Staking Strategy: Hobart - Sunday, 28th April 2024 (Updated)

The second thoroughbred meeting for the week is in Hobart on Sunday, where the first of nine races is scheduled for 11:58.

The rail moves to +4m after being +1m for the program seven days ago, and fine weather is forecast for the weekend.

R1 Kevin Sharkie 2yo & 3yo Maiden, 1200m

Sky Land (10) was only narrowly denied at this venue a week ago after racing a bit keenly in behind the speed. Would expect her to utilise barrier one and spear straight to the front. Her stablemate DYSART (1) is a four-start maiden formerly trained by Clinton McDonald in Victoria. Has been around the mark in most starts and with Craig Newitt booked to do the steering has to be kept very safe. The extra 100m is a plus for the filly RIDE THE MOON (9) who closed off soundly last time. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (7) didn't have a lot of luck last start in Launceston and got rolled at a very short quote. Has an awkward gate though drawn 10 from 10, with several drawn underneath that are likely to hunt-up early on. Minor claims for GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (6) and the first-starter KAKIA (2).

Staking Strategy: Sky Land was held-up at a crucial stage last start and it proved to be costly. She takes on older horses today. Wary of a couple, particularly Dysart who has been well supported at his first local run. 1 unit to win SKY LAND (10)

R2 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Maiden, 1200m

Tough Impact (3) has been runner-up at his last three and all beaten margins have been within a half-length. He's rock-hard fit and makes his own luck out in front. SHE PLAYS GAMES (8) hit the line better than anything last week after being ridden quietly and settling at the rear. That said, she has had plenty of chances. PINANDI (7) has had a stable change and was placed in her most recent trial closing off soundly under minimal effort. Looks like she might be an improver for her new yard. ZONNA VERDE (10) showed ability in her first-prep. Resumes without a public trial,draws widest but doesn't map too badly. GEE GEES MOONLITE (4) and MISS PRIVATE (5) next best.

Staking Strategy: Tough Impact brings the right form and is a deserved favourite. Zonna Verde represents some value returning from a spell, gate a negative though. 3 units to win TOUGH IMPACT (3). 1 unit to win ZONNA VERDE (10)

R3 Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 68 Handicap, 2100m

PAGE (2) and PUNTER (3) quinellaed a Benchmark 60 staying race three-weeks ago at this venue with little separating them, both relishing the softer conditions on that day. They won't get that luxury on Sunday but they have a fitness edge over most and this race is tougher in name only. FOREST DIAMOND (4) is going okay and does have a win to her name over 2100m but that was on a genuine Heavy track in Victoria almost two years ago. All her three wins for that matter have been on heavy tracks. The recent form of MONTEZULU (1) and MARTINI BLUE (6) is solid enough but both are on trial at this trip. NOZTRABEEL (5) has been placed over 2100m but can't get overly enthused about his chances.

Staking Strategy: Tricky race, sticking with the last start winner Punter who can dictate terms in the small field. 1 unit to win PUNTER (3)

R4 Winning Edge Presentations Maiden/class 1, 2100m

Tosen Fame (8) has appreciated the blinkers going on at her last few. She found one better last time when getting out to the 2100 for the first time and can only be improved with that run under her belt . AMERICAN JEWEL (1) ran well second-up after a complete forgive effort when resuming, one win from 27 starts the knock.  BUEL (3) and AUSSIE WARRIOR (2) will be grinding home and are sure to relish this trip. MILES 'N' MILES (4) is another likely to appreciate the extra ground. He closed off strongly late in Launceston over 1600m in a race dominated by the on-pacers.

Staking Strategy: Tosen Fame was just found wanting late when stepping out to this trip for the first time. That run should have her primed for today. 4 units to win TOSEN FAME (8)

R5 Vale Patricia Mcshane Open Handicap, 1600mV

After early scratchings we're left with only three runners. Kaliuwaa Falls (1) has hardly put a foot wrong since arriving in the state winning four of his six starts. The form around him stacks up in spades. AND BEYOND (2) finished right on the heels of Kaliuwaa Falls at their latest after being slowly away and settling at the tail. One win from his past 17 starts is the knock.YARRA MASTER (4) has an outstanding record at this course but he's the least preffered of the threesome.

Staking Strategy: The two at the top of the market look to have it between them, siding with And Beyond at the slightly better odds. 1 unit to win AND BEYOND (2)

R6 Ladbroke It! Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1100m

Etosha (2) is in red-hot form winning three of his past four outings, including a dominant 4.5 length win this track three-weeks back.There's a bit more substance to this race and he rises 3kg but can't knock winning form. Thought TITLE SHOT (5) did enough resuming and could improve sharply.  THUNBERG (4) is back from a month's break and has an excellent record this track/distance. The stablemates BELLASARIO (7) and GREY WHISPER (6) boxed on soundly last week in a race dominated on the speed and command respect.

Staking Strategy: Seeking some value in an open race. Title Shot mixes her form, the best version of her goes close to winning. 1 unit to win TITLE SHOT (5)

R7 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Class 1 Handicap, 1400m

Captain Taz (1) won his maiden comfortably before a narrow defeat at his next start when stepping up in trip. He returns off a 6-week let-up and will be tough to beat on his home track. BLONDE STAR (4) was a convincing winner in maiden company two-starts ago then ran out of room in a slowly run class 1 race at her next. She had plenty to offer crossing the line and her beaten margin was unfair. GEEGEES DOWN SOUTH (7) didn't handle the soft conditions at all last time. He's one that can improve back onto firmer footing. VANITY STAR (6) is a winner here and did enough resuming but possibly needs one more. Goes better than his record suggests. DAIQUIRI DIVA (9) can improve. She didn't finish off last time after covering ground. LILY LUELLA (8) has trialled soundly and is a big market watch resuming.

Staking Strategy: The favourite Captain Taz has been freshened and will be tough to beat. Blonde Star has been missing the start but is going well and will be rushing home late. 3 units to win CAPTAIN TAZ (1) and BLONDE STAR (4)

R8 Tasmanian Bloodstock Class 4 Handicap, 1400m

Three runners standout and would be surprised if they don't dominate the market.Have a slight leaning to Princess Matoaka (6) who chased extremely well last time behind an in form sprinter and will be better suited out to this trip. The ever-consistent CARTOON GRAVEYARD (1) is sure to figure prominently. Ditto for the awkwardly drawn DANTES (2) who was brave in defeat last start , having to concede 6.5kg to the winner. ZEWINNA (7) did have all the favours in Launceston but she did look a bit sharper with the visors going on and is a must include in first-4's. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (5) hasn't been far away of late but just seems a shade below his very best at present.

Staking Strategy: Princess Matoaka has a better turn of foot than her main rivals and can't envisage her not running top-three. 3 units each way PRINCESS MATOAKA (6)

R9 Vale Fred Westwood Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1600m

Rigoletto (1) was an eye-catcher last outing over this trip, closing off strongly behind General Assembly in Launceston. He put a big margin on third and his sectionals for the race were a standout. ADACHI (2) is having a good prep. He had clear excuses at his last start, a senior rider goes on and draws a decent gate for a change. His stablemate SAXON MIST (4) is flying this time around with back-to back wins and looks well-placed again. BRAZEN IMPACT (5) was far too good last start leading all the way over this trip. He also backed it up on the clock, recording easily the quickest time for the evening.

Staking Strategy: A competitive race to wind up proceedings. The four at the top of the market all have a strong case. Loved the way Rigoletto closed off last time and he's a winner here this track and distance. 3 units each way RIGOLETTO (1)


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