Racing
Game comes easy for the birthday boy
Lightly raced galloper Skin In The Game continues to impress as he races his way through the grades in just his first preparation, scoring an effortless win in the 1390m class 2 in Hobart on Sunday.
Skin In The Game, the well-supported $2.30 favourite, raced clear of his opposition after settling midfield from a wide draw.
The win completed a treble for Anthony Darmanin, giving the state's leading jockey a memorable birthday celebration.
Skin In The Game is trained at Broadmarsh by Brendan Mcshane and is part-owned by former premier Paul Lennon. The four-year-old, a striking-looking chestnut, appeared to drop the bit 600m from home, but once balanced up, put paid to his rivals impressively.
His trainer suggests that Skin In The Game is still learning, so the upside looks enormous.
Darmanin's two earlier winners were Miss De Lune ($6), an emergency who gained a start in the 1200m maiden and won at her first start since transferring back from Victoria to her original trainer John Keys, and Sugoi Legend ($8.50) for Rowan Hamer in the 2100m BM64.
Quick ROI
A group of Tasmanian owners had a quick return on their investment when Wineglass Bay won at his first run for his new connections.
Now with John Blacker, Wineglass Bay has been purchased with the major Cups in mind.
The 6yo was formerly trained by Chris Waller, where he had won up to 2000m. After a couple of handy trial runs, Wineglass Bay ($4.20) scored a first-up win over 1390m but should be better for the run and when he stretches out in distance.
Maiden brings strong form
Veteran trainer Terry Evans was emotional after his filly South Georgia came from well back in the field to win in a photo finish in the 1390m Maiden, beating Woolclasser ($4) and Tassie Power ($15).
Evans paid tribute to master horseman Royston Carr who he said helped him through some rocky times and doubts he would still be training without his help.
South Georgia was having just her third start and was sent out the $3.10 favourite after a solid first-up second placing.
"She's always shown a bit. Even at her first start, I thought she would go okay, but she was a bit green and got lost. But since then, she has gone on in leaps and bounds," Evans said.
Evans is confident the form line from the race will hold up; he also reckons the runner-up has plenty of ability.
"I think there's another bonus race in about five weeks, a maiden/class one over 1600m, so we might try for that."
South Georgia won $15,000 first prize for her initial win and the $20,000 Tasbred bonus.
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