Check out the Staking Strategy of Steve Christie below.
R1 Thank You Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1220m
The form around Bloomtime (9) is impossible to fault. He was beaten by the barest of margins a fortnight back in the 3yo Tasbred $50k race behind Bine. The start prior, he put a massive margin on the rest of the field when runner-up behind Durazzo. CARNELIAN ROCK (2) came back in trip last start to contest the Tasbred race and exceeded market expectations finishing on the heels of Bloomtime. He has had a good prep and is the logical threat. The rail being out so far will be of benefit to MISS TANZANITE (6) and TOUGH IMPACT (1). Both are racing consistently and will make their own luck up on the speed. The well-bred debutant ENSIGN EAGLE (3) has trialled soundly but has drawn badly.
Staking Strategy: No surprise to see Bloomtime come up a touch under even money in the early markets. That's around her right price, don't want to bet against her. 4 units to win BLOOMTIME (9).
R2 Rayner Transport Maiden, 1420m
Wickham Light (8) was only narrowly defeated on debut after being heavily backed. He did a bit wrong on that occasion and he's sure to have come on. The recent form around FOREIGN LEGION (1) has to be respected. He looks to be headed in the right direction now, after having changing hands a number of times in his 10-start career. MILTON (3) had no favours last time from a bad gate, covering ground throughout and was a spent force before the turn. The blinkers go on and can make amends. MISS VIVACE (10) acquitted herself well resuming and is sure to be improved second-up after a length stint on the sidelines. Respect any market push for KICKPASS (5).
Staking Strategy: Have zero interest in the favourite at the very short odds. Milton can get an uncontested lead and looks a solid each way play. 1 unit to win, 2 units to place MILTON (3).
R3 Ladbrokes Easy Form Maiden/class 1, 1620m
Leaning slightly to Captain Taz (2) despite drawing a touch awkwardly. He won comprehensively in maiden company 2-starts ago. Last time, he sat outside the speed but the winner had the drop on him and he was just no match over the concluding stages. MONTEZULU (6) the main danger. He broke through at this venue at a big price before placing in Hobart at his most recent in decent Class-one company. SURELY SPECIAL (9) just missed last outing doing his best work late and is racing consistently. PEPPARONI (11) got her maiden out of the way last start and looked the winner a long way from home. This is tougher but she has far more upside than most of these. IBUTHO (4) gives every indication that he'll appreciate getting out to this trip.
Staking Strategy: Thought there was a bit of substance to the maiden win of Montezulu here 2 starts ago. He followed that effort up with a placing in better grade. Surprised he's not shorter than the current $6 on offer. 3 units each way MONTEZULU (6).
R4 Salter’s Hire 0 - 62, 1620m
Adachi (1) found trouble at the start in Hobart last time and got too far back before hitting the line late. There's good form all around him this preparation. Despite finishing midfield last start there were excuses for BRAZEN IMPACT (7) after being planted deep throughout and covering too much ground. He should be peaking fourth-up and Newitt steers. FOREST DIAMOND (4) worked home solidly behind Saxon Mist at only her second local start. Provided there's some cut in the track she's a chance. The best version of MONTE BIANCO (5) just about wins this and blinkers go for the first time. Her most recent effort was a complete forgive. Last start winner OPALSON (3) gets home hard but tends to save his best for Hobart. MARIPOSA (8) possibly leads these and not without claims if they leave her alone.
Staking Strategy: Brazen Impact and Mariposa look the two that can control the tempo of the race. With the rail being out so far they'll take running down. 1 unit to win BRAZEN IMPACT (7) and MARIPOSA (8).
R5 Ladbrokes Sports Bar 0 - 62, 1220m
The form around Bao Bun (10) last prep reads well for this. She's been a model of consistency since arriving in the state and expecting her to make her presence felt first-up. GEEGEES CITY BOY (5) resumed in good order, going down narrowly in a slightly stronger race than this. He won second-up last prep. NOT RICH ENUFF (3) drew the wrong side of the track in Hobart on a day where wider was better. Ran okay under the circumstances. Gets gate one again which may or may not be a plus this time of the evening. POWER MAGNUM (8) won't be far away but struggles to win. BELPINE MISS (9) has been getting too far back of late and finding the line late. There looks to be decent pressure up front so she's worth including in exotics.
Staking Strategy: Have marked Bao Bun favourite, thought she was a great chance resuming. 3 units each-way BAO BUN (10).
R6 Steve’s Liquor Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1220m
Since arriving in the state Seydoux's (1) last 11 starts have yielded an impressive 6 wins and 3 placings. She strikes another Benchmark race which looks well within her reach. PRINCESS MATOAKA (6) looks the clear threat to Seydoux. Beyond that pair, I think the others are going to have their work cut out. GEEGEE JET BY (2) is probably next best. He was solid in Hobart behind a dominant winner. Then WARICA (3) or stablemate SOUTHERN WIND (5).
Staking Strategy: Seydoux or Princess Matoaka stand out for mine. Don't want to lose on the race so will back them both and barrack for the better result. 2 units to win SEYDOUX (1) and PRINCESS MATOAKA (6).
R7 Congratulations Jane Howlett benchmark 68 Handicap, 1420m
Gallant Warriors (2) is chasing 3 wins on-the-trot. He's gone to a new level this time around and in the process has been carving out some slick late sectionals. Just needs to be within striking range on the turn. Nothing went right for FIGHTING FLOYD (6) last outing. His form prior was good. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (4) will find this more to his liking than his latest and possibly gets ridden quieter with the blinkers coming off. SUSHI EXPRESS (5) was a deserved winner last time atoning for a luckless effort the run prior. FREAK ON A LEAD (1) held on narrowly in same grade last time and gets in lighter here after the allowance for the claimer.
Staking Strategy: Provided Gallant Warriors is close enough on the turn he'll be tough to hold out. 2 units to win GALLANT WARRIORS (2).
R8 Pfd Food Services Benchmark 70 Handicap, 2150m
Can't put a pen through any runner. Starting from the top, Geegees Hisword (1) is a last start winner this trip and venue but does carry an extra 2.5kg even after the claim. Have no clue if ZULU ANGEL (2) can stay, market the best guide. The tearaway leader CLIFTON DANSEUR (3) is rock-hard fit and will win another one probably sooner rather than later, but maybe needs the synthetic? KAY OH ELL (4) is usually thereabouts but hasn't won for almost 2 years and is still yet to win around here. MIGHTYMAXI (5) won in much easier company last week but is showing staying promise. AFRIDI (6) has been around the money of late and had no luck around here 3 starts ago.
Staking Strategy: Any of the five runners could win. Threw a dart and landed on Clifton Danseur. He'll lead these by a long way, fingers crossed he keeps going. 1 unit to win CLIFTON DANSEUR (3).
