Dual Tasmanian Premiership-winning jockey Anthony Darmanin is gearing up for a huge weekend of racing across two states.
Unbeaten in six starts aboard star Tasmanian mare Geegees Mistruth, Darmanin will face his toughest test in maintaining his unbeaten record when the 4yo mare begins her campaign in the Group 3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield in Victoria on Saturday afternoon.
After two impressive recent trials in Hobart, Geegees Mistruth has drawn barrier five in a field of 15 that is brimming with quality.
"When I saw the race, I thought it's a very strong field, a lot of quality horses and up-and-coming horses as well," Darmanin said.
Geegees Mistruth ran well without winning in Victoria at this time last year, placing in three of five black type runs before returning home and winning twice at Group 3 level.
"She's earned the right to be there; she gives 100 per cent every time she races, and I think we're all excited to see where she fits in."
After wide gates hampered Geegees Mistruth's last Victorian campaign, Darmanin is pleased with the marble drawn, on a track he expects to race in the soft range.
"We've drawn well, so the hope will definitely be to use that and be up near the speed."
Darmanin is no stranger to a big Victorian race day at Caulfield, having won the Group 2 PB Lawrence at the track in 2019 with Mystic Journey. Geegees Mistruth is around the $17 mark with most corporate bookmakers for Saturday's contest.
In Hobart on Sunday, Darmanin will jump back aboard Distrustful Award for the first time since his Group 3 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup win in February.
After a slashing first-up third in Hobart, Distrustful Award failed to flatter in the Golden Mile in Devonport last start.
"Second up for Distrustful Award on the synthetic surface probably wasn't ideal, and that race was dominated on speed.
"Stepping up in distance will suit, and I think getting back to Hobart should help as well."
Sunday's $45,000 Open Handicap (2040m) is the feature event on the program in Hobart, with several of the likely fancies coming out of the $50,000 Golden Mile.
Darmanin has rides in seven of the eight races and thinks his best winning chance may arrive in the opening race with Furneaux.
"My horse is race fit now, and he should get every chance in the small field."
