The meeting includes the third round of the National Apprentice Race Series (NARS) with Tasmania represented by Chloe Wells.
The rail is in the +8m position with reasonably fine weather forecast.
R1 Ladbrokes Mates Mode 2yo Hcp, 1200m
We start the day with a seven-horse field for the juveniles. Trainer Barry Campbell opted to miss the carnival with his All Too Hard filly, Hilarity (6) and bring her back after the big races were over. She has been given the time to mature and with experience on this track already she is going to be hard to beat.
Liberty Rae (3) won well on debut on the Hobart circuit before going out for a break. She resumed with a very impressive trial before finishing worse than midfield in the 2YO Magic Millions race. She has since won another trial and comes back to the track where she was successful. On trial form, she is a big chance but on her last start, I can't be too confident.
Takes the natural progression up to the 1200m, Ralph The Rocket (2) was third last start behind Sir Jag. Not beaten far on that occasion, has to travel to Hobart for the first time and naturally stay the extra 100m. Heading in the right direction.
Bobble (4) is an interesting runner here. Showed nothing on debut being beaten well over 15l but then came out and ran fourth in the listed Gold Sovereign Stakes. Stormed home late to get beat less than a length behind The Spirit Of Zero who raced at Flemington last weekend in a Group 2. Gets the services of Teagan Voorham who certainly won't give her a sore back.
Staking Strategy: I always like horses that have had experience on the Hobart track so find it hard to go past Hilarity here, although in saying that I would hope she's not too short. 2 units to win on Hilarity (6)
R2 Ayc Netball Club 3yo Hcp, 1200m
Small fields are always tricky as tactics come into play. We're greeted with a five-horse (at the time of writing) 3YO sprint here. On paper, it looks like Bold Instinct (2) is an absolute moral. He has been a model of consistency since moving to Team Wells and is living up to his price tag after being a sale topper at the Magic Millions sales 2 years ago. Top jockey Brendon McCoull in the saddle, drawn perfectly in gate 3, has performed well at this track. My only concern would be the 1200m is possibly too far for him but I think he has a bit on his rivals here.
Fake Magic (1) recorded his first Tassie win last time out over this trip albeit in Launceston. Gets the 3kg claim for stable apprentice Brooke Hanham and is coming off an easy trial win too. If there is a chink in the favs amour then Fake Magic will be the one ready to pounce.
The second of John Blacker's runners here is the pretty grey Enchanted Spy (4) who broke the maiden status a fortnight ago in Launceston. Darma stays in the saddle and she drops 2kg from that victory.
Staking Strategy: Small fields always worry me as they aren't always as they seem. I think Bold Instinct looks like a good thing here, with a few minor concerns stopping me from going all in. 4 units to win on Bold Instinct (2)
R3 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1200m
Another likely short favourite here in Dantes (1) but it's hard to argue. Well-supported Hobart Cup Day when on debut and only just missed, running second behind Princess Matoaka. Anthony Darmanin takes over from Blake Shinn, will strip fitter and looks the one to beat.
Finishing midfield her last three, Gee Gees Choris (7) gets her chance today to earn some more prizemoney. Senior jockey goes on again, drawn a tad wide but will go back. Not the worst here.
Rowdy Girl (10) comes into this second up, ran ok first up in Launceston and takes the natural step up to 1200m. Mum stayed a mile so I think she will get further, Lizzie Annells takes the claim for Gary White and a possible 1×3 play if the price is right.
Staking Strategy: Dantes only has to replicate his last start to win this, and win this easily. 4 units to win on Dantes (1)
R4 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Maiden, 1400m
As Gary White will tell you himself, he can't believe this horse is still a maiden. I have Galan (5) on top despite being burnt a few times before. Finally, he put the writing on the wall last start, when under the hard riding of David Pires, flew late to run a very close third. Clearly has the ability and hopefully goes on with it now after a promising run last time.
After being scratched at the last couple of meetings, Almighty Virtue (2) accepts again drawing a better gate today. Last start was promising and caught the eye when getting severely checked in the early stages of his race. Rattled home well for fourth after overcoming that interference. First start this track is always a concern but gets top jockey Troy Baker in the saddle replacing the injured Daniel Ganderton.
The Brunton-trained Star In The Mist (9) gets another chance today. Drawn well for Georgie which will allow her to settle in a positive position and if getting the luck could run a nice race.
Been in the market his last few when finishing midfield, Grande Aquila (6) gets his trainer Siggy Carr in the saddle today. Back to Hobart, could see an improvement, maps to get an economical run midfield.
Staking Strategy: I've got Galan on top again. His last start showed me he is finally living up to some of his abilities and only has to run like that again today to get the chocolates. Thinking Grande Aquila will be decent odds and having a 1x3 play chasing some value. 1 unit to win on Galan (5). 1 unit to win and 3 to place on Grande Aquila (6)
R5 Ranvet National Apprentice Race Series 2023 Class 1 Hcp (leg 1), 1200m
The first leg of the National Apprentice Race Series kicks off for Tassie here which are always tough races to analyse. Winning a Class 1 after winning your maiden is never easy but, in my opinion, Belpine Miss (5) should have broken the maiden status well before last start. Drawn a bit tricky for SA apprentice Felicity Atkinson but the mare is versatile and generally there's a fair bit of speed in these apprentice races so she should be able to find a position in behind.
Scratched from a wide draw Wednesday night, Sally Sunshine (8) finds a better race here and will be a genuine chance again. Gets 3kgs off her previous runs for the Victorian Maddi Price, each-way all day.
Barrier 1 is probably not ideal for Far Away Hit (7) however I have thrown her in my first four regardless. Never far away, this is not an overly strong field and we get the now 'Tasmanian' Lizzie Annells in the saddle. A lot of these apprentices would not have ridden the Hobart track before and experience will be a big factor.
Another horse scratched from Wednesday for today – Speed Rock (3). Drawn wide but is a winner on this circuit. Tough race and one for each way players.
Staking Strategy: Belpine Miss well and truly deserved the win last start and I think she can definitely go on with it. Not normally one for tipping horses in class ones straight after winning their maidens, but this is not a strong field and she looks like the one to beat again. 1 unit to win on Belpine Miss (5)
R6 It's Why We Race Bm68 Hcp, 1200m
Thought Gee Gee True Story (4) looked the one here, ultra-consistent and has been going well lately without winning. Steps up in grade to the BM68 here but in turn, drops 6kg from his last start third. Stable apprentice Chloe Wells knows the 7YO well and should settle midfield.
Hellova Night (1) is a horse I have a lot of time for and does have form fresh. First-up for quite some time though and will have to lug a large weight today. Getting older now and may need a run or two to get fit. Drawn well in 3, will go forward and maps well.
Jeremiah (3) hasn't won a race in a very long time which is disappointing because he has a stack of ability. Second up for new trainer John Blacker today, he ran very well last time just missing out on the win. A replica of that race would have him very close to winning this, however, he doesn't find the line easily these days.
Verbano (6) showed a lot of promise as a 2YO but her form tapered off as her career went on. Tried as a stayer early days but kept to the shorter trips later on. Back to her favourite trip today but finds a hard race to re-find her winning form.
Staking Strategy: Another small field but it should suit Gee Gee True Story. Steps up in grade but drops 6kg from his last start. Looks like the one to beat and I'm happy to have him on top. 4 units to win on Gee Gee True Story (4)
>R7 Tasracing National Apprentice Race Series 2023 Bm62 Hcp (leg 2), 1400m
Leg 2 of the Apprentice Series race and I have Rich Clan (2) on top. I think he can turn the tables on his last couple of races with the local Chelsea Baker in the saddle. He is better than his recent form suggests, strips fitter and enjoys this track/trip – we may even get a little bit of an each-way price. Should cut across to sit just off the pace and hopefully have the last crack at them.
Nev's Boy (9) always has "back me next start" written on him and no doubt will have admirers again today. Never far away and without a doubt will be flying home late. Ticks the boxes as always, has won over the 1400m and no doubt this is his favourite track. Hard to take a short price about him though and fair chance he starts favourite again.
Hellot (4) was very good on Hobart Cup Day when running second behind Gee Gee Miss Quita. Very similar race again today and one of the main fancies.
We have been seeing him over the staying trip so far this year but The Executive (3) has been freshened up and takes his place over the seven furlongs today. Has been a bit frustrating for connections but drawn the inside marble and is back to his favourite track, can't dismiss him.
Staking Strategy: Rich Clan is a horse I really like and I think we might get a price today given his recent form. Chelsea knows this track better than most in this which gives her an advantage over the visitors. 1 unit each way on Rich Clan (2)
R8 Ladbroke It! Class 3 Hcp, 1400m
You can't fault Gee Gee Miss Quita (4) recent form and she is one of the main chances again. I have her on top, she ticks all the boxes – 1400m suits, good gate, mare in form, Siggy going for three in a row on her. The one to beat for mine.
I thought Mr Freeze (5) got the photo last start but the judge found a margin and he scored his seventh placing. Another horse that is always around the money, Lizzie Annells retains the ride and is drawn well in gate five. One for the multiples and wouldn't be surprised to see the photo go his way today.
Nicco The Greek (1) was excellent last start on a track that didn't suit his racing pattern. He gets back and has a short sprint so things do need to go his way. Can't knock his ability though and another win today wouldn't shock me.
Banca Tom (3) was starting to become hard to catch before he notched up his second win on Hobart Cup Day over this trip. Good to see Georgie Catania back in the saddle on this bloke, he's ultra-consistent and drawn well. If you like him, back him, chance in a tough race.
Staking Strategy: Tough little race with a few chances. I'm sticking with Gee Gee Miss Quita, really no negative to the way she has been racing and ticks all the boxes today. 1 unit to win on Gee Gee Miss Quita (4)
R9 Race A Horse In Tasmania Day - April 16 Bm68 Hcp, 1600m
If you are alive in the quaddie, good luck. A race with many chances. Two starts ago Namabaale (1) was too bad to be true but quickly bounced back with a third behind Romary who has since won again. Tayah Stalker takes the reigns for her new master Glenn Stevenson here and gets her chance to ride a winner in her second meeting back. The only concern is he has not seen the track before however Stevo's horses never seem to have a problem.
Ring Of Honour (3) has enjoyed his time back grass racing with a win and two seconds despite being trained on the carpet. Up to a mile for the first time this preparation and Troy Baker stays in the saddle again. Does have to travel south for the first time but Rowan's team are going very well.
Barry Campbell's mare Zeva Royale (9) was going very well when racing up to the 2100m. She then dropped back to the mile and finished midfield. Racing again over the mile this afternoon can see her improve, however I would be taking more the place than the win after her last start performance.
I can't not mention Zewinna (8) but she is proving to be a little costly for punters. Too consistent to leave out of multiples but she might be looking for a spell now.
Staking Strategy: If Namabaale handles the Hobart surface I think he is the winner here, maps well and gets a nice claim for apprentice Tayah Stalker. 1 unit to win on Namabaale (1)
