Thoroughbred racing returns to Hobart on Tuesday, the first meeting at the track since late August.
R1 Jbm Group Maiden, 1000m
Celestial Glow (9) has performed below-par this time in but a return to Hobart and winkers being added may spark some improvement. Tough to beat if able to rediscover best form. SMASH 'N' GRAB (8) has a wide gate to overcome but she does have good early gate speed. The Longford trial win was sharp with blinkers being applied. The resuming MISTER MANIHI (2) has a handy fresh record but is a long-time maiden. CARDIOSPHERE's (1) is yet to place from 7 outings but isn't hopeless and breeding suggests will handle rain affected ground. GEEGEES MERCEDES (10) was ordinary on debut in June but has trialled okay and could be an improver this time in. Monitor betting moves with the first starters.
Staking Strategy: Genuine heavy ground is a query for most and that's the common theme for the day with most runners. Smash 'n' Grab has early speed and has trialled well, shouldn't be too disadvantaged drawn out wide. 1 unit to win SMASH 'N' GRAB (8).
R2 Graham Family Funerals Maiden, 1600m
Striding Bay (5) was a marked improver last start on the back of a poor effort the run prior. One of the key chances along with I'M A MACHINE (2) who looks very well suited over the extra ground and gets blinkers on for the first time. SEDNA (8) has a liking for the Hobart track but is an unknown at the 1600m. KNIGHTS REIGN (3) wasn't far away last start in a race that already has produced some winning form. Excuses the start prior riding a hot tempo. EAGLEFURTHER (7) battled on okay in a moderate maiden on Friday night at Launceston. This is harder but draws for every possible.
Staking Strategy: I'm A Machine has been desperate for more ground and gets that here. Breeding suggests will handle wet ground. Striding Bay is working up to a win and must be included. 1 unit to win I'M A MACHINE (2) and STRIDING BAY (5)
R3 Dave Garnier Birthday Cup Class 1 Handicap, 1100m
Alpine Fury (2) was a decisive winner getting out to the 1400m when second up last prep but the first up run was also very good. Resumes here and perfectly drawn. Clear top pick. GEORGARONI (1) the main threat. Has been given time since winning on debut. Didn't beat a lot but he does look like he can win more races. Raffle the rest. GEEGEESCHASER (11) only win was at this track and trip. CRYSTAL MOONBEAM (3) is lightly raced and has the early speed to lead from the good gate, include in exotics.
Staking Strategy: Impressed by what Alpine Fury delivered in his first preparation. Big winner on a soft 7 second up. The one to beat. 3 units to win ALPINE FURY (2).
R4 Aviso Tas Insurance Brokers Bm60 Handicap, 2020m
Toughest race of the day. Sugoi Legend (6) hard horse to catch but last win was at this track over a similar trip and handles any going. MATEUS (5) has a good record this venue. Overall has just the 2 wins from the 25 career starts but has been stiff on a couple of occasions. DON'T GIVE UP (1) was strong to the line behind a promising winner in Vino Cavello at Launceston 6 days ago. LINDRUM (4) a proven stayer but only third run back and perhaps need one more. AGNETE (3) is a consistent performer at this level but steps out beyond 1600m for the first time. DOONICAN (9) is good enough but a fitness query with only the 1 run in the past 10-weeks.
Staking Strategy: Just about anything could win this. Mateus lacks nothing in fitness and will handle the testing ground better than most. 1 unit to win MATEUS (5).
R5 Kevin Sharkie Class 4, 1000m
Geegees Missile (6) was a class above rivals last time and looked the winner a long way out, now chasing 4 straight wins and stays on the minimum. BLAMEITONTHEBOOGIE (3) remains unbeaten 2 from 2. Beat a handy class 1 field at Launceston and third-placed Sky Eagle won well on Friday night. JEHBENTI (1) hasn't gone backwards since switching stables, twice successful last preparation from 4 outings and good record here. NAVAL ANTHEM (2) finished within a half-length of Zany Girl at the end of last preparation. Wider chance if able to reproduce that effort.
Staking Strategy: Just the 5 runners are lining up post scratchings and unsurprisingly the 2 at the top dominate the betting. It's a toss of a coin but sticking with Geegees Missile who has continued to improve every run this prep. 1 unit to win GEEGEES MISSILE (6).
R6 Ladbrokes Spring Hosted Pots Bm60 Handicap, 1200m
Restricted Access (4) a tearaway leader & winner here 2 starts ago then forgive last start at Launceston. Better suited back at Hobart. Wide gate potentially more of a positive than a negative later in the day with the likelihood of soft ground. GINGERSON (5) is fit and handles all going, must include. MAKE A DECISION (2) record on the soft and this track hold him good stead, blinkers replace winkers. ARAYA SUNSHINE (7) did enough first up. Last win was at this track and trip. EASTCOAST MISS (3) just the one first-up win from 5 attempts but capable on her day. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (8) wouldn't completely shock but has a better record second up.
Staking Strategy: Restricted Access won a class 2 race here two runs ago leading all the way and gets his chance to repeat the dose. Drawn out should be advantageous this time of the day. Heavy an unknown but 3 wins on soft. 3 units to win RESTRICTED ACCESS (4).
R7 Mingari+ Co Bm68 Handicap, 1400m
Verbano (5) is going well and gets her preferred soft ground in what is a very competitive end to the day. THE LONGEST YARD (7) only tasted defeat once last preparation after switching states and her first up run behind Mastretta was very good over an unsuitable trip. JUST A NEEDS (1) resumes and handles all ground, great record this track and distance, rates highly, as does FIGHTING FLOYD (3) who excels on soft and on the Hobart circuit. Romped by almost 5 lengths last time he struck a genuine wet track. THISISMYTURF (4) another that won't have any issue handling rain affected ground but this is tough.
Staking Strategy: Cannot split Verbano and Fighting Floyd who are proven on genuine heavy and will handle the ground better than most. 3 units to win FIGHTING FLOYD (3) and VERBANO (5).
