Mark Yole provides his regular thoughts across another busy weekend of racing including two meetings in Burnie and Hobart.
Burnie 25 October
Race 1 – Major Ideal: I think this mare is going as well as she ever has. She was unlucky last time she raced here at Burnie and was never able to get out. She gets an ideal draw and should find a handy position with cover. All going well she will be right in the finish.
Race 3 – 3. Mach Angelo: A gelding that is going very well. I thought he was a good effort last week in Hobart and finds a suitable race here. He has options as he can be driven tough or with cover. Either way I think he will be very hard to beat.
Race 4 – Ranieri: Breaking through for a win last week was some just reward for his previous few efforts where he had been hitting the line well. He has an exceptional record here at Burnie as he usually flies the standing start. If he can ping to the lead, I will be holding it and he will be mighty hard to catch.
Race 5 – Gottahaveahobbie: Absolutely rapt with his effort here a fortnight ago, He flew the tapes then got attacked twice and crossed. I thought he hit the line strongly. I will be looking to lead again and think he should go very close.
Race 6 – Dazzle Me: A handy winner here last time out, he has a much tougher assignment here having to content with a 20m handicap. From there I will have to drive him for luck as it seems nearly impossible to make ground out wide on this circuit.
Race 7 – Deadly Assassin: Really knocking on the door is this veteran. I think his past few runs have been great. The draw here is horrendous as he likes to be sat up so again I will need some luck to come our way, however it wouldn’t shock me to see him winning very soon.
Race 8 – Whatta Good Reason: A tough effort here last start. He pings the tapes and should be leading again. He will be hard to catch with a good run in front.
Hobart 27 October
Race 4 – Kerala Star: Honest guy, he draws to push forward early and if was able to find the front would be hard to beat.
Race 5 – Bumpy J: Seems to have gone off the boil at his past couple of starts. This looks tough again.
Race 6 – Remember Me Now: Going quite well although was a touch disappointing last start when having to do it tough. The draw really hurts his chances but with some luck he could be thereabouts.
Race 7 – Mista Eagle: Broke through for a well-deserved win three starts ago and has continued his consistent form since. The draw is a little tricky but if he can find a good trailing position in the run he will be running on late.
Race 8 – Swimintheriver: A handy pacer, this guy has had a little freshen up since he last raced in August. He rarely misses a cheque and has been primed for this with a nice trial on Monday night at Carrick. The mile distance is his preferred distance; however the draw is a little tricky so it will be a case of play it as it comes for me. I expect him to run well.
Best of the rest
Burnie
Race 2 – Flo Jo Cavalho: Two starts ago this mare ran a terrific race to just be beaten close to the line in a 1:57 mile rate, she then came here where she drew the backline and didn’t enjoy much luck. From this draw I expect her to settle on speed and she will be right in the finish. The one horse Mikiyoursofine was good first up in the state and I expect these two to fight it out but I think Flo Jo will get the upper hand.
Hobart
Race 1 Okanui Beach: This 2-yr old colt is still looking for a way out after being badly held up here last week. He was travelling sweetly but got himself into some trouble down the back straight then had no option but to got to the peg line where he never got clear. From this draw I expect him to lead and win easily.
