Racing
Mare resumes in a field full of class
Promising mare Mastretta starts her campaign in Hobart on Sunday, kicking off in a class 2 (1100m).
Although she has only won twice from her eight starts, Mastretta has always shown above average ability.
Mastretta has earned a stakes cheque in all but one of her runs, and trainer Monica Ryan is hoping she can measure up to better races this campaign.
"I couldn't be happier with her, she has had a couple of setbacks, she has been in (work) a little while. She's one of those horses you just see glimpses of it (her ability) and you know it's there, hopefully she steps right up to the mark this time in," Ryan said.
For her run on Sunday, Ryan has added blinkers for the first time.
"I couldn't find a reason as to why she was hanging, and it's been very frustrating. There just seems to be no reason for her to hang in her races, so if she hangs again, I'll be scratching my head.
"I think she is right up with the good 3yo's (from last season), but how good she is we don't really know, hopefully she can sweep through her classes and we will see how she shapes up."
Mastretta has found a strong race to resume in, it's only a field of nine, but it includes three last start winners and another who looks to be above average in Amant Francais.
"I do think it's a good field, but I think she is capable, we've got Kelvin Sanderson on and he won't give her a sore back," Ryan said with a laugh.
Also coming down in the float is Teah, a 5yo who has raced only twice for two unplaced runs late last year; she has also been trialling nicely leading into Sunday's event.
"I've actually thought fairly highly of her, she's a 5yo but with the things she does, you would think she was a 2 or 3yo, she's taking a bit of time, I think she will run better than her odds will suggest."
Sanderson will also ride Teah and, like her stablemate Mastretta, will race in blinkers for the first time.
Geegees Missile, who comes off some very good 2yo form and a couple of impressive trials, looks the best bet of the day in race 2. Ideally drawn in gate one, Geegees Missile should be able to lead all the way.
The first of eight races is set down for 12:21.All the action will be on Tasracing Live with me and Matt Reid trackside.
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