Racing
Staking Strategy: Hobart - Sunday, 20th July 2025 (Updated)
Punters have a nine-race card in Hobart, set to commence at 11:08.
The rail moves out to +6m from the +3m position a fortnight ago, and a soft track appears likely.
R1 Kevin Sharkie C6 Hcp, 1600m
Just A Needs (1) is racing well and is hard fit. Chased home a smart winner in good time at his latest. Excels this course and distance. ROMANESCO FRESCO (7) has a case if allowed to dictate terms. Things didn't work out for her last week at Devonport. SOUTHERN WIND (6) was solid here 2 runs back this trip in similar company then struck trouble last week at Devonport and should've finished closer. BLONDE SUSPECT (2) got back and was doing his best work late second-up. He did win third-up last preparation but notably all of his wins have been on the synthetic. ALPINE KATE (5) won't find this easy but does get out to a more suitable distance third run in.
Staking Strategy: Just A needs is in form and will handle the genuine soft conditions better than most. 2 units to win JUST A NEEDS (1)
R2 Winning Edge Presentations Maiden, 1400m
Alpine Fury (1) ran on strongly on debut, looks ideally suited stepping out to the 1400m and draws to get every possible chance. WOOLCLASSER (6) is working up to a win. He got a bit too far out of his ground last time but did hit the line strongly and was only narrowly beaten at this track and trip. SOUTHERN AURORAS (11) form ties in with Alpine Fury. Has a slightly awkward gate to overcome but will also appreciate the extra ground. VINO NOVELLO (5) wouldn't completely shock on debut. The latest trial had merit. ELLA MAY (7) makes her own luck but did have every chance last start in an easier race.
Staking Strategy: There was plenty to like about the effort of Alpine Fury on debut. Gets a great run from the inside gate and with even luck will go close. Should be okay on the soft ground. 2 units to win ALPINE FURY (1)
R3 Bec Thomas Mlc Maiden, 1200m
Rawabi (6) and ZULU FIELDS (14) brought themselves undone last start duelling in the lead for the majority of the race. Was no surprise to see them overhauled in the final stages. They stuck on well all things considered. Both present off a 28-day break and look the hardest beat in a moderate race. MISTER MANIHI (4) has had plenty of chances but resumes with a solid first up record with 3 placings from 4 tries. The wide gate is his challenge. GEEGEES DOWNPOUR (3) was beaten a long way first up but he does draw better here and that was a very strong maiden he tackled. TRIBAL COUNCIL (9) lost all chance at the start on debut but did finish off okay and could be an improver at odds.
Staking Strategy: A Low confidence race, Rawabi had no peace resuming and should have derived plenty of benefit coming off that run. 1 unit to win RAWABI (6)
R4 Ladbrokes Mates Mode Pots Bm60 Hcp, 1100m
Olive Girl (7) has been off the scene for 546 days. She was very promising in her 2yo season. Trialled nicely at Hobart albeit in slow time. Will know more once the markets go up but she's the one to beat if she is ready to go. JEHBENTI (1) overcame a slow start to win second up for the new stable, stays in same grade and rates highly again. MISS KEEDS (6) was a touch disappointing behind Jehbenti off a 42-day break but maps for great run here behind the speed. STARS IN THE NIGHT (8) is fit and will make her own luck but does tend to save her best for the synthetic. ESPRIT DIVA (3) is going well in tougher races but the 59kg from an awkward draw is some concern.
Staking Strategy: Olive Girl holds the key to this race returning off a long break but the soft is a query, won't be getting too involved. 1 unit to win OLIVE GIRL (7)
R5 Kevin Sharkie 3yo Hcp, 1100m
Silver Dagger (1) is hard to go past given the manner in which she won first up. She was simply classes above and draws to advantage again. Strikes stiffer opposition here but is clearly the testing material. DANCING WOLF (2) did plenty right in her 3yo season and looks the main threat. GO JEANIE (3) resumes for a new stable and also has her share of ability. VIXEN'S MOON (6) won her maiden comfortably and has plenty of scope for improvement but this is a steep rise in class. SNOWDONIA (4) and BAYBOUGG (5) are contenders for first-4's.
Staking Strategy: Silver Dagger will have plenty of admirers on the back of her first-up win. She was impressive, handles soft, no reason she can't get the job done again. 5 units to win SILVER DAGGER (1).
R6 Kevin Sharkie C1 Hcp, 1400m
Miss De Lune (7) had the absolute gun run and was successful here first up. Has drawn to advantage again and the extra trip suits in what is a tough race. SNOW EAGLE (5) returns from a spell and won well this track and trip first up last preparation. HUBUBBAJAHN (8) is super consistent and will be tough to beat again from the good gate. NEED TO THINK (10) is going well but hasn't had a lot of luck with barriers. Needs everything to go right but if the race is run to suit can get over the top of them. NAVARRE RIVER (1) was rock-solid resuming and the 1400m is a plus. TUSKEGEE (3) was strong late first up on the synthetic. Whether he can bring that form to Hobart is the query. COASTAL STRIKE (4) is in the mix as well.
Staking Strategy: Tough race, happy to play some value. Last start winner Miss De Lune has upside and the soft should be to her liking. Coastal Strike is fit and will handle the ground okay. 1 unit to win COASTAL STRIKE (4) and MISS DE LUNE (7)
R7 Happy Retirement Tony Buissink Bm68 Hcp, 1400m
Flying Billie (7) has reached new heights this time in winning 3 of his past 4. Stays in same grade, gets a handy claim and carries the same weight. . ALPINE AFFAIR (3) gets out to a trip that suits third up and can win. MOORLANDS MISS (8) was only plain resuming but can improve sharply. She races well here. MOVEFORLEX (2) returns from a spell and commands plenty of respect on the back of his first up record. BLONDE STAR (10) was okay very late behind Silver Dagger, wouldn't shock getting out to this trip but may need one more run. GEE GEE MISS QUITA (1) next best
Staking Strategy: Flying Billie continues to race well and looks well placed after the claim. Outside of him, can make a case for several of them. 1 unit to win FLYING BILLIE (7).
R8 Ladbrokes Quick Multi C2 Hcp, 1200m
Thought there were clear excuses for Azonto (2) first up at Devonport. There's good form all around her in her maiden campaign. She's got a bit of quality and will be hard to toss. Outside of her it's very even. There's good form around CARNELIAN ROCK (7). Concede dropping back to the 1200m isn't ideal but he's racing well. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (9) drew poorly and got too far back last time before charging home. Gets a better set up here from a better draw. Wider chances to THE LAST HURRAH (4) and WEDNESDAY'S BOSS (5) with both coming off a 28-days freshen.
Staking Strategy: Azonto can improve sharply off a forgivable first up effort. The Last Hurrah makes her own luck and the wide gate could be a plus later in the day. 2 units to win AZONTO (2). 1 unit to win THE LAST HURRAH (4).
R9 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Maiden/class 1, 2100m
Rocheaux (1) was solid last time over 1600m and does look desperate now for the extra ground. ALPINE TROUT (2) lacks nothing in fitness having his 17th run this campaign, can go close on his effort here 4 runs back. EMMJAY (3) found the line okay here 2 starts back and has been competitive on occasions in better company than this. ZURICH (8) has the least convictions of all runners and is bred to appreciate this trip. THE MOUNTAINEER (7) is limited and just grinds away. The 2100m is new territory for him but the stable is in form.
Staking Strategy: This race is challenging.Collectively, the 10 starters have raced 184 times for just the 2 wins. Rocheaux has as good a case as any of them. He was one-paced to the line last start and should appreciate the 2100m. 1 unit to win ROCHEAUX (1)
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