Carrick, Sunday 22 February

Race 1

PORT RUN MACHINE (3) did far too much work first up from a lengthy break and was entitled to tire late. The return to a front row draw is a positive, though he may have to work early with WEE GEORGIE WOOD (1) drawn to hold the lead after breaking his maiden last start. He can give a cheeky sight in front, but this is a rise in grade. Last season’s Sweepstakes feature winner RAINBOW RANGER (4) should appreciate the smaller field and looks the clear danger if he can return to his best form. ROCKY STRIDE (5) is a super consistent type who rarely runs a poor race and shapes as the one most likely to fill the placings.

Selections PORT RUN MACHINE (3), RAINBOW RANGER (4), ROCKY STRIDE (5), WEE GEORGIE WOOD (1)

Race 2

DALTON SHARD (6) was narrowly defeated in the Devonport Cup first up in the state before a handy third in the opening heat of the Tasmanian Cup last start. The speed map looks tricky, but he may be driven from behind, and hope his class prevails late. IRON CLAD (3) has returned to his best at his past two outings, including an impressive all-the-way win in fast time last start, and should again be prominent. RAKADAN (1) is going better than his numerical form suggests, having recorded strong sectionals at his past few starts. He possesses exceptional gate speed and if he can settle in the run, he could prove hard to beat. KEAYANG FITZY (2) and VANQUISH STRIDE (4) have both been racing well and with economical runs in transit, each is capable of winning whilst  the same can be said for GORDON BAY (5) who resumes from a spell.

Selections DALTON SHARD (6), IRON CLAD (3), RAKADAN (1), KEAYANG FITZY (2)

Race 3

SHES ALLABOUTLUV (1) could not have been more impressive first up in the state when sitting parked before running away for a commanding victory, closing off with a slick final half. There is some gate speed drawn to her outside, but with clear running she should prove hard to beat again. BARNEY BILL (3) is a consistent performer who maps to settle on speed and looks set to be fighting out the placings once more. SIR NIPPA (6) has been racing well without winning and while the draw is awkward, he can feature if there is genuine tempo throughout. DIAMONDS AND BLUE (8) secures a favourable pegs run following the favourite if the emergency doesn’t gain a start and should get her opportunity to finish in the top four in what appears an even contest outside the likely market elect.

Selections SHES ALLABOUTLUV (1), BARNEY BILL (3), SIR NIPPA (6), DIAMONDSNBLUE (8)

Race 4

MR BONDI (4) has been very good in three runs back from a spell, including last start when sitting outside the short-priced favourite and proving far too strong. He has good gate speed and is expected to press forward again, and may even find the front from stablemate THEE OLD BOMB (2) who looks the likely early leader. ANOTHER NIEN (7) was a tough watch for supporters last start when finishing fourth after making late ground through traffic. The draw is awkward again, but if gaps appear he can be in the finish. MAGIC JOE (6) strikes another wide front row draw and while racing well, will need genuine tempo to bring him into the contest. LYNRYD SKYNRYD (5) and RAY DAN (9) round out the main winning hopes and can figure prominently with the right run in transit.

Selections MR BONDI (4), ANOTHER NIEN (7), MAGIC JOE (6), RAY DAN (8)

Race 5

MIKIYOURSOFINE (1) has put wins together of late and will be looking to lead throughout again. He has sufficient gate speed to hold up early and give them something to chase. LOUGLE (4) rises in class and strikes an awkward draw, but both previous victories have been impressive and he looks a progressive type capable of working through his grades. REPETITIVE (5) poses a chance if he attempts to find the pegs at the start, as he has been very consistent without winning and may look to test the pole marker early. COLBY SANZ (2) and DAZZLE ME (7) both draw to settle on speed and should receive their opportunities with the right runs in transit.

Selections MIKIYOURSOFINE (1) LOUGLE (4), REPETITIVE (5), COLBY SANZ (2)

Race 6

With the scratching of the likely leader, FRANCO VAI (5) is expected to use his good gate speed to press forward and potentially find the pegs, which would significantly enhance his chances. GLENVIEW LANAKAI (6) was very good last start when sitting outside the leader and winning with authority. A similar pattern here would see her very hard to beat again. MCMAYHEM (2) won the heat of this final when able to work to the front and hold on strongly. That scenario may not eventuate this time, but from the favourable draw he should still enjoy a good run on speed. IAMAHUNTER (9) has built an impressive record since arriving in Tasmania and secures another soft trailing draw, which should suit in what looks a genuinely run contest. With multiple runners boasting wins or consistent placings, this is a race where several could figure in the finish.

Selections GLENVIEW LANAKAI (6), FRANCO VAI (5), MCMAYHEM (2), IAMAHUNTER (9)

Race 7

A stand start over the longer journey where several smart beginners step away from the front row. IMPERIAL LAZ (3) has strung wins together of late and wherever he lands in the early stages, he will take catching on speed. BEACH DANCER (4) has been beaten at his past two starts as a short-priced favourite and faces his first attempt from the strands, so he may be worth taking Iif he opens quite short as expected again. ROCKANDAHARDPLACE (2) and FLEETWOOD ROCK (5) are fast beginners and both should be well suited by the extended trip, making them genuine each-way prospects. Off the back marks, NOVA BAXTER (9) and THE CHANCER (11) start from 10 and 20 metres respectively and are likely to be driven for luck, but could be charging home late if the tempo is genuine and gaps appear.

Selections IMPERIAL LAZ (3), ROCKANDAHARDPLACE (2), FLEETWOOD ROCK (5), BEACH DANCER (4)

Race 8

OUR WILLOW (3) looks the likely leader again and gets her chance to break through, though she will need to settle better in the run over the 2150-metre journey. EVERYTHING BUT THE (5) has been racing consistently of late and while the draw makes his early position unclear, he has the toughness to do work and still figure in the finish — something many of these may struggle to do. CENTURIAN MISS (4) resumes from a near two-year absence but showed good gate speed and consistency in her previous campaign, and notably was a recent trial winner two weeks ago. SPORTZSILK (9) and DANCINWIVJOLENE (10) will be relying on genuine early tempo from their outside back row draws, though both drop in class compared to recent assignments and can be competitive with the right run.

Selections OUR WILLOW (3), EVERYTHING BUT THE (5), CENTURIAN MISS (4), SPORTZSILK (9)

Race 9

Another even field assembles where OUR SWEET TRIXIE (1) will be looking to lead throughout after being narrowly defeated here three starts back. From the pole she should get every opportunity to dictate. OBLER (3) has good gate speed and is well suited to the mile, having led and death seated in strong time previously, and can make his presence felt on speed. HAY MIKI (5) was unlucky last start when held up from a favourable draw, but may need to be driven with cover this time and will rely on genuine tempo to bring him into the race. The same applies to those drawn on the back row, including JEREMY WELLS (9) and LOLYOLA TRIOS (10), who will be hoping for solid early pressure to feature late.

Selections OUR SWEET TRIXIE (1), OBLER (3), HAY MIKI (5), JEREMY WELLS (9)

Race 10

With the scratching of LA PIERRE (9), ROLLWITHARTY (7) gains a start. He strikes an awkward draw, but with any luck in running he should be going very close, noting he backs up from Friday night in Hobart. I AM CAESAR (2) is first up in the state from Redcliffe with numerous placings to his name. He appears better suited over shorter trips, though does look the likely leader here. PAZIAH (3) resumes from a spell and has shown promise at times, making the market a key guide. In another very even contest, CEE TEE T CHELSEA would go close if producing her best form, while CINCINNATI (5) and GYPSY AMOUR (10) will be relying on genuine tempo throughout to bring them into the finish.

Selections ROLLWITHARTY (7), I AM CAESAR (2), PAZIAH (3), CEE TEE CHELSEA