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).
R2 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Maiden, 1200m
Tough Impact (3) is bursting to break through. He has been the bridesmaid at his last three and all beaten margins have been slight. 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 and draws widest but doesn't map too badly. Gee Gees Moonlite (4) and Miss Private (5) next best.
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.
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.
R5 Vale Patricia Mcshane Open Handicap, 1600m
Started out with six acceptors, now we're left with three runners, two days out from raceday. Kaliuwaa Falls (1) has hardly put a foot wrong since arriving in the state, a winner at four of his six starts. The form around him stacks up in spades. And Beyond's (2) last 17 starts have only yielded one victory. That said, he's been mostly competing at the highest level. He finished right on the heels of Kaliuwaa Falls at their latest after being tardy at the start and settling last. Yarra Master (4) has an outstanding record around here but doubt he can trouble the top two.
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 around here at his latest. There's more substance to this race but can't knock winning form. Thought Title Shot (5) did enough resuming and could improve sharply. The trainer and rider have a good strike rate when they team up. Thunberg (4) has been freshened and is seldom far away in this grade. Next best the stablemates Bellasario (7) and Grey Whisper (6), both kept on soundly behind the quinella last week in a race dominated on the speed.
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.
R8 Tasmanian Bloodstock Class 4 Handicap, 1400m
It's hard to look past the top three in the market. Princess Matoaka (6) chased extremely well last time over a shorter trip in a race controlled from the front. Getting out to the 1400m suits her much better. The other two in contention are Cartoon Graveyard (1) and the awkwardly drawn Dantes (2). Last start winner Zewinna (7) had all the favours in Launceston but she did look a bit sharper with the visors going on. 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.
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.
