Racing
Devonport - Friday, 9th December 2022
Racing returns to the synthetic in Devonport for the first time since mid September, as preparation for the Devonport Cup ramps up with the Ladbrokes Golden Mile m
R1 Kevin Sharkie Class 1 Hcp, 1350m
FROLAND (3) was forced to work early in the race and clung on for a narrow victory. He ran a couple of handy races on the carpet early in his career. BLOW UP (2) was a winner on the same program, leading throughout in a bunched finish that casts doubt over the strength of the form. She can lead again here. UNIQUE GLOW (4) didn't have a lot go right in the 3YO Cup which came off the back of a decent first-up run. Up in distance I suspect suits her. The market finally abandoned NEEDS TO BELONG (1) last start who was entitled to finish a bit closer with the run he had. He draws to have yet another good chance and claims down to 54kg with Brooke Hanham riding.
R2 Carlton & United Breweries Maiden, 1350m
Not a lot of speed on paper here. AHZEEZAH (8) had to circle the field in Launceston and was still taking ground off them late. Blow Up can frank the form in the opener. SPECIAL INTEREST (3), GEE GEES FLYBY (9) and GRAND PEGASUS (6) were scratched from the same maiden on Wednesday night to run here. Special Interest enjoyed a nice run for third last time and missed the kick the start prior. Gee Gees Flyby was also slow out on debut which ended her winning chances in a fast run 1100m. LONDIANI (2) has disappointed in two Tasmanian runs but finds his weakest maiden and may be the one that finds the top. ARAPTOR (4) has blown the start in both his trial and race day appearance. He can be strong late if jumping a bit better. FRANK'S BROTHER (1) and GOLDEN PROPHET (5) both debut for astute stables and it may be worth respecting the fact they kick off over a slightly longer distance than usual.
R3 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1009m
TURK BOY (6) and MUSCLE UP (5) matched motors in a recent trial and ran good time for the session. Turk Boy was a touch slow out on debut but wasn't beaten far in a decent form race. Muscle Up went under at short odds last time we saw him, but it was a small field where the winner controlled from the front. BELLASARIO (10) is also a lightly raced 3YO. She found the front easy enough on debut and has since won a trial over SNOWBIRD (11) who was also down the track when they met at the races. SIRENE'S LILLY (9) comes back sharply in trip and has her first look at the carpet which makes her a bit hard to line up. KREGLINGER (4) and FLYING BILLIE (3) face the starter for the first time, and it may be worth keeping an eye on the market for anything that their trials didn't show.
R4 Tasmanian Horse Transport Class 1 Handicap, 1650m
THREE'S A CROWD (3) was scratched from a maiden on Wednesday to race out of her grade, but given the opposition it isn't hard to see why. She's run well both times she's drawn low and should get an economical run here. ANONYMOUS SOURCE (1) was disappointing in Hobart, but that winner has since won again. Blinkers come off her and she's placed in both prior runs at the track. ALPINE ASSAULT (2) couldn't get into the race from the tail over 2100m last week and is now back in trip. A genuine gallop seems unlikely here in the small field but would seemingly favour him if it eventuates. FIGHTING GRACE (4) and GOOGA THE GOAT (5) are also maiden eligible while KLATTEN (6) has done very little since she arrived onto the Tasmanian racing scene.
R5 Lending 4 U 0 - 62, 1150m
QUICKEN UP (5) returns to her home track where she's a perfect 2/2. She wasn't up to the mark in the 3YO Cup but from the low draw should have a far more economical run than she's been having in Launceston. GEE GEE ALS PRINCE (2) appeared to have his chance last time and is now 13 starts without a win. The market often finds him, and he ticks enough boxes to suggest that may be the case again. TIDAL (6) has the winkers back on and may be let rip which seems the best way to ride her. GEE GEE CAN WIN (1) is sharply back in trip and as a result may find 1150m a bit short to finish over the top. MADETOBEBROKEN (3) was scratched Wednesday night and did enough in his trial to suggest he can run a forward race fresh from a low draw.
R6 Thai Imperial Bm68 Hcp, 1150m
MICHBAR (2) has been typically consistent this campaign, beaten as favourite at his last two he has been far from disgraced. He might need some luck slotting in from the wide draw but if that comes it's hard not seeing him in the finish. Stablemate EASY ROAD (1) had a wide run resuming off a long break and shapes as a likely improver. GEE GEE PLANE (4) I'm sure would marry the Devonport synthetic if the option was presented. He hasn't won in two previous first-up runs but draws nicely and was given a solid hit-out in his trial. AZARA (3) drops in distance at start six for the campaign and rises 4kg from last start. LADY JOKER (6) got the race shape and track pattern she needs last time to finish over the top. Her record at home is mediocre compared to the grass. TILTHEREWARSYOU (5) went to a new level last campaign and resumes without a trial so the market may be a guide. COPPER CHARM (7) wasn't far off Michbar two starts ago and covered ground when a beaten favourite in Hobart. MASCHERATA (8) had support at odds before being scratched on Wednesday night from a BM62. She's aggressively placed as a class 1 horse taking on gallopers that have won as many as seven races.
R7 Ladbrokes Golden Mile, 1650m
This is the biggest career test for DRAMAZING (7) who has won five of her last six and should've won in the miss. She made a very nice return over 1400m in Launceston and the pole draw doesn't appear a disadvantage for a horse that can sprint quickly when the gap comes. SIR SIMON (1) is another last start winner, showing age is just a number defeating several of the opposition he faces here. He may receive a bit of pressure up front but will have time to work across from the wide draw. REWARD ACHIEVER (6) also brings a win streak into the race but interestingly has tended to place far more often than she wins at home. She's a classy type who deserves her chance in this company. Stablemate UBRIACO (10) didn't have the race run to suit last time and could improve here from a lower draw with the blinkers on. RISING LIGHT (8) was unplaced in this race last year when it was won by WHITE HAWK (3) who also went on to add the 2022 Devonport Cup. Both were a bit disappointing behind Sir Simon last time but have had plenty of success on the synthetic. ARGYLE BEACH (11) comes via the same race and is flying but is being set some ambitious targets. THE RISK FACTOR (4) has made a living off Launceston staying trips but did place at his only Devonport start. This looks a kick off point for the major cups as it does for GLASS WARRIOR (2) who hasn't won a race since the 2021 Launceston Cup. SH'BOURNE REBEL (5) hasn't been at his best in two runs to open the campaign but as an 8YO may have needed the time.
R8 Birdcage Tavern & Function Centre Bm68 Hcp, 1350m
GEEGEELUCKYSTAR (6) enjoyed the run of the race to wear down a big price leader last time in Launceston. She jumps in class but did start $2.30 in this grade three starts ago. ALPINE BLAST (5) has had a freshen since a slowly run Hobart race where you could throw a blanket over the field at the finish. He was racing in fine form here through winter and spring. ASSARANCA (2) acquitted herself well enough resuming over an unsuitable 1100m behind the flying Rebel Factor. This looks a more winnable assignment. WARDELL (4) resumes having been outpaced in a pair of recent trials. He'll be strong late as will BARJEEL (3) who is always a player at the T&D if the race is run to suit. The 9YO WILLBY RULES (1) is racing in great form and will appreciate a return to the track where 10 of his 11 wins have come. CLIFTON DANSEUR (7) looks the likely leader which will give him a chance to atone for a poor first-up effort.
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