The rail is in the +6m after being in the +3m a fortnight ago and fine weather points towards a good rated surface.
R1 Lindisfarne Afl Masters Bm76 Hcp, 1600m
There's little separating my top three selections. Sh'Bourne Rebel (2) possibly leads here on his own terms. Should be cherry ripe third up, the mile is perfect for him and McCoull does manage to get the best out of him. He was no match at all for GEE GEE MISS QUITA (4) when they clashed a fortnight ago but that was 1400m. Nonetheless, she will be hard to hold out again. ALPINE AFFAIR (3) has form that ties in with the top two and is racing consistently. Didn't have the best of luck at his last outing, the visors go on and is a chance. MYWORDIS (1) lugged 62kg to win on the synthetic at his last start. The runner-up has since come out and won impressively. He clearly is in the mix but prefer as a place hope.
R2 Wellington Cricket Club Maiden, 1600m
Looks a race of four key hopes. Galan (5) brings strong form lines having been placed behind both Lady Vuitton and Alvarinho at his last two outings. Will need some luck at the right time given his 'get back' and run on style but is the one to beat. SHAKEEDA (14) and PUMA (9) both have a strong case. They clashed a fortnight ago behind the impressive Lady Vuitton and there wasn't much between their efforts on the day. Stepping back to the mile isn't a concern, they'll race handy and will have a tactical advantage over Galan. HEWIE (6) is the other main contender backing up after running third behind the in form Blonde Suspect on the synthetic a week ago. He did a bit wrong that day and was a difficult ride, hopefully the stable have sorted him out. Next best MIRA FLORES (12) MAY WE ALL (7) BALCASKIE (2) and BINGO WAS HISNAMEO (3)
R3 Racing Connect Maiden, 1100m
Many unraced and lightly raced horses contest this race and it's tough! Geegees Sunshine (4) ran well here behind Moveforlex a fortnight ago and this doesn't look any harder. He has good speed out of the gates, probably sits just off them and should get his chance. MISS CHICA MALA (10) is second up and looks the likely leader. He was only gathered in late by the promising Shim when he resumed four weeks ago, should be fitter for that and back to 1100m is in her favour. ADACHI (1) resumes after a forgivable effort on debut last year in Launceston. Won a trial recently and the form out of the trial has been strong. GEEGEES ROYAL DUKE (3) has been thereabouts at recent starts and it's worth noting the blinkers are applied for the first time as is the case with ZULU ESPRIT (17). If he gets into the field he's not the roughest chance. He blew the start badly at his most recent outing
R4 Happy Mother's Day Bm68 Hcp, 2100m
The race revolves around Lady Vuitton (2). She has romped in at her last two outings and there's no reason why she can't notch up another victory here. She hasn't reached her ceiling yet and this contest seems only marginally harder. BLONDE SUSPECT (1) is the obvious danger. He continues to thrive on the synthetic but is also very capable on the turf. The Hobart track holds no fears for him however he'll be spotting Lady Vuitton a start so it'll be no easy task. COSTERO (3) is a first four chance. Hasn't won for sometime but typically races well in Hobart over this journey. Next best is AFRIDI (8) the ex-King Islander who is showing some staying promise. MAARKLE (6) is a query at the 2100m but shapes up as if it will suit, exotic hope
R5 Ayc Netball Club Class 1 Hcp, 1200m
Milla's Ready (6) finally broke her maiden status at her last start after 17 attempts then was tipped straight out. She resumes with a soft but impressive trial under her belt albeit against moderate opposition. From barrier 1 she appeals as a good each-way prospect. I'M KRUPT (3) hit the front just a touch too soon a fortnight ago and was a sitting shot late for the quinella. She's right in the mix but has an awkward alley to contend with. SHIM (4) comes through the same race and never saw daylight until way too late. She clearly should've finished much closer. VOLKANOVSKI (1) next best. He's on a seven-day back up with blinkers on after not having the best of luck last week on the synthetic. Doubt either HER THOUGHTS (3) or GEE GEES CHORIS (5) can win but they're first four chances
R6 Ladbrokes Racing Club Open Hcp, 1200m
Galenus (2) was left in front a bit too soon last start and was collared late by horses from the tail of the field. Surprisingly he's yet to win in Hobart nonetheless he looks well placed here and should take a power of beating. STREET TOUGH (3) won three starts ago here on Cup day breaking a long drought from the winner's stall. Subsequent to that he didn't fire at his next couple of starts in Launceston but there were excuses. He resumes today from a two month break and it looks a very suitable race for him. HELLOVA NIGHT (4) comes off a forgivable run at his last outing. Back to 1200m and with no weight on his back he will take some running down. JOHNNY CHUTZPAH (7) next best, got back in an on pace race last start and he won't know himself today with 52.5kg on his back
R7 Kevin Sharkie Class 1 Hcp, 1400m
Needs Remembering (3) didn't have any favours last start where he was posted wide no cover throughout. He is second up today and the 1400m is far more to his liking. From a good gate he can park handy (or lead) and is a key chance. OLE OLA (7) put the writing on the wall a fortnight ago with a very good effort behind Dawn Eagle over 1200m. The step up to 1400m is a plus, the tempo on paper looks good and she should be rattling home. JACKJACK (6) is capable of pulling out a run first up. He'll be buried and giving them a start but with luck in running he's worth consideration. NOBLE EXCEPTION (8) didn't run out the mile last start and is better suited back to this trip. SPEED ROCK (10) and RICHMOND POET (4) next best.
R8 Hobart United Fc Bm68 Hcp, 1400m
Gee Gee Silentnite (10) hasn't won for 665 days but arguably should've done so last start after being held up at a key stage. Drawn perfectly in gate 1 he can box seat and no reason he can't figure in the finish again. ETOSHA (4) won that race bowling along in front and would assume they adopt similar tactics here. She ran decent time and will take some running down. EAGLE STREET (3) is a very promising horse. He produced a big finish to win on resumption 28 days ago and can only be improved off that effort. RICH CLAN (2) carried 60kg and he literally fell in when he won over the mile four weeks back in a BM62. Up slightly in class today but he does get weight relief. Can win. Next best IVORYMAN (7) and JEREMIAH (8) then FREAK ON A LEAD (1).
R9 Ladbroke It! Bm60 Hcp, 1100m
A very tough way to end the day. Tony Nicconi (4) caught the eye at the trials around a fortnight ago. On face value it was hard not to be impressed. On the flipside he hasn't won for 1226 days! However, he's in a new stable and looks like he's ready to fire. MAGIC TYPHOON (13) is capable of a forward showing. Races well here, has drawn ideally and is a good roughie. SHARMA RAMA (1) was sound in a BM68 last outing. This is a drop in class but an extra 4kg and potential early pressure are the queries for her. NICCO THE GREEK (2) has to lump 62kg but is super honest and always deserves respect. DAY PERFORMER (6) resumes from an awkward alley, wouldn't shock to see him be competitive here. Next best is DAWN EAGLE (11) who will need the pace on, then WOLF REIN (10) who is racing consistently without winning.
