Racing
Staking Strategy – Devonport, Sunday 29 June UPDATED
The final thoroughbred meeting for June is on the Devonport synthetic with an eight-race program.
The first of the day is scheduled for 11:55.
R1 Ladbrokes Top 2/3/4 Betting Maiden/class 1, 1880m
MANHATTAN NIGHTS (1) finally broke through here two-weeks ago and might go with it now. GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (7) was runner-up in that race and now meets him on far better terms and gets her chance to turn the tables. ALPINE TROUT (3) can improve. Although well held last time, thought there were some excuses and possibly didn't appreciate the blinkers, they've now come off. RIPPEN GOLD (5) battled on well at big odds last start after doing a stack of work early, has claims on that effort.
Staking Strategy: Geegee Aunty Jess had been placed 4 of her past 5 this preparation, is well-weighted, gets her chance to break through. 1 unit to win GEEGEE AUNTY JESS (7)
R2 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1350m
ELLA MAY (6) is on the quick turn around from last Sunday and wasn't far away, should be close to peak fitness now. SKELMORLIE (9) loomed to win here last time but peaked on run, back in trip suits, draws for the right run. THE MOUNTAINEER (5) did have it's chance when third-placed behind Manhattan Heights but that's good enough form. OPENSEA (3) has done very little in both Victorian runs but strikes a winnable race and could show up first up off a break, respect any market confidence.
Staking Strategy: As long as she handles the synthetic for the first time, Ella May does look hard to beat in this third-up. 1 unit to win ELLA MAY (6)
R3 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1150m
The debutant MAZZINI (11) has made an impression winning both of his trials and thought he was clearly the one to beat in a moderate maiden. SWING LOW (9) hasn't been far away in recent mainland runs and can be competitive. REDAIR (13) was an unplaced favourite here on debut and then was rock-solid at Hobart, maps for every chance. LA ZAMPA (3) did enough first up off a long break in a good form race and strips fitter.
Staking Strategy: Can't go past Mazzini. Trials have been super, strikes limited opposition, best for the day. 7 units to win MAZZINI (11)
R4 Tasmanian Horse Transport C1 Hcp, 1150m
MAGIC MOGUL (1) is a new arrival from the mainland. Was placed twice in town early in his career and has clearly had some issues since. A big market watch. HIGHLAND DUEL (2) finished just out of the placings at his latest but held on well in a race that was dominated by the runners-on. GET 'EM WARRIOR (3) resumes and won well here before heading for a break. Maps to lead or box seat. TUSKEGEE (4) is another one resuming, excels on this surface, has a slightly awkward gate to overcome. ZOETE'S ROCK (8) last couple have been sound, held-up at a key stage at his latest, and is close to another win.
Staking Strategy: Not a straight forward race. Wary of the Magic Mogul at his first local run. Thought Zoete's Rock was a touch unlucky here two weeks ago, shouldn't be far away. 1 unit each-way ZOETE'S ROCK (8)
R5 Happy Birthday Tania Sheens Bm68 Hcp, 1150m
AZONTO (9) and MOORLANDS MISS (5) are the class runners resuming. Both are proven performers fresh. STREET DIVA (10) is another one resuming and has been a very good pick-up for the stable. No race-day exposure to the synthetic but has trialled here okay. THOROS OF MYR (8) was a sitting shot last start but battled on gamely and was clearly the best of the on-pace runners. Chance with a softer run. GEEGEE JET BY (16) is in the mix if he can gain a start. He gave a good account of himself freshened for his new stable in a harder race. CORNELIAN BAY (7) is in good form, a solid winner here two back, then got too far out of his ground at his latest before hitting the line late.
Staking Strategy: Azonto is a nice filly resuming, showed plenty in her maiden campaign, can sprint well fresh. 2 units to win AZONTO (9)
R6 The Stables At Spreyton Bm60 Hcp, 1350m
NAVAL ANTHEM (4) gets blinkers back on again fourth run in, handles the surface, should be at peak fitness now. HURRICANE KETUT (2) ran well at his latest after covering a bit too much ground. Has an awkward gate to overcome but can go close. ALPINE BLAST (5) looks dangerous from barrier 1, track and trip specialist. CAPITAL CHEVAL (6) had excuses last start, freshened for this, can bounce back. SIMPLY DEEP (3) had no peace up on the speed last time, battled on well, chance again in a harder race. BLONDE SUSPECT (1) did enough first up, chance for exotics.
Staking Strategy: Alpine Blast hasn't won for 12 months but is a noted synthetic horse and from a good draw can run well. 1 unit each-way ALPINE BLAST (5)
R7 Stall Gate Kiosk C4 Hcp, 1650m
EARENDEL (2) is a horse on the rise having won his past two. There was a lot of substance to the win last start despite the narrow margin. NIGHT PEOPLE (1) was an easy winner here last start and remains undefeated on the synthetic, the extra trip won't trouble, a definite threat. MATEUS (5) is racing consistently and had tempo against at his latest. KIREINA MARUBRAH (4) was unplaced behind Geegees City Boy last time but his beaten margin was unfair after being carted wide on the turn by a riderless horse. STEELE MY SUNSHINE (6) had every possible chance behind Mightymaxi. Looks the map horse again but this is tough.
Staking Strategy: No reason Earendel can't be winning again but Night People is a definite danger. 1 unit to win EARENDEL (2)
R8 Dean Walker Designs Bm70 Hcp, 1880m
COUP DE SPRY (6) had been badly out of form this preparation but returned to something like his best in Hobart last week, hitting the line very well late after being slow out and slow into stride. CHICANE (1) did have all the favours in the run to score here a fortnight back but he's super honest and continues to race well. SHY GUY (2) meets Chicane on slightly better terms for his narrow defeat. He went down fighting by the barest possible margin after facing the breeze all the way. FASHION FOX (5) led and toughed it out well in the same race. HIGH TAIL EAGLE (3) was solid in Class 2 company behind Mightymaxi at his latest. This isn't any easier but he gets some weight relief and the extra trip is a plus.
Staking Strategy: Coup De Spry ran well last week and signalled he could be back to his best. 2 units to win COUP DE SPRY (6)
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