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Posted 2016-09-23 04:29:23  
Davenport Sunday Racing 25 Sept 2016


Racing this Sunday is at Devonport, which hosts its last meeting until December after an extensive winter program. The 8 race card throws up a number of races with many winning chances and with showers forecast for the weekend the track should race very consistently once again.

 

Race 1 12:50pm Go Racing Tasmania Maiden (1000m)

 

Genuine speed here from Millie Mateba, Divine Strategy and Orange Encounter, while the debutant Fancy Nat may also be capable of driving through from her inside draw. No reason the best horse won’t win here with the good tempo and small field.

 

Divine Strategy (2) did a good job on debut when a narrow 2nd behind Snowing Sun here over 900m in what should prove to be a handy form race. Raced outside the leader there and looks likely to have the same run here. Extra distance should suit and race experience can bring her on. Nice type of mare and doesn’t have to go much better than her first run to be hard to beat in this.

 

Millie Mateba (4) wasn’t bad first-up when 4th behind Snowing Sun considering she was three-wide throughout. Drawn inside the speed here which may result in her leading on the fence and she improved with racing at her first preparation. Has obvious claims here and is one of the leading chances.

 

Canam (6) continues to race well without winning. Rise back to 1000m should suit him as he gets back in the run and he ran 2nd at his past two runs over this trip. May track up with a good run behind the speed here from the inside draw and can be the fresh one late if the leaders attack each other. Needs things to go right with his racing pattern but has a chance.

 

Fancy Nat (3) makes her debut here after a number of trials where she has shown some ability but still has a bit to learn. Gets in light with Wong’s claim and can get a good run from the inside draw. Has had five trials since June so no query on her fitness levels. Watch betting closely.

 

Orange Encounter (7) had trialled nicely leading into her debut but has been a tad disappointing at her two starts thus far. The drop back to 1000m looks suitable after placing over this course on debut but she comes up with a tricky draw here. Not hopeless but needs to improve to be winning here.

 

Verdict: Could be as many as five winning hopes here but realistically the winner looks to come from Divine Strategy (2) or Millie Mateba (4). Going to stick with the former who may have more improvement to come being only her second start.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 6 units to win on Divine Strategy (2).

 

Race 2 1:30pm Magic Millions Maiden/Class 1 (1880m)

 

Distinct lack of natural speed here. Ronaldo’s Goal may be the one to take up the running but the opportunity is there for one of these to roll to the lead and get an advantage dictating the tempo.

 

Ronaldo’s Goal (1) was well fancied at his Tasmanian debut here a fortnight ago but was quite plain when 4th behind Storm Gust. Was a late nomination for this event so it is possibly an afterthought to run him here. That said, this is a weak affair, his last run reads alright for it and he shapes to get a comfortable run on speed. May well make amends this time.

 

Sh’bourne Dylaca (8) went to the mile for the first time last start and ran home well into 2nd behind Storm Gust despite copping a big bump from that horse in the straight. Now goes to this trip for the first time but bred to run it and finished off last time like he’ll appreciate it. Gets in light with Maskiell’s claim and that formline is as strong as any in the race. Can mix her form but looks pretty well placed.

 

Rialto Jess (4) did a bit of work in the run last time when 6th behind Storm Gust after coming back from a handy 4th over this course a fortnight prior. Has the ability to go forward which would prove an advantage in this and her form ties in alright with the main chances in this. Rarely runs a bad race so suggest she has each-way claims here.

 

Kadann (2) did a good job last time to stick on for 5th last time after making a mid-race move from back in the field. Should derive plenty of fitness from that tough effort and he did run 3rd behind Windell last year in his only try over this course. Has had plenty of chances but won’t find a race much weaker than this and can be thereabouts.

 

Treat Me Right (6) hasn’t done a whole lot in three starts in this state but is finally getting up to her right trip. Has drawn double-digit barriers at all three runs so will appreciate finally drawing a gate and her Victorian form is good enough for a race like this. Looks a possible improver.

 

Verdict: Couple of standout chances here in Ronaldo’s Goal (1) and Sh’bourne Dylaca (8). Happy to go with the latter who is on the up and may be the better price.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 3 units each way on Sh’bourne Dylaca (8).

 

Race 3 2:07pm Royal Rapture Benchmark 72 Handicap (1650m)

 

Stablemates Foreshore Dane and Sound Bar should set the speed here, with Zigold and Diamond Cutter likely to be handy in the run. Doesn’t look to be too much pressure so those on speed should get every hope.

 

Zigold (5) is racing in excellent form since getting out to this trip and beyond. Last time was a very good 2nd behind Sound Bar after being shuffled back approaching the turn. Stays right down in the weights with Clark’s claim and can get a gun run near the lead from the inside draw. Looks very well placed here and should take some beating.

 

Sound Bar (1) thrived at his first run over this distance last time when winning over this course in just a tick outside the track record. With Graham’s 4kg claim he stays around his winning weight from last start and he can only be fitter for what was a fast-run race. Should be right on the speed again but Graham is still learning to ride over these longer trips. Hard to beat again with the right run.

 

Gwemrae (3) wasn’t bad last time behind Sound Bar at her first run over this trip this prep when caught wide in a fast-run race. Should be just about spot on now but again comes up with a wide draw to contend with. Promising staying mare who races well at this track and with a better run in transit she can be in the finish.

 

Holy Cat (2) has had plenty of issues at the barriers this prep, missing the start on all three occasions. First couple of runs were pretty good considering and last time wasn’t bad in open grade. Holds the track record here at 1880m so has the ability and has had another lot of gear changes to try and switch him on early. Not a reliable proposition but if he puts it all together he is a knockout chance.

 

Diamond Cutter (7) had all the favours in the run last time but was good enough to win in what was apparently a lead in run to this race. Steps right up in grade here but again draws well and can get a nice run just behind the lead. Not sure he is up to this but getting the right run gives him definite place claims.

 

Next best Robbo The Bold (4) (back to mile not ideal but won twice this surface) and Foreshore Dane (6) (on-pacer with no weight but unproven in this grade and a query at the trip)

 

Verdict: Sound Bar (1) and Zigold (5) hold obvious appeal from their good runs last start and look hardest to beat again. Want to be with Zigold (5) this time, who can turn the tables with better luck in running.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 6 units to win on Zigold (5).

 

Race 4 2:46pm Happy Actual Retirement Annette Maiden (1150m)

 

Turbogoesbananas and Kaoru can take up the running here although Glory Blaze, Dad’s Girl and Our Caption from the wide draw are capable of disputing the lead. Every horse should get their chance but no disadvantage being on speed.

 

Ty Dash (7) was the medium of extended market support at her first run for Team Wells, shortening from as long as $19 to start a $3 favourite, but she was never a hope over 1000m when she went back to last from the outside barrier. Her late sectionals were very good and this could be a much different story up in trip from the inside barrier. Stays down in the weights with Wong’s claim and form from last run should hold up. Respect the market and she is a leading hope here.

 

Saint’s Quest (3) found all sorts of trouble here a fortnight ago when having his second run for Rowan Hamer, finishing a close-up 5th behind Glistening Star despite only getting clear for the last 100m. Both runs this prep have been good and he looks well up to a race like this. Needs luck with his racing pattern to be off the speed but with clear running he’ll take some holding out.

 

Kaoru (2) was a much better run than it looks on paper when 6th behind Snowing Sun at his first run for Adam Trinder. Was forced to race four-wide outside the leaders throughout so no surprise he couldn’t finish off his race. Draws out a bit here but at the longer trip he’ll have more time to get across and he could easily land outside the leader. Doesn’t have to improve a great deal on his first-up run and is firmly in the mix.

 

Our Caption (6) is knocking on the door with five consecutive placings, including four straight seconds at this track. Can go forward without being a noted speedster but may end up in an awkward spot from the wide draw in this. Has had some chances but if she gets in from the wide draw she can be in the finish again.

 

It’s A Battle (9) did a good job on debut when running a close 2nd behind Glistening Star over this course. Stays down in the weights with Clark’s claim and drawn out again probably suits as he’ll likely settle off the speed. This race has more depth than last time but with the right run he can show up late.

 

Next best Glory Blaze (1) (been ok at both runs, has winkers first time and can take up a good spot from an inside draw).

 

Verdict: Competitive race with many chances. Market showed its hand last time with Ty Dash (7) and she did enough late to suggest she can be a big improver here.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Ty Dash (7).

 

Race 5 3:25pm Dannebrog Class 3 Handicap (1150m)

 

Good speed on paper here with Exclusive Saturday, Nielson, Watch Over Me and Ariconte all capable of racing near the lead at a strong tempo. Geegees Drummerboy and Gee Gees Blondie have also shown the ability to lead so shouldn’t be far away. Looks a high pressure race.

 

Nielson (2) is racing in good heart but has had to settle for 2nd at his past three runs behind a couple of smart 4yos in I’m Wesley and Teriki (who both combined to break a track record at the last meeting here). 1150m is suitable for him at this stage of his prep and he stays right down in the weights with Graham’s 4kg claim. May find plenty of pressure up front here but has shown at his past couple he is capable of sitting just behind the speed and running well. Looks a great chance again.

 

Concentrate (3) has made quite an impression at his two Tasmanian runs for Graeme McCulloch. His win last time out was breathtaking, coming from last to win easily and reeling off some super late sectionals to do so. That win was in this grade over this course so is obviously a great guide for this and he will appreciate the likely pressure up front. If he can repeat that performance then it will take something good to beat him.

 

Ariconte (9) is crying out to win a race but ran into a freak performance last time when 2nd behind Concentrate. Controlled the speed there and beat the rest comfortably but has a bit of a task here in a pressure race from the wide draw. Does have the talent of Kyle Maskiell to try and overcome it and he gets in light with his claim. Smart 4yo who is in the mix in a hot race.

 

Gee Gees Blondie (5) has been kept fresh since a gutsy win in BM62 grade over this course last month. Failed in this grade two starts back behind Nielson but that was the only time she hasn’t run top 2 in 7 starts at this track. Has shown herself to be capable of racing well on speed in fast races and is in well with Wong’s claim. This is her toughest test but has each-way claims.

 

Watch Over Me (8) was very impressive two starts back over the 1000m but found a couple of these better last time over this trip. Likes this surface but has only placed twice in five tries over this trip and doesn’t look as suited in a pressure race. Consistent mare who is usually around the mark but is maybe more of a place proposition.

 

Next best Rather Heroic (1) (first start for Schuuring, strong Victorian form over staying trips, somewhat unknown over this shorter trip so watch betting) and Exclusive Saturday (4) (races well here but found this grade too tough last time and this isn’t any easier).

 

Verdict: Good race. Have been with Nielson (2) all prep and while he looks hard to beat again, it’s hard not to stick with Concentrate (3) who was super last time and looks suited chasing the pressure up front. Respect for Ariconte (9) and Gee Gees Blondie (5) especially in quaddies.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Concentrate (3).

 

Race 6 4:00pm Luxbet Class 1 Handicap (1000m)

 

A stack of speed engaged here so expect another high pressure affair. The lead can be disputed by Tuscan Classic, Lotza Kitty, Gee Gee Spitfire and Greensborough, but the likes of Specialist, Dharmini, Gee Gees Vicki and Fill Ya Boots could all show up near the lead with a fast start from the gates.

 

Tuscan Classic (4) has been given a let-up since his first preparation for Adam Trinder which saw a win and three placings from five starts on this track. Looks suited at this trip fresh and did have the speed to win his maiden over 900m. Draws nicely for Maskiell to get a good run near the lead. Looks a leading chance in a wide open race.

 

Meteor Strike (5) is a lightly raced 5yo who has showed plenty of ability in his five career starts to date. All three runs here on his home track have been very good as have been his two fresh runs. Comes here with a trial under his belt and should be ready to go at this trip. Wide draw may be tricky but may keep him out of trouble and if he can track something into the race he is a definite hope.

 

Fill Ya Boots (9) is also first-up from a break after a handy first preparation where she broke her maiden at her most recent start in Hobart. Hasn’t raced at this track but did win a trial comfortably here last year so it shouldn’t hold any issues. Ran very well in the 3yo Magic Millions in a pressure race which reads very well for a race like this and looks well suited ridden behind the speed from a good draw. Looks to get her chance to make the jump into this grade.

 

Greensborough (2) comes here off a two month break after breaking his maiden status over this course at his third career start. Has shown himself to be a horse of above-average ability already but finds a hard race to make his first step into C1 grade. Has the speed to go forward from his wide gate but good chance he gets caught wide with the short run to the first turn. Has a bit against him here but smart horse and with luck in running he can show up.

 

Gee Gee Spitfire (8) resumes from a spell here with a trial win in Hobart under his belt. Has never seen this surface which is generally a negative. Form reads well from his 2yo preparation and should get a decent run with McCoull on from a middle draw. Hard to line him up so watch the market but he looks one of many chances here.

 

Next best Specialist (3) (has ability and had excuses both runs but needs to improve and not sure inside gate suits) but also further chances in a wide open race to Snowing Sun (1), Black Hills (10), Lotza Kitty (11) and Dharmini (12).

 

Verdict: Very open race so no surprise if we see a winner at odds. Hard to narrow down but Tuscan Classic (4) has the right form and can be in the right spot from a good draw which gives him every chance. Want to have something on Fill ya Boots (9) who has plenty of speed and may be well suited with cover in a high-pressure contest.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 2 units to win on Tuscan Classic (4) and Fill Ya Boots (9).

 

Race 7 4:34pm Simons Design Centre Benchmark 72 Handicap (1000m)

 

After showing blistering speed last start and only just missing, expect Teriki to fire out of the wide gate to take up the lead again here. Gee Gees Style and Steel Moon look most likely to be behind her in a race without much pressure on speed.

 

Steel Moon (4) has done nothing wrong since joining Adam Trinder earlier this year and comes here freshened up off a 7 week break. 1000m looks ideal fresh and his only run over this course was very good when he arguably should have beaten Le Bel Opera. Travels very strongly so he should enjoy having Teriki to chase should she run along. Very good galloper who will take a power of beating.

 

Teriki (7) couldn’t have gone any better last time when flying along in the lead and it took a track record from I’m Wesley to run her down. Comes back to 1000m here but ran well at both runs over this trip previously in this prep. Not much pressure up front means she can run along in the lead again from her wide gate if desired without too much attention. Fast mare who will take some running down.

 

Wanaea (8) wasn’t bad first-up when 4th behind Manchero over this course when unsuited by the tempo. Has had a break again since that run which should suit at this distance and she races very well fresh. Will appreciate if Teriki sets a fast tempo and gate 1 may provide her the run with cover she will need to run down the top two hopes. Needs a bit to go her way in the run but shapes as the knockout chance at odds.

 

Just Call Me Fred (3) is an honest galloper but after two fair runs this prep over longer trips he comes back to 1000m off a freshen. Likes this track and placed his only run over 1000m but query that it is a bit sharp for him at this stage of his career. No match for Steel Moon first-up and stable apprentice Clark is on the stablemate so appeals more as a place chance.

 

Lazy Democracy (6) resumes after a long spell for a new stable with Scott Brunton now pulling the strings. Had a quiet trial in Hobart leading into this and first-up last time in was only beaten 3.4L here in open grade behind Geegees Doublejay. Generally goes well fresh but may need the run now he is getting older and off a long break. Has place claims.

 

Next best Classic Outlaw (9) (consistent type who hasn’t won for a long time and has reached his mark but from a good draw he can show up for a place).

 

Verdict: Looks just about a match race here. All respect for Teriki (7) who is going very well, but I want to be with Steel Moon (4). Think he can stalk her and beat her in what looks a pretty clear quinella for punters who are that way inclined.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 8 units to win on Steel Moon (4).

 

Race 8 5:10pm Birdcage Tavern Benchmark 62 Handicap (1350m)

 

No obvious speed here. Steel Brom and Himation look most likely to take up the lead but the opportunity is there for something to take the lead with early intent. Don’t We Love It should get a good run from a good draw while Crystal Flame has a task to get in from the wide barrier.

 

Don’t We Love It (4) is racing in excellent form and has strung together three narrow 2nds over this course in a row leading into this. With a lack of genuine speed he can take advantage of the good barrier and settle close to the speed as he did three runs ago. Doesn’t win often but has run top 2 over this course in 6 of his 7 tries and is proven in this grade and beyond. Finds a pretty suitable race and appeals as top pick.

 

Tara’s Gem (3) is another racing in really good form and hasn’t run a bad race in 3 goes over this course. Close up 4th behind Crystal Flame over this trip last time which is obviously good enough form for this with most of the leading chances coming through that event. Always needs luck from back in the field but Clark is a positive rider so if the speed isn’t there early she may be able to settle midfield. Always runs home hard so if she is within striking distance on the turn she’ll be hard to hold out.

 

Crystal Flame (5) has won his past two attempts over this course, including last start when she beat many of her rivals here. Did get a lovely run behind the lead on that occasion from a good draw but Ganderton has his work cut out this time from the outside gate. Racing much better now she has improved her tactical speed and should she find a good spot in the run she’ll be hard to beat again.

 

Himation (2) has raced in much higher grade than this across his career but hasn’t won for a long time and was well held last time out behind Crystal Flame. Should be advantaged getting a cheap run on speed and gets in well with Graham’s claim. Can be around the mark again but prefer to look to those racing in better form.

 

Tambro’s Game (7) loves racing over this course but her recent effort when 7th behind Crystal Flame was quite disappointing. That was her second failure with 57.5kg so maybe she doesn’t handle carrying the weight and comes here back down to 54kg with Jessie Philpot’s claim. Can go forward which would be a bonus here but needs to improve to be winning.

 

Next best Steel Brom (9) (blinkers go on so can get good run for Darmanin from inside draw, will find this easier than last time).

 

Verdict: Looking to the top three hopes to fight things out again here. Think Don’t We Love It (4) is most advantaged by the barriers and likely tempo and if he can take up a good position in running he can finally break through for an overdue win.

 

STAKING STRATEGY: 4 units to win on Don’t We Love It (4).

 

 

 

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