged (4) wasn’t bad first-up when 3rd behind Mercury Queen when Ryan Plumb was able to take advantage of a slow tempo and take him to the front. Not likely to get the same run here with speed drawn out wide but should get a good run just behind them. A repeat of his first-up effort has him in the mix here but does need to go on with it to be a strong hope.
Next best Life’s Quest (5) (has had a few chances but can take up a position on speed and has blinkers first time).
Verdict: O’Lonh Star (6) is likely to run a popular elect but deserves to do so off his only appearance at the trials. Look for Saint’s Quest (7) to run a race if fancied by the market.
STAKING STRATEGY: 6 units to win on O’Lonh Star (6) and 2 units to win on Saint’s Quest (7).
Race 5 2:55pm Tasracing.com.au Class 1 Handicap (1150m)
Big competitive field and expect a strong tempo. Count Montagu can lead them up while Specialist may kick up inside him if he begins better than he did fresh. A number of runners can be up challenging for a spot near the lead, with the most likely of them Gee Gee Sun Valley, Hoodwinked, Dharmini and Sunset Party. Should be enough pressure to give those off speed their chance.
Specialist (1) was a very firm favourite when resuming and didn’t do a bad job after being caught wide to run 3rd behind Exclusive Saturday in this grade. Step up to 1150m looks alright and he can get a much nicer run from a good draw. Should be better for the run after a long break through injury and expect him to be improved here second-up. Looks very hard to beat.
Count Montagu (4) is still learning the caper but was quite impressive last time defeating Kepta when allowed to control the speed in front. Has raced greenly on both occasions so still plenty of improvement to come when he figures things out and form from his maiden win might be alright. Can get a good run from a nice barrier here and is a genuine chance of making it two in a row.
Mercury Queen (3) is a well bred mare who has produced a big finish at both starts so far over this course. Was beautifully ridden last time when a narrow victor over Island Tiger but now finds herself in a much tougher race and a bigger field to negotiate. Looks a nice horse in the making and can be finishing hard if the pressure is on up front but has to keep improving up to this grade.
Dharmini (2) landed some good bets first up in maiden company before tackling a very strong BM62 where she was far from disgraced. Ran a similar race to My Paige Three there who has won since and only finishing 4L behind Teriki and Nielson is excellent form for a race in this grade. Gets in light with Punch’s claim but has to overcome a wide gate and prove herself at the longer trip. Looks a definite knockout chance if she can get the right run.
Gee Gee Sun Valley (10) ran a nice race first up when a narrow 2nd behind Rougeau in this grade. Gets in light with Wong’s claim and can race near the lead with the step up in trip. Performs well on this surface and has form last time in around some pretty handy gallopers. Honest mare who won’t be far away again and can win.
Next best Black Hills (9) (has flashed home at two previous runs over 1000m and looks suited by step up in trip but racing pattern can make it hard at this course).
Verdict: Specialist (1) is the class runner of the field and can make amends for his first-up defeat. Dharmini (2) may be the knockout runner off a good run in higher grade.
STAKING STRATEGY: 7 units to win on Specialist (1) and 1 unit to win on Dharmini (2).
Race 6 3:34pm Simons Design Centre Class 2 Handicap (1000m)
Watch Over Me and Rocklea Road look the ones to pilot the field here and should set a good tempo without a great deal of pressure. Before All and Secrets She Has will push forward to find a position (with the latter capable of charging if desired) but the rest of these are generally happy to relax off the speed. On-pacers will get their chance if good enough.
Rozzie Roo (3) is a lightly raced 6yo mare with plenty of ability resuming after a short summer campaign. Had two impressive trials on this surface leading into this run which suggests she’s ready to go here. Proven in this grade with narrow defeats at the hands of good horses such as Geegees Soprano and Vandemeer and should run a big race fresh.
Ariconte (5) is a smart 4yo resuming with two solid trials under his belt. Raced very well last prep without winning, proving competitive against the best 3yos in the state. Won his only start here on his home track but does have to contend with a wide draw. Expect him to be ready to go and if he can get in from the wide gate he will take some beating.
Rougeau (1) is racing in good form and was strong last time when winning over this course in C1 grade. Was given every chance there and will find this harder but has a liking for this track and can get a gun run again from an inside draw. In form runner with a fitness edge over most of these and is in the mix.
Concentrate (2) is a new addition to the Graeme McCulloch stable after racing for Lloyd Kennewell in South Australia. Was a very promising younger horse who contested a Group 2 early in his career but recent racing has been in midweek benchmark grade. Has only had 3 weeks from his last run so will be fit enough to show up here and any positive market support should be respected.
Watch Over Me (6) has been racing well without winning and drops back to 1000m here after racing over further for all of this prep. Gets in light with Clark’s claim and in a race without great pressure she may ping straight to the lead from the inside draw. Not sure how well suited she is back at this short trip and she might find a couple who can sprint quicker at the finish but looks like getting the right run to give a sight.
Next best Secrets She Has (4) (resuming after one trial, both runs this surface good in easier company, has talent).
Verdict: Competitive race with a number of runners resuming. Want to be with Rozzie Roo (3) who looks ready to go after two smart trials but many of these can win without surprising.
STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Rozzie Roo (3).
Race 7 4:10pm Luxbet All Weather Sprint Final (1150m)
This looks loaded with speed after the Prelude was run at a pretty basic tempo a fortnight ago. Manchero, Underplay and Sound Bar can all go forward like they did there, while Tiger Jack and Valiant Warrior will look to go quick from their outside draws. With Meconsul and Vigilante looking to be close and Le Bel Opera capable of being handy also there should be plenty of pressure throughout.
Le Bel Opera (4) is racing in outstanding form, having won his past 5 starts all at this track including a last start win in the Sprint Prelude a fortnight ago. His past two starts at this longer trip have resulted in impressive victories and he does look suited if the speed goes right on here. Daniel Ganderton has been riding him to perfection and if he does so again he can continue on his merry way.
Valiant Warrior (1) returns from two starts in Victoria this prep which saw a close up finish at Geelong followed by an 11th at Flemington in a much tougher race than he contests here. Has only raced once here on his home track but that was an enormous maiden win so the surface holds no fears. Class runner of the field but has the big weight and wide gate to contend with. No surprise if he proves too good but will need to be at his best.
Tennessee Drive (3) wasn’t suited by the tempo when a first-up 5th in the Sprint Prelude but finished his race off nicely to suggest he will be spot on for this. Won this race last year in impressive style and looks to get his favourite type of run this time - in behind the speed covered up. With more pressure likely here he is the one suited if produced late and is a genuine winning hope.
Underplay (9) showed he was competitive in this grade last time out in the Sprint Prelude when a solid 3rd and the extra trip looks right up his alley here. Gets a good draw for a good run near or just behind the lead and both his runs over this course have been very good. Has to keep improving to be winning here but is on the up and should get every chance.
Sound Bar (2) was just fair first-up in the Sprint Prelude but worth nothing he has only placed once in 5 first-up runs so he should be improved here with that run under his belt. Hasn’t missed a place over this course, having won 3 from 5, and he placed 3rd in this race last year behind Tennessee Drive. Added distance is in his favour and he should be thereabouts at the finish as he usually is.
Next best Manchero (8) (racing in career best form but think he gets a tougher run this time than when 2nd in the Prelude).
Verdict: Valiant Warrior (1) brings the class here but can’t go past the flying Le Bel Opera (4) who continues to step up to the mark. A saver on last year’s winner Tennessee Drive (3) might be a good idea also with him likely to be flying late.
STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Le Bel Opera (4) and 1 unit to win on Tennessee Drive (3).
Race 8 4:42pm Bird Cage Tavern & Function Centre Class 5 Handicap (1350m)
Maccy Fields can overcome her wide draw by taking up the running here. Foreshore Dane will likely kick up from her inside draw while Just Call Me Fred and Don’t We Love It can look to box seat. If they find their positions early the tempo might only be steady, making things tough for those back in the field.
Maccy Fields (3) was a strong winner last start over 1150m at this track and looks ready to return to this trip now. Previous run at this course was better than it reads on paper after she had to do a lot of work mid-race and she was won up to a mile in Adelaide. In a race without great pressure up front she can roll forward from the wide gate and looks hard to beat.
Just Call Me Fred (1) is an honest 5yo who resumed with a solid 3rd behind Steel Moon and Meconsul over 1150m a fortnight ago. Gets to 1350m second-up which is much quicker than he has in previous preparations but he did win his only try over this course last prep with 59kg. Gets a nice claim for Raquel Clark and should be able to find a good spot near the lead so he looks to have a good winning chance as he usually does.
O’Reillys Geegee (5) hasn’t won for a long time but continues to run good races, including a last start 2nd here over this course behind Harvey Bay. This is no harder and he stays down in the weights and benefits from a nice inside draw again. This is about his best trip and he has beaten a few of his main rivals here previously so he should be right in the finish again.
Don’t We Love It (9) was a good effort last start in a fast-run race when narrowly defeated by Gwemrae after racing just behind the speed. Goes back up in grade here which is a concern but showed he can still take up a forward position when desired and may land in a really good spot in this. Another who hasn’t won for a long time but has run top 2 in 4 of his 5 goes over this course and can be competitive in this.
Gwemrae (4) improved sharply second-up over this course when she relished a strong tempo to win convincingly in easier grade a fortnight ago. Promising staying mare who has the class to be competitive in this grade but ideally wants a strong tempo and might be looking for further. Hard to pot entirely as she is in form and enjoys this surface but will need things to go her way again.
Next best Flying Cruiser (2) (strong galloper suited resuming at this trip off two trials and placed this track, racing pattern not entirely suited by respect positive market support).
Verdict: Hard race to finish the quaddie with a number of horses who haven’t won for a long time so happy to go with last start winner Maccy Fields (3).
STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units on Maccy Fields (3) to win.
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