Trainer John Blacker staked his claim for this season’s premiership with four winners in Hobart on Sunday moving to within one of the lead.

John Keys had a double to take back the lead, Glenn Stevenson shares second spot. John Blacker has the biggest number of horses in work and with seven meetings left in the season and weight of numbers may win out.

Blacker ended the day like it started with Zewinna ($8.50) ridden by Chelsea Baker taking out the last of the 10 races, a BM60 (1600m). Earlier he had teamed with stable apprentice Jackson Radley for three winners, including exciting filly Press For Boom ($3), who returned with a dashing win in Class 1 company.

Press For Boom has raced only twice e for two wins but Blacker believes she may measure up to feature races like the Mystic Journey and Vamos Stakes both at Group 3 level.

Blacker has mapped out some long-range plans for Alpine Affair ($10 – $3.70) who landed some good bets winning the BM76 (1600m) downing greybeard Sir Simon by a short head.

The trainer has picked out the Longford and Devonport Cups as targets for the 5YO who has now won eight races from 43 starts. Alpine Affair was up in class but down in weight and Blacker explained that told the story.

"We claimed 2kg (and carried) 52kg. Small field, super fit, we thought he had a chance of winning and he was backed accordingly," Blacker said.

"He's no world beater but when he gets the right run to suit and down in the weights, he is very hard to beat.

"I still believe he is a Longford Cup horse and hopefully get a result there and back up into the Devonport Cup."

2023/24 Tasmanian Trainers' Premiership table

• John Keys 52
• John Blacker 51
• Glenn Stevenson 51

Oarsome effort

Rowing Power broke through for his first win at his fifth start with a strong performance in the second division of the 1400m maiden.

The 3YO had finished down the track when fresh over 1100m four weeks ago but enjoyed the step up in distance.

"He's just a big boy, he's a little bit immature but we've always liked him he's a lovely mover to ride and has a good attitude but it 's always been a bit of a game with him.

"I think he's just learning what it's all about so hopefully he can keep improving, he's seems that type, a big horse they always take a bit of time," Brendon McCoull representing the Imogen Miller stable said.

Ridden a treat by Troy Baker who positioned the galloper just off the pace, Rowing Power ($6.50) finished to powerfully to win from Rafael's Raid ($4.60) and the fast-finishing All About Luna ($15).

The Miller stable made it two for the day when Fighting Floyd stormed home from last to take out the BM68 (1430m).

At one stage Flighting Floyd ($31) was three lengths behind the second- last horse but once jockey Daniel Ganderton switched him to the outside in the home straight he rattled home to win impressively.

Runner-up Charlie Bucket ($1.55 – $2.40) an easing favourite would have lost no admirers with his first-up run, while Li'l Hail Mary ($16) ran on well for third.

Trainer Stuart Gandy gave Miss Chica Mala a reprieve after being beaten 15 lengths at her previous run and it paid dividends with the 4YO scoring her first win in the 1100m maiden after hitting the front 400m from home.

Gandy said he had initially sacked Miss Chica Mala ($10) but decided to give her one more chance.

"She has always shown a little bit but she is limited by her size. She has a bit of a breathing problem and we treated her for that, kept using her as a bit of a pony probably just backed off her a little bit, Codi (Jordan) rode her a treat, a really strong ride just kept her going and she's probably had her birthday today," Gandy said.

Although tiring, Miss Chica Mala scored narrowly from two first starters who could pay to follow, Wannabe Ziggy ($7.50) and Windara Wolf ($15).