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The 2024/25 thoroughbred season begins in Devonport on Sunday with a seven-race program.
The card coincides with National Jockey's Celebration Day, where the fourth race is named after the cause.
The first event is scheduled for 11:47.
R1 Ladbroke It! Maiden, 1009m
Zoete's Rock (10) was placed at every start in his first preparation last season and bumped into a couple of smart ones on each occasion. He's a recent trial winner here and appears to have come back in very good order. At her third run for her new stable ZECOUGAR (8) looks the hardest to beat resuming. She rode the speed last start behind Stars In The Night, comfortably holding down second spot. Third-placed from that race has won twice since. GEE GEE SALTBUSH (4) is racing consistently this prep on the synthetic but this represents a tougher assignment. PURPLE MOON (6) has place claims from a good gate. She wasn't far away at a big price last time when the winkers went on for the first time. The first-starter CLUB CITY's (9) trial win was no indicator to his ability given how slowly it was run so the market will be the best guide.
Staking Strategy: Zoete's Rock brings strong 2YO form from last season and is clearly the testing material. Zecougar the main threat. 6 units to win ZOETE'S ROCK (10). 1 unit to win ZECOUGAR (8)
R2 Goodstone Group Maiden, 1350m
Night Action (5) makes his local debut and he could not have been any more impressive in winning his 2 trials and is clearly the one to beat. NEED TO THINK (9) is racing consistently without winning and from a perfect draw should be in the finish again. FOREIGN LEGION (2) is going okay for the new stable but the outside gate makes it a challenge. MISS PRIVATE (8) gets all the favours drawn in but her lack of early speed doesn't help her cause. GEEGEES ROYAL DUKE (4) is fit but is limited, could sneak into first 4's.
Staking Strategy: Night Action has trialled up well and is the only one of interest in a race where many of his rivals are long-time maidens. 7 units to win NIGHT ACTION (5)
R3 Tasmanian Horse Transport Maiden/class 1, 1650m
Johnnie Pinch's (3) only win was this track and distance. He has a good fitness base now and should be ready to peak third-up. Doubt he was in the very best ground last time in Hobart. GEE GEES ME BOY (2) closed off strongly 2 starts back then was only picked off late last Sunday in Hobart in a stronger race than this and deserves a change of luck. MISS VIVACE (10) is usually thereabouts but she's limited and has a poor winning strike rate. Same can be said for NOBLE EXCEPTION (4) but he's very fit and draws to get the right run. There's nothing wrong with BOUNTY BAY's (9) form but she's consistently running on without winning and have some reservations about her. DYNAMIC DEEL (1) is a wider chance for first 4's.
Staking Strategy: Johnnie Pinch handles the synthetic, drops in grade and should be spot on third run back. 5 units to win JOHNNIE PINCH (3)
R4 Jockey Celebration Day Class 1 Handicap, 1150m
Mihoko Takeo (7) resumes and her only win to date was first up at this venue last preparation. She's trialled nicely in the lead up and looks a huge chance. CAPTAIN CAM (4) won for his new stable at his first try then in the subsequent run had zero luck when unplaced. He's have gone close to winning again if he'd seen daylight at any stage in the straight. RALPH THE ROCKET (3) did enough first run back then was out on a limb all the way last time and I suspect he flies under the radar here at good odds and is a must include. STARS IN THE NIGHT (9) is always hard to get past and has to be given a good hope again against similar opposition. The locally trained ASTRO TED (1) is racing consistently and draws to get a nice run near the speed.
Staking Strategy: Captain Cam was luckless last start climbing over heels in the latter stages. Mihoko Takeo has trialled well and expecting she'll run a forward race fresh. 2 units to win CAPTAIN CAM (4) and MIHOKO TAKEO (7)
R5 Thai Imperial Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1150m
The form around Quicken Up (2) isn't as bad as it looks on paper. She'll appreciate the drop in grade and should be able to lead these without too much trouble. GOLDEN MEADOW (4) remains unbeaten this track and trip from two attempts and she'll be better for her first up run. BELLASARIO (6) scored a last-to-first win at Hobart last Sunday in same grade and does have winning form around here. PASHEONA (3) won by the barest possible margin at her first local start and had every chance in the run but is open to improvement at only her second run back. ALPINE AVIATOR (9) draws perfectly and is a wider hope for exotics.
Staking Strategy: Golden Meadow has a good record this venue and will be tough to hold out. Quicken Up looks like she can get a fairly comfortable lead and if left alone will take catching. 3 units to win GOLDEN MEADOW (4). 1 unit to win QUICKEN UP (2)
R6 Kevin Sharkie Benchmark 72 Handicap, 1009m
The Dean Wells yard is well represented by the speedy Tony Nicconi (1) who should be at his peak third-up, and the last-start winner BOLD INSTINCT (4) who is going as well as ever this time in. PHILOSOPHERS STONE (6) is well above average and is sure to make his presence felt returning from a break. Those three clearly look the main ones. ARUMA (3) would be a hope on her best form but she's been well below that at both runs this time in. Next best GEE GEE ENUF SPEED (2) who is very capable fresh and won first-up last prep but will probably find this a shade too short.
Staking Strategy: There looks to be good pressure up front which will suit both Bold Instinct and Philosophers Stone sitting off them and having last crack. 3 units to win BOLD INSTINCT (4) and PHILOSOPHERS STONE (6)
R7 Seba Sheetmetal Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1350m
Square Donut (2) is airborne this time in and gets in well after the claim. His record around here over this distance is outstanding (11:5-1-4). BAO BUN (3) has won 3 of her last 4 in similar company and has a strong case again. CHICANE (10) is a model of consistency and his form ties in strongly with Bao Bun. BLONDE SUSPECT (1) came from a long way back to score last start. He'll clearly need some luck in running and back in distance is a big query for him but he's going too well to rule out. THE SPIRIT OF ZERO (4) is on the quick turnaround from last Sunday and does look better suited out in distance. RING OF HONOUR (8) best goes close but he does need to lift on recent efforts. He was run off his legs last start and is likely to be more effective back to the 1350m. ETHICAL DILEMMA (9) a wider quaddie/first 4 hope but its been over 2 years since he last won.RODRICK'S SECRET (14) has snuck into the field and wasn't far away in Hobart last week.
Staking Strategy: Hardest race of the day by a long stretch. Chicane is super honest and deserves another win. The obvious knock on Ethical Dilemma is that he hasn't won for over 2 years but he's going okay and is worth including at a price. 2 units to win CHICANE (10). 1 unit to win ETHICAL DILEMMA (9)
