Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - RAINBOW ALLEY (14) was beaten as a short-priced favourite on debut after an easy win at the trials before that. She will be better for the experience and this field is not strong. A good draw helps and she can set the record straight in this. DIESEL'S SUNSHINE (5) has shown plenty of pace in both of her starts to date and should be close to her full fitness third up. She is a 6-year-old mare so has been given plenty of time to mature. She has the winkers off for the first time which could mean that she takes a sit here early on. She drops 3kg in weight thanks to a claim and will be among the hardest to beat. SHE PLAYS GAMES (8) ran on too late from a wide draw when resuming at Launceston just over 3 weeks ago. Top hoop David Pires takes over from an apprentice and with some better luck, she can figure in the finish this time. GEEGEES DOWNPOUR (3) never got a go at them fresh up and went to the line untested. He strips fitter and can improve sharply. Each-way value.
RACE 2 - CHARLIE BUCKET (1) has been patiently handled for a 6-year-old gelding and has compiled a very good record. He was runner-up in a stronger class at Launceston just over 2 weeks ago and is unbeaten in a couple of starts on this course over the trip. A 3kg claim will help and he is the one to beat. LONDIANI (3) raced keenly early on when finishing fourth here 4 days ago and will be spot-on for the mile on a quick backup. He slides back in class and should go close to taking this out. LORDOSIS (4) is a progressive gelding who will be peaking third up from a spell. He tries the blinkers for the first time and benefits from a 3kg claim. Each way value. FIGHTING FLOYD (2) did not get much luck from a wide draw at Launceston last start. He is down slightly in class and starts from a kinder barrier this time. Stick with him.
RACE 3 - ROWING POWER (4) has found it hard to win another race but has not been far from the action all season. He has been crying out for more ground and steps out to a trip beyond a mile for the first time. A good draw helps and he is always running on. He should get the job done this time. PINANDI (8) has not been too bad in her last couple of starts over a middle distance at Launceston. Her only win has come on this circuit and she should be right in the finish this time. MISS VIVACE (6) is like many of her rivals in that she can't quite find her second win. She was brave to the line when runner-up at Launceston 10 days ago and is sure to give her backers another great sight. Include in all combinations. PUMA (3) is usually battling on in his races and has top hoop David Pires in the saddle for the first time. He could help coax that little bit extra out of this gelding where it matters most. Each way value.
RACE 4 - KAKIA (1) made some good progress last season and would have matured over his spell. He resumes from a spell with a couple of trials under his belt. Having the blinkers on for the first time fresh-up is a positive move and with David Pires in the saddle, he is the one to beat. STRATOJACK (3) has been freshened up since failing to fire in a couple of starts this season and is looking for a decent track. He has a good draw and can't be ignored, especially if the track is firm. Watch the markets closely. SPECIALIZED (8) showed a lot of promise as a juvenile on the Devonport poly track near the end of her initial prep and has looked in good nick at the trials on the turf at Longford. A good draw helps and she has enough pace to take them all of the way fresh up. DIOS (2) franked a recent trial win with a brave effort for second fresh-up at Launceston, finishing second by half-a-length. She strips fitter and benefits from a 3kg claim this time. Goes close.
RACE 5 - GEEGEES GEMSTONE (4) is a quality sprinter resuming from a spell and he is unbeaten in 3 first-up runs. He is also unbeaten in 5 starts over 1100m and has looked sharp in 3 lead-up trials. A wide gate hurts but Anthony Darmanin is one of the best hoops in Tasmania and the pair will go very close to taking this out. TSUNAMI SAM (5) ended his last season with a couple of solid efforts in Queensland in good fields. He won a recent trial by a nose and has a terrific record on this track, including 5 wins. He comes to hand quickly and from a good draw, he will be among the hardest to beat in a very nice field. IN THE OCEAN (15) is an up-and-coming gelding chasing a hat-trick of wins in his toughest test to date. He drops 7kg in weight and should make the grade. DURAZZO (14) has rushed through the grades this season with 3 wins on the bounce. He can make full use of the pole position and can give this a shake. Stick with him.
RACE 6 - DID YOU DECIDE (6) had to work hard early from a wide gate to settle handy to the pace when resuming from a spell at Launceston just over 3 weeks ago and did well to hold onto third place. He has a better draw this time and will appreciate the extra furlong on offer. He strips fitter and can take this out. OLE OLA (5) has needed both of her runs back from a spell at Launceston and is back to his favourite track third up. He has the right draw and with top hoop David Pires in the saddle, he is ready to put his best hoof forward. Each way. DAYAN STAR (3) seldom runs a bad race and was only a short head back from the winner at Launceston as favourite 15 days ago. He is in a good space and another good run is expected. FREAK ON A LEAD (1) has been freshened since failing in his only start this season at the start of spring and is much better than what he showed that day. He was an easy winner of a recent trial and can't be underestimated in this.
RACE 7 - NAVAL ANTHEM (1) has made a bright start to his career in Tasmania after making the move from Queensland earlier in the year. He was in the money in all 3 starts to kick off this season, including a win, and his recent freshen-up would have done him no harm. A recent trial will have him ready to fire here. On top. PERIWINKLE (5) weakened late when racing at Sandown-Hillside last time out and was put aside for a spell. She has the talent and is in the right grade for her return. A 4kg claim will help and from a handy gate, she is not out of this. MASTRETTA (7) built strongly to a deserved maiden win at Launceston 8 days ago. She has scope and should continue to improve with racing. Stick with her. NEEDS SUGAR (2) fought on fairly well when finishing fourth at Launceston last time out. She won't have any excuses with her fitness fourth up and will be happy to be back on this track. She is ready now to put her best hoof forward. Include in all combinations.
