Thoroughbred racing is in Hobart on Sunday, where an 8-race program is set to commence at 12:35.
Steve Christie has the Staking Strategy below.
R1 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1100m
The resuming Mister Manihi (2) wasn't far away in better maidens than this in his first preparation. Couldn't have drawn any better, can sit just off them and launch late. SHE PLAYS GAMES (7) is racing consistently without winning. There's no depth to this race and likely to figure prominently again. WE ALL DECIDE (8) was rock-solid in the market on resumption after nine months on the sidelines and was sound enough without raving. Gets back to her home track and can only be improved second-up. CLOVER HILL (4) has been placed at her last couple and has minor claims again. MY DESIGN (5) maps to get every chance, a first-4 player.
Staking Strategy: In a race thin on quality, Mister Manihi just needs some luck at the right time. 4 units to win MISTER MANIHI (2).
R2 Winning Edge Presentations 2yo Handicap, 1200m
The first starter Purr Sefanee (5) will have plenty in her corner after her dominant 8 length trial win at Longford. The time was only average for the morning but she did let down nicely when asked and won her heat powering clear of her rivals. There was little between NATIVE CLAN (7), LADY FERN (4) and SKY LAND (6) as they crossed the line in Launceston in the 2yo Tasbred race. Treating that form warily, given there was only a length separating the first-four past the post. Next best the other debutant LAKESTAR (4). She's a recent Hobart trial winner in slow time.
Staking Strategy: Low confidence race. The raced brigade are an even bunch. Siding with the debutant Purr Sefanee on the back of a big trial win. 1 unit to win PURR SEFANEE (5).
R3 Monotone 3yo Handicap, 1200m
Jehbenti (3) won in class 2 company prior to blowing the start at his most recent and had too much to do from the turn. He chased home better than anything else. THESPIAN WATERS (1) has bounced out of the Summer Carnival winning his last two in Launceston. He's a winner here and a good chance again. LOYALTY BLUES (6) reared at the start last outing and got too far back. Enjoys nice weight relief here and draws to box seat. SANDUAL (5) is racing consistently and doubt he raced on the A-ground last time.
Staking Strategy: Jehbenti conceded too much start last time. small field suits. 3 units to win JEHBENTI (3).
R4 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Maiden, 1400m
The race revolves around Carnelian Rock (5) and MISS TANZANITE (10) if they choose to back-up from last Wednesday's evening. Outside of that pair it's an open race. HUBUBBAJAHN (12) seems to race better on her home deck. She didn't find anything in Launceston last time when sitting outside the leader and the eventual winner. The previous effort was good. MISS PRIVATE (9) and MAY WE ALL (3) were both plain around here on soft ground a fortnight back. Both are likely improvers back onto firmer footing. FRENETICO (2) went straight to the front with the blinkers going on in the same race before fading after having been afforded every chance. Another that perhaps may not have appreciated the softer conditions that meeting.
Staking Strategy: Keen on Miss Tanzinite on the quick back-up from last Wednesday. 5 units to win MISS TANZANITE (10).
R5 Happy Retirement Gary White Class 2 Handicap, 1400m
Kireina Marubrah (5) has gone from strength-to-strength since the blinkers were applied and she's a great chance to get another win to her name. KINGS ON QUEENS (4) continues to race well. Dropping back in trip the knock. CAPITAL CHEVAL (1) did enough on resumption and is sure to relish the 1400m. Last start winner TRICKY MIKKI (7) draws ideally but this is tougher. Can entertain KEEPER'S TOUCH (9) for first-4's. SHARE THE GOLD (6) next best but tends to mix his form. Minor claims for RUE DE PALAIS (2).
Staking Strategy: Pretty confident the winner comes from the top three in the market. Kireina Marubrah has drawn 8/8 but has enough early speed to lead these and will be tough to overhaul. 2 units to win KIREINA MARUBRAH (5).
R6 Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 76 Handicap, 1200m
Tsunami Sam (1) was a comfortable winner this course leading all the way prior to running last in tougher grade across Bass Strait. He has a real affinity for this track and can bounce back. Last start winner JAGUAR STONE (3) the hardest to beat but will be conceding a start. AZARA (5) gave a good account of herself when resuming behind Jaguar Stone. She seems to be a shade underrated by the marker over these shorter trips. Might find it hard to win but has place claims at least. INTISAR (6) won 3 runs back when had tempo to suit. Last couple have been solid enough without raving. Not convinced dropping back in trip is ideal for MUSCLE UP (4) after just narrowly missing last time over 1400m.
Staking Strategy: Tsunami Sam didn't fire last time. He excels on his home track and can make amends. 2 units to win TSUNAMI SAM (1).
R7 Tasmanian Bloodstock Class 1 Handicap, 1200m
Whiz By (6) was disappointing on face value last time but doubt he handled the soft conditions and can bounce back. The run prior in class 2 company had plenty of merit. There was little separating ROHZHAE (2), SHALL WE PLAY (5) and ARAYA SUNSHINE (8) when finishing 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively behind Fear The Sting a fortnight back. This is no harder. Not prepared to write off SIR JAG (4) just yet but this is probably D-Day for him. CORONATION KEELY (3) wasn't overly impressive winning her maiden, that said, this is not strong.
Staking Strategy: Whiz By finished down the track here a fortnight back on a surface with genuine give. Gets firmer footing here, can improve. 1 unit to win WHIZ BY (6).
R8 Ladbroke It! Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1100m
Fear The Sting (7) was far too good in class-one grade last start. She did win well but this is clearly a tougher assignment. GREY WHISPER (6) was held up at a vital stage last time but still managed to get the job done, draws well, serious chance again. SWEET LUCIFER (2) has drawn out but it might be the place to be later in the day? Gets in well after the claim. The 1100m is some query. BETTER THAN BANKSY (1) is flying and will eating up the ground late. BELLASARIO (8) races well this venue and found some form last time hitting the line hard.
Staking Strategy: Tough race, can make a good case for 4 or 5 of them, no reason the last start winner Grey Whisper can't go close again. 1 unit to win GREY WHISPER (6).
