Huge test for Swoop Dog
The Tasmanian Derby has always been the main target for the John Blacker-trained Swoop Dog that has taken all before him this preparation.
After winning his maiden over 1200m late last year, Swoop Dog has gone on to win the Tasmanian Guineas over 1600m and the Launceston Guineas over 2100m and both are Listed races carrying prizemoney of $100,000.
But he could have to be every bit as good as his trainer believes with a strong interstate contingent of threeyear-olds about to invade the state.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr stable has confirmed it will bring two to tackle the race in Bury Road and Alloway, both winners over the Derby trip, or thereabouts.
And on Sunday the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable confirmed it would send multiple winner Explosive Jack for Tasmania’s blue riband race for three-year-old stayers. Maher said he also nominated his filly Mystique Falcon for the Derby but confirmed she would be nominated for the Strutt Stakes at Elwick next Sunday as a prelude to the Tasmanian Oaks.
Explosive Jack, a colt by Irish stallion Jakkalberry, has only started three times for a maiden win on debut at Swan Hill over 1600m in late November last year after which he was sent to their Sydney stable.
The colt subsequently finished fifth of nine at Goulburn before winning a 2400metre benchmark 64 against older and more experienced opposition at Kembla Grange just over two weeks ago.
“Explosive Jack has done everything right so far and one thing we know for sure is that he will run the Derby trip (2200m),” Maher said from Melbourne.
“Mystique Legend is a filly who has shown staying promise, so her target is the Strutt Stakes over 2100m next Sunday and we will see how she comes through that race before deciding on progressing to your Oaks.”
The nominations for the Strutt Stakes, to be run on Hobart Cup Day, will be released on Monday, and will include the Scott Bruntontrained Hela that is unbeaten from four starts and is one of the most promising gallopers in the state.
Hela delivered a brilliant effort to easily win the Thousand Guineas over 1600m at Elwick last Sunday, after which rider David Pires said the filly should relish stepping up in distance.
Nominations for all races this Friday (Derby day) were extended until 9am Monday, but if no others are added to the Derby and all first nominees accept, the race will comprise six locals and as many from interstate.
This year’s Ladbrokes Hobart Cup promises to be a brilliant race, given what we saw emerge from the weightfor-age Summer Cup just over a week ago.
While the Summer Cup (2200m) was won by the rank outsider White Hawk ($156), there was plenty to like about the efforts of many that finished behind him.
Multiple weight-for-age winner Mandela Effect was a game second at his first test beyond 1600m and classy mare Glass Warrior, third in last year’s Hobart Cup, produced the fastest finishing sectionals to run third.