Trainer-driver Mark Yole provides his thoughts on the weekend of racing at both ends of the state.
Hobart, Friday 3 October
Race 1 – Kerala Star: I thought his run last week was solid, as he was only just starting to wind up on the line. Here, he meets the smart Triedtotellya, who has been very good at both his runs from a spell. With the small field, I expect to drive him with cover and look to work into the race.
Race 4 – Whatta Good Reason: First up from a spell. I think he will need the run. I will drive him for luck.
Race 5 – Deadly Assassin: It’s going quite well. He got to the line nicely last time out, but the draw makes it very hard for him, as he can lay in when he gets wide on the track. So, I think I will be best suited to the pegs here and hope to get a split late.
Race 6 – Alexis Rocket: Finally, a decent draw for this guy! He over-raced last week when showing good gate speed but just got too fired up outside the leader. I will most likely end up either in front or behind the leader depending on how he gets out of the gate. If he can settle, I think he is a great chance to figure in the finish.
Race 7 – Sapphire Gambler: Well, what an unlucky run he had last week. He showed good gate speed to settle behind the leader, but that pacer absolutely capitulated and dragged him right back to last. When I did get off its back, I made up a super amount of ground, but the race was all over. The draw is a little tricky, but as is his usual racing pattern, I will push forward early if there isn’t too much speed and hopefully get a nice position. He should be in the finish.
Launceston, Sunday 5 October
Race 1 – Smooth Reason: A lovely winner last week, this two-year-old filly meets a similar field again. With four rivals, I will look to push forward and attempt to lead; I expect her to be winning again.
Best of the Rest
Working around some of the short-priced runners, a few others I think will run well are:
Hobart Race 2 – Stranded Lollipop: Looks unbeatable to me. It has dominated at its past two starts and meets very similar opposition again here. Regardless of where it sits in the run it should be too good.
Hobart Race 3 – Isla Athena: Right around the money since starting its career I believe this filly gets a red-hot chance to breakthrough. I thought her run here a fortnight ago was full of merit when she worked overtime to find the spot outside the leader and battled on well. From the draw, I think she will do enough to lead and should be winning.
Launceston Race 5 – Magomedov: Very good efforts at his past two runs. He sprinted very quickly here a fortnight ago and then worked mid-race and only just got caught right on the line last week. I feel this race is similar opposition and he should be able to push forward to take up a position then will be finishing off strongly.
