HOBART CUP DAY: Racing Insights & Best Bets
Hobart Cup Day 2025: A Massive Day of Racing Awaits!
One of Tasmania’s premier racing events, Hobart Cup Day 2025, is set to thrill punters this Sunday with an action-packed 10-race program.
The Group 3 Hobart Cup (2400m) headlines a stellar card, supported by the Listed Strutt Stakes (2100m) and the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m)—making it a must-watch day for racing enthusiasts.
With the track expected to improve to a Good 4 by race day, despite being a Soft 5 on Friday, conditions should be ideal for competitive racing.
The rail is out 6m for the entire circuit, adding an extra layer of strategy for jockeys and trainers.
Racing kicks off at 11:55am AEDT, and with Hobart Racecourse’s unique layout—an anticlockwise, egg-shaped circuit with a 1,990m circumference and a 350m home straight—horses will need stamina and tactical precision to handle the testing incline leading into the final bend.
With high-quality racing, a fantastic atmosphere, and plenty of betting opportunities, Hobart Cup Day 2025 is shaping up as a must-see event.
🔥 Stay tuned as we break down each race with in-depth previews, best bets, and value plays!
Race 1. (11:55) The JBM Group Maiden 1200m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race Tempo: Genuine speed—suited to on-pacers and strong finishers.
Market Watch: Billie The Great firming ($3.20 → $2.80)—suggesting strong confidence first-up.
A Maiden over 1200m kicks off the card, with several promising types and lightly raced improvers. Expect a genuine tempo, with Mel’s Street Above and Toorak Lad pushing forward, while Billie The Great and Geegeehailstorm will be positioned off speed and running on late.
Mel’s Street Above was only run down late on debut after setting a strong speed over 1100m at this track. Stepping up to 1200m suits, and if ridden with a little more patience, she can go one better with senior rider David Pires aboard.
Billie The Great resumes with blinkers first time after showing talent in her debut prep. She hasn’t raced since October but has trialled superbly in preparation for this and gets Craig Newitt in the saddle.
Geegeehailstorm has been knocking on the door, placing in four of her five starts this prep. She charged home to just miss at Launceston last start, and if the race sets up for swoopers, she’s a key threat.
For value players, Ellisphere was never a factor last start but draws better this time and steps up to 1200m, which could spark sharp improvement at big odds.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Mel’s Street Above ($3.90) – Strong debut, fitter now, leading chance.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Ellisphere ($21.00) – Can settle closer, sneaky improver.
Race 2. (12:26) Kevin Sharkie Maiden 1400m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race Tempo: Even pace—suited to on-speed runners and strong closers.
Market Watch: Light Force ($4.20 → $3.80) is tightening—suggests confidence in his tactical speed.
A 1400m maiden with Wannabe Ziggy well-placed to finally break through, but Light Force and Peak A Boom present as genuine threats. The tempo should be even, with Light Force and Talk Soon pressing forward, while Wannabe Ziggy and Peak A Boom will be finishing strongly from midfield.
Wannabe Ziggy has been ultra-consistent, placing in all four runs this prep. She was game in defeat last start at Launceston, and blinkers go on for the first time, which could be the key to breaking her maiden status.
Light Force is rock-hard fit after pressing forward and sticking on well over 1200m at this track last start. He maps to lead or box-seat and should be in it for a long way.
Peak A Boom has been hitting the line well, and the step up to 1400m looks ideal. She found the line late at Launceston last start and has the turn of foot to be a threat if she’s within striking distance at the 200m.
For value players, Al Maximus was never in the race first-up but has trialled well and is suited stepping up in trip. If he improves second-up, he could be one for exotics.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Wannabe Ziggy ($1.75) – Consistent, blinkers on, perfectly placed.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Al Maximus ($17.00) – Better for last run, weighted into this.
Race 3. (12:58) Winning Edge Presentations Handicap (68) 1400m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race Tempo: Genuine speed expected, which should set it up for strong closers.
Market Watch: Dayan Star firming ($5.00 → $4.50), indicating support for his second-up improvement.
A BM68 over 1400m, featuring several in-form runners and progressive types on the up. Expect a genuine tempo, with Fast Thinker, Carneros, and Turk Boy pressing forward, while Dayan Star and Romary will be closing late.
Dayan Star resumed in brilliant style, sustaining a long run from the back to win impressively. The fact that he was scratched from a Friday race in preference for this suggests connections have confidence in him backing it up.
Fast Thinker was on a four-race winning streak before just missing last start. He’s a track specialist at Hobart, maps to either lead or stalk the speed, and will be in this for a long way.
Romary is second-up, and she improves sharply in this condition. She raced well fresh, finishing behind subsequent winner Lovin’ Bev. She was competitive in Stakes class last season and can show up at good odds.
For value players, Rigoletto has been racing over a mile but gets a more suitable 1400m trip here. He’s better than what his form suggests, and with the right run, could be charging home late.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Dayan Star ($4.00) – Big win fresh, strong second-up record.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Romary ($8.50) – Sharp improver second-up, proven at this level.
Race 4. (13:30) Strutt Stakes 2100m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race Tempo: Likely slow, suiting those with a turn of foot.
Market Watch: Silver Dagger ($1.80 → $1.65) firming, indicating strong confidence in the local star.
A three-year-old staying contest over 2100m, featuring progressive fillies stepping up in trip. Expect a moderate tempo, with Snow Eagle and Lyco Reco pushing forward, while Silver Dagger and Suntora stalk just off the speed.
Silver Dagger has proven herself as the dominant local 3YO filly over 1600m, winning the Thousand Guineas impressively. She showed an electric turn of foot and wasn’t fully extended, suggesting 2100m won’t be an issue. She ticks every box and is the one to beat.
Suntora comes from a strong Victorian stable and brings solid BM64 form from Pakenham and Hamilton. She wasn’t disgraced against older horses last start and should appreciate stepping back to her own age group. Looks the only real danger to the favourite.
Go Jeanie was no match for Likeakalix in the Launceston Guineas, but stayed on well for second. She’s hard fit, stays all day, and will be there if the favourite falters.
For value players, Snow Eagle could run a cheeky race up on speed, and if allowed to dictate, might be tough to run down.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Suntora ($3.10) – Drops back from strong Victorian form, best chance to upset the fav.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Snow Eagle ($9) – Profiles nicely, needs luck but could surprise.
Race 5. (14:05) Fred Westwood Memorial (Class 3) 1600m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Below average—could favor those who settle handy.
Market Watch: Fighting For Gold and Global Awareness both attracting support in early betting.
A competitive Class 3 race over the mile with a mix of fit in-form runners and some improvers ready to peak. Expect a moderate tempo with several midfield/stalkers looking to pounce late.
Global Awareness has been knocking on the door, running two solid races since resuming. She was narrowly beaten first-up before another strong placing at Hobart last start. The rise to 1600m suits, she gets in light after the claim, and maps well.
Fighting For Gold has been ultra-consistent this prep, winning two back before a game third at Launceston over this trip. The slight drop in grade should help, and he gets every chance in the run.
Ashfall didn’t have much luck last time but looks set to improve with winkers applied and a key jockey change to Ben Melham. He has some class but needs to show more after a couple of plain runs.
Agnete finished just off them last start at Launceston and has been racing well this prep. She handles the mile and is one for exotics.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Fighting For Gold ($3.90) – Consistent, strong at the mile, and gets a winnable setup.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Global Awareness ($4.50) – Racing well, light weight, and suited at 1600m.
Race 6. (14:40) Ladbrokes Plate (Class 1/Maiden) 1600m
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Moderate—should suit those who settle handy with cover.
Market Watch: Ozturk is firming ($6 → $5.50), indicating confidence in the stable.
Ozturk has been close to a win this prep, placing twice in three runs. He was ridden more forward last time, only beaten narrowly, and now gets winkers on and a key 3kg claim. Ready to peak.
I’m Chev has been solid this prep, winning two back before finishing strongly over 1400m at Launceston. The rise to 1600m should suit, and with Craig Newitt back aboard, expect him to be in the mix.
Mateus broke his maiden last start at this track/trip and could go on with it now. The visors going on is a positive and if he settles midfield with cover, he’ll be strong late.
Hububbajahn has been ultra-consistent, narrowly missing last time after leading. The wide gate makes things tricky, but with even luck, he’ll be right there again.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Ozturk ($3.50) – Racing well, key gear change, and well-weighted.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 I’m Chev ($9.00) – Progressive, strong at the finish, and suited rising in trip.
Race 7. (15:15) Bec Thomas MLC For Elwick Handicap (Class 5) 1200m
A wide-open affair where tactics will be key. Sweet Lucifer gets the right setup, while Move On Over looks a strong each-way play at odds.
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Moderate—should suit those settling on or just behind the speed.
Market Watch: Jaguar Stone ($4.50) firming slightly, indicating stable confidence
A competitive sprint over 1200m, with several key chances and a mix of on-speed runners and backmarkers. Expect a moderate tempo with multiple chances in the finish.
Jaguar Stone has been racing well in stronger company and now gets a significant drop in class. She was strong from the back in the Lady Lynette Stakes last start and will appreciate a solid tempo here. With the right run from a tricky draw, she can be hard to hold out.
Sweet Lucifer comes back in trip after attempting to lead all the way over 1400m last time. He has a strong record at Hobart and will get every chance to dictate from a good draw.
Philosophers Stone brings solid recent form and has been strong at this level. While he’s a slight query at 1200m in this grade, he maps well and will be hitting the line strongly.
Move On Over resumes and has trialed well in the lead-up. She has a solid record first-up and gets in well at the weights with the claim.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Sweet Lucifer ($4.80) – Drops in trip, strong Hobart record, and maps for a soft lead.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Move On Over ($17.00) – Trialed well, gets the claim, and should be strong fresh.
Race 8. (16:03) Hobart Cup 2400m
A quality staying race with Arugamama and Promises Kept both bringing strong form, while Strawberry Rock looks primed to be hitting the line hard late.
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Above average—Goldman to roll forward and set a true staying test.
Market Watch: Promises Kept ($3.00) and Arugamama ($3.00) well-supported, both looking to peak at 2400m
A strong staying contest over 2400m featuring a mix of in-form gallopers and mainland raiders. Expect a solid tempo with Goldman likely to push forward and ensure an honest test.
Arugamama is a consistent staying mare who ran well at Flemington last start when doing early work from a wide draw. She’s better suited out to 2400m and should get a more economical run this time.
Promises Kept was dominant in the Summer Cup here last start, bouncing back from an unlucky Moonee Valley run. While he meets some of the beaten brigade worse at the weights, he is flying and looks ready to go on with it.
Strawberry Rock ran on well behind Promises Kept in the Summer Cup and is suited by the rise in trip. He has been improving with each run and could be the one closing hard late.
Goldman won the Pakenham Cup in fine style but was found wanting late in the Bagot Handicap. If he gets a soft enough lead, he could give them something to catch.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Arugamama ($3.00) – Well suited at 2400m, maps for a softer run, strong winning chance.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Strawberry Rock ($6.50) – Strong finisher, suited by the rise in trip, each-way play.
Race 9. (16:38) Thomas Lyons Stakes 1400m
A fascinating clash between the established champ and the rising star. If Durazzo gets cheap sectionals, he may be tough to run down, but The Inevitable’s turn of foot remains the key factor.
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Average—Durazzo and Alpine Wolf should control the speed.
Market Watch: The Inevitable ($2.30) is solid in betting, but Durazzo ($3.20) is firming, indicating confidence in his progression to this level.
A weight-for-age feature over 1400m, with The Inevitable looking to continue his dominance, while Durazzo gets his first real test at this level. Expect a moderate tempo, with Durazzo likely to press forward and control the race.
The Inevitable is an elite WFA performer in Tasmania and comes off strong wins in both the Conquering Stakes and Tasmanian Stakes. His last-start win was particularly impressive, making up significant ground despite a race shape that heavily favoured leaders. He maps to settle midfield before launching late.
Durazzo is unbeaten this prep and keeps stepping up to the challenge. He spanked his opposition last start at Launceston but now faces a huge class rise to WFA level. He’ll likely find the front and try to pinch it.
Geegees Gemstone has been running well behind The Inevitable this prep and arguably should’ve won last start with better luck. If he can track the favourite into the race, he could be a genuine late threat.
First Accused is fresh off a six-week break and has a strong record at Hobart. He’s a place chance but likely needs luck to turn the tables on The Inevitable.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ Durazzo ($3.20) – Progressive, in winning form, controls the tempo.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Geegees Gemstone ($6.00) – Unlucky last time, can stalk the favourite and finish hard.
Race 10. (17:15) Mingari +Co Handicap (Class 1) 1100m
A fascinating finish to the meeting, with She’s Slick bringing the right form, while Swinging It and Gazza’s Spirit will be right in the mix late.
Key Insights for Punters:
Race tempo: Above average—fast early, could set up for strong closers.
Market Watch: She’s Slick ($4.50) well-supported early; Gazza’s Spirit ($6.50) attracting interest.
A competitive sprint to close the card, with She’s Slick making her Tassie debut after showing promise in Victoria, while Swinging It and Gazza’s Spirit bring strong recent form. Expect an above-average tempo, with La Virago and Gazza’s Spirit likely pressing forward.
She’s Slick arrives in Tasmania after winning on debut at Mornington and running well in Victoria. She wasn’t beaten far at Yarra Valley last time and should appreciate the drop in class. The booking of Ben Melham is a strong lead.
Swinging It found her best form last start at Launceston, charging home for second over 1200m. She maps perfectly here and will be closing hard late.
Gazza’s Spirit broke through for a well-deserved maiden win over this track/distance last start, settling near the speed and finishing strongly. He’s improving and looks set to measure up again.
La Virago resumes off a long spell but has a strong first-up record and plenty of early speed. If she’s wound up, she’ll give a sight.
Best to Back: 🏆
✅ She’s Slick ($6.50) – Victorian form reads well, Melham onboard, can win.
Best Value: 💰
🎯 Swinging It ($9.50) – Last start was strong, maps well, will be flying late.
POST MEETING SUMMARY
🏇 Hobart Meeting Review – 9th February 2025
Track Conditions & Key Insights
Track: Soft 5 (upgraded to Good 4 at 4:13 PM)
Rail: +6m Entire
Weather: Fine
Penetrometer: 4.58
Soft conditions early but the upgrade to Good 4 in the later races played into the hands of fit on-speed runners. Those who struggled early may be worth another look next start on consistent ground.
🔥 Performance Breakdown by Race
Race 1 – The JBM Group Maiden (1200m)
Winner: GEEGEEHAILSTORM ($3.80) – Strong effort, sat handy, let down well.
Key Notes:
Outbush raced wide without cover, hung in under pressure – forgive.
Toorak Lad held up, raced greenly – may improve with experience.
Cardiosphere underperformed; jockey suggested it was at the end of its prep.
⏩ Blackbooker: Outbush – covered extra ground but still fought on.
Race 2 – Kevin Sharkie Maiden (1400m)
Winner: GEE GEES RUN OUT ($19) – Big odds, box-seated and finished strongly.
Key Notes:
Vostok Station hung in under pressure – stewards noted rider had to correct.
Peak A Boom missed the start (5L) – stewards ordered a trial before next start.
Wannabe Ziggy possibly better suited over more ground – one to follow.
⏩ Blackbooker: Wannabe Ziggy – needs further, jockey confident in improvement.
Race 3 – BM68 Handicap (1400m)
Winner: RIGOLETTO (NZ) ($16) – Sat midfield, hit the line hard.
Key Notes:
Brazen Impact dropped out 29.89L – poor showing, ordered to trial before racing again.
Fast Thinker held up multiple times – ran on late but never got clear.
Mywordis worked hard three-wide – brave but faded late.
⏩ Blackbooker: Fast Thinker – luckless run, needs clear air.
Race 4 – Strutt Stakes (2100m)
Winner: SUNTORA ($2.35) – Controlled the race from the front.
Key Notes:
Go Jeanie wide from the 600m – tough run, battled on okay.
Baybougg raced fiercely early, poor post-race recovery – watch for freshen-up.
Snow Eagle made the crossing awkwardly and raced ungenerously.
⏩ Blackbooker: Go Jeanie – tough effort given the wide run.
Race 5 – Class 3 Handicap (1600m)
Winner: ASHFALL ($5) – Well-ridden, found the line strongly.
Key Notes:
Fiorente De Legend ($31) – runner-up at massive odds, defied market drift.
Fighting For Gold ($3.70F) – worked early, raced wide – forgive run.
Agnete suffered atrial fibrillation – vet clearance required before next start.
⏩ Blackbooker: Fighting For Gold – better suited with softer run.
Race 6 – Maiden/Class 1 (1600m)
Winner: OZTURK ($3.10F) – Favourite won as expected.
Key Notes:
Hurricane Ketut – never travelled, laid in under pressure.
Little River Toff – pulled hard early, checked mid-race – costly.
Oxy Bolt had a poor post-race recovery – may need freshen-up.
⏩ Blackbooker: Little River Toff – needs to settle but has upside.
Race 7 – Class 5 Handicap (1200m)
Winner: GOLDEN MEADOW ($6) – Just held on in a photo-finish.
Key Notes:
Jaguar Stone ($5) – Second place, protested result but lost.
Gee Gees Me Boy ($3.10F) – Laid in late, just missed.
Sweet Lucifer over-raced early – left vulnerable late.
⏩ Blackbooker: Jaguar Stone – right in the finish, unlucky not to dead-heat.
Race 8 – Hobart Cup (2400m)
Winner: STRAWBERRY ROCK (IRE) ($9.50) – Strong staying performance.
Key Notes:
Promises Kept ($2.50F) – Travelled well, laid in under pressure late.
Arugamama – Tempo didn’t suit, may need to be ridden colder.
Kaliuwaa Falls (NZ) over-raced – fitness query.
⏩ Blackbooker: Arugamama – may need a tactical shift but ability is there.
Race 9 – Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m)
Winner: FIRST ACCUSED ($3.50) – Dug deep late to hold off challengers.
Key Notes:
The Inevitable raced wide late – gutsy effort.
Durazzo ($12) – Fierce early, raced wide without cover.
And Beyond slow out, no abnormalities post-race.
⏩ Blackbooker: The Inevitable – covered ground, huge run.
Race 10 – Class 1 Handicap (1100m)
Winner: SWINGING IT ($3.10F) – Strong late burst.
Key Notes:
Freddy’s Ajetstar – raced ungenerously early, struggled.
Cool Heart – unbalanced when tightened at 200m.
She’s Slick – held up late.
⏩ Blackbooker: She’s Slick – had more to offer, needs a clear run next time.
📌 Betting Review & Takeaways
✅ Track Upgrade Impact – Horses with early momentum were favoured post-upgrade. Watch those who struggled early as they may improve.
✅ Stewards’ Actions to Note:
Jockey Suspensions:
C. Newitt (1 meeting) – excessive whip use (Friday, 7th Feb).
M. Ulucinar (1 meeting) – careless riding (Race 5, 9th Feb).
Horses Ordered to Trial:
Peak A Boom (R2) – Stood flat-footed at start.
Brazen Impact (R3) – Beaten 29.89L, poor effort.
Vet Follow-Ups Required:
South Georgia (R2) – Lame.
Agnete (R5) – Atrial fibrillation, requires ECG.
📉 Market Insights:
Favourites struggled in some key races (e.g. Promises Kept R8).
Value winners included GEE GEES RUN OUT ($19) and RIGOLETTO ($16).
🎯 Future Betting Strategy:
Horses that covered extra ground are worth following next start.
Look for those who struggled in the Soft 5 conditions pre-upgrade but found the line late.
🚀 Final Word
A few hard-luck stories on the day, and some huge betting edges for the next run. The track upgrade played a role, and punters should watch the blackbookers closely when they step out next.
Want race-by-race punting strategy next time? Let’s fine-tune the approach! 🎯🔥
🚀 Horses to Follow from Hobart – 9th February 2025 🚀
These runners had tough runs, bad luck, or showed big upside and should be followed closely next start:
✅ Top Blackbookers
Outbush (Race 1, 8th)
Raced wide without cover but still fought on. With a softer run, should improve.
Wannabe Ziggy (Race 2, 4th)
Jockey suggested longer distances would suit. Worth following over 1600m+.
Fast Thinker (Race 3, 9th)
Held up multiple times, never got a chance to sprint. With clear running, can win.
Go Jeanie (Race 4, 4th)
Three-wide from the 600m, stuck on well. Looks like a strong stayer in the making.
Fighting For Gold (Race 5, 5th)
Raced wide throughout, still battled on. With a better draw, can bounce back.
Little River Toff (Race 6, 10th)
Pulled hard early, checked mid-race – cost it all chance. Needs to settle, but the talent is there.
Jaguar Stone (Race 7, 2nd)
Lost a photo finish & protested the result. Was right there and should win soon.
Arugamama (Race 8, 6th)
Race tempo didn’t suit. Jockey suggested a more patient ride next time. Can improve significantly.
The Inevitable (Race 9, 4th)
Raced wide from the 500m and still stuck on well. Next time, watch out.
She’s Slick (Race 10, 6th)
Held up late, never got a clear crack. If it gets room next time, expect a big run.
🔥 Next Start Watchlist
If any of these drop in grade or get a softer run, be ready to back them!
Prefer them on Good 4 tracks or better, unless already proven in wet conditions.
Let me know if you want this list ranked in betting priority or any extra filters! 🎯💰
