SEA SICK (3) hasn’t had the cards fall his way in two starts to date. Dropping back to the 340m and a better box could see a momentous shift in form. Littermate FISH TO FRY (5) got the better of SEA SICK (3) on 20 Jun when running third behind Surveillance who is a subsequent winner. Has speed to burn and will appreciate dropping back to 340m. INFORMANT (4) hasn’t quite been able to match it with the top seed youngsters in Tasmania. This is a drop back in competition; however, he has speed drawn either side of him and is on the quick back up.
HIGHGATE PETE (3) brings the strongest formlines to this race defeating Kingfish over the 515m at Launceston on Monday. He’s also the only runner in this race to have won over this track and trip. ASHTON (4) makes her debut for the astute Medhurst kennel. She is well bred and is sure to be well educated. Respect any positive betting moves. TAGLINE (7) is an 18-start maiden. He struggles to keep up with rivals early but typically runs home strongly. Place chance.
Difficult race to assess. BUCKLE UP GINNA (8) doesn’t win out of turn; however, brings the best form to this race by a mile with recent placings behind Harden Up Johnny and Nyah Nyah Demon. Has trialled over the 600m at Launceston in the lead up to this race. VELVET QUEEN (6) has raced behind Copper Mountain in recent weeks over the Launceston 600m. Placed in two of her 11 starts over this track and trip. Despite placing in his last two starts, DEWANA BOOGIE (7) is racing below his best. The rise in distance could be suitable.
ZIPPING GOLDIE (2) returns off a four week break. She has been racing against some hot opponents recently such as Harden Up Johnny and Fast Minardi. Will appreciate returning to masters grade as well as 340m at Hobart. BLAZER EXPRESS (4) has placed in four of his past five starts at Launceston. He makes a rare Hobart appearance haven’t not raced here in over 18 months. Has flown around this track and trip in the past. CHILLED WHISKY (6) was heavily supported on Tuesday over the 461m and the plonk went array. Owns a slick personal best over the 340m and will be hard to hold out if she’s switched on.
HIT THE SWITCH (7) returned to Tasmania last week after a campaign at Grafton which saw him finish second in The Thunderbolt. He wasn’t disgraced finishing third behind Raider’s Guide. Unbeaten in five starts over this distance and owns the track record. GOLDEN CHOPSTICK (4) made it three from three over the 340m at Hobart with another dominant front running display on Tuesday. Small query on her freshness offsetting the squeeze box on a quick back up. DEWANA GEM (8) is an extremely underrated chaser who won last week defeating Bronte Maree. Has shown she can handle wide boxes.
Best Bet – R5 N7 Hit The Switch
FEARSOME FLIRT (8) has run second in four consecutive starts over this track and trip. His opponents appear a touch weaker here and he can go one better. BUCKLE UP KIRK (2) has raced predominantly over the 515m at Launceston throughout his career. His last win came over this track and trip when running 26.07 and causing a major upset. Prefer him drawn wide. FLAMING TEQUILA (5) has won seven of his 21 starts. He has had minimal success from middle draws and prefers racing at Launceston.
BUCKLE UP ALFIE (1) has been racing in fine form over the 515m at Launceston. He has been lightly raced at Hobart; however, his racing style is extremely suitable to the one turn circuit. Hard to beat. OUR DAD’S ROCK (6) will appreciate returning to Hobart after a few stints at Launceston where he was well beaten. Has won in slick time here over both distances. INTERROGATION (2) returned from a four month break with a brilliant win over the 340m at Hobart. Has since placed over this distance and is suited to a low box draw.
ASTON SMOKEY (4) won three starts ago over the 515m at Launceston in a flying 29.52. He was beaten to the punch by Hit The Switch last time which resulted in a last place finish. Serious drop in grade here and he should make amends. CAL’S SENSATION (6) won back to back races at Launceston before returning to his more preferred track and trip finishing third to Gravitational. Main danger. BUCKLE UP ARIA (7) run a well beaten second behind ASTON SMOKEY (4) in May. That is the right formline for this race.
Next Best – R8 N4 Aston Smokey
SERGEANT ALF (7) has shown good speed over the 461m before tiring late. The drop back to 340m appears suitable and he has clocked an impressive time in the past. BUCKLE UP MAJEL (4) does a lot of her racing at Launceston. She placed in her lone start over this track and trip. Will be in the mix. GEORGIE DEAN (8) won last week over the 461m in a fair 26.16. She is yet to miss the podium in three starts over this track and trip.
CADIA GOLD (9) gains entry into this race and will exit box three. He was heavily supported in his Tasmanian debut when running on nicely for second behind Love Is Gone. He will appreciate stepping up in distance as well as the Hobart circuit. REMEMBER DES (6) won two starts ago over the 461m at Hobart in a moderate 26.38. The drop down in distance last week saw him finish unplaced and he is more suited to the 461m. Will run on. MAHJONG NICKI (5) recorded a rare win last start over the 278m at Launceston when defeating Bearville Bronx by four lengths. Yet to win in 10 starts over this track and trip.
LITTLE ZOOM (2) has been racing in terrific form running placings in FFA company behind Dealer and Saint Zac. Slight freshen here and back to the 340m at Hobart suits. Drawn to lead and will be hard to run down. BUCKLE UP MILES (8) put back to back wins on the board in the middle of June over the 515m at Launceston. Has placed in both his starts here. Will run home strongly. BIG TEXAN (5) is another dog racing in a rich vein of form having won two of his past three starts albeit this race is much deeper than the ones he’s recently contested.
