Glory Mission, after a huge trial win leading into his debut run, started as a $1.70 favourite on debut. Although the margin was just a half-length, it could have been far greater had jockey Daniel Ganderton wanted it.
Glory Mission by Stratoshphere x Gloray has drawn ideally in barrier three and looks suited by the step up from 1000m last time to the 1200m. His toughest opposition should come from the consistent Loyalty Blues, who has raced four times for a win and three placings.
There are three Tasbred races on the card, all with $50,000 prize money on offer. The 2YO (1200m) has attracted a field of just six, and the Stuart Gandy-trained Gems Eagle looks hard to beat after finishing second on debut behind Hoax just a month ago. Hoax has since franked that form with a stylish win in Hobart.
Native Clan, who also found Hoax too good when second in Hobart, looks the main danger.
The 4YO edition has drawn together an interesting field, with the top three all having strong chances.
Muscle Up has been unplaced at his past three runs but will find this much easier than his last start, when he was down the track in Open company. At his run prior, he led and was beaten 1.4 lengths in a strong BM68 over 1400m. He's drawn ideally in gate one and should either lead or take up a handy position.
Cartoon Graveyard is a horse on the 'up'; he has won four, been runner-up three times from his past seven runs and has had a little freshen since his last start in late February when beaten by Zulu Angel over 1600m in Launceston.
For trainer John Keys, a win would be just the tonic; both he and stable rider David Pires are out of action through injury, Pires with busted ribs and Keys with a shoulder operation.
"It's catching up with us a bit. We've got so much going on, trying to organise an open day to try and sell some babies; it's just all happening at once," Keys said.
"Luckily, Tegan (Keys) is back, It's made a big difference to the whole set-up when she's riding, she knows what's under her, and she keeps tabs on the other horses.
"We didn't realise this race was on (for Cartoon Graveyard), so he was out a week longer than we wanted. He's a pretty handy horse and will run well, and so will Loyalty Blues in the 3YO."
Zulu Angel came from the very in-form Gary White Stable and was impressive coming from behind to beat Cartoon Graveyard two starts back. He has since been unplaced in a 1600m BM68, and he also meets Cartoon Graveyard on 4.5kg worse terms.
Siggy Carr's two runners, Rubbleonthedouble and Sistine, can't be ruled out in what promises to be a very interesting race.
My best for the night is Ibutho in the first race. He hit the line nicely at his first run for John Blacker here last time out and should go close.
All the action will be hosted on TasracingTV by Duncan Dornauf with the first race to start at 18:00.
