Racing
Only a minute needed for the Sires
Even field for the Sires Produce.
Acquaintances will be renewed for the seven runners in Sunday's $50,000 Kevin Sharkie 2YO Sires Produce (1400m) in Hobart.Every horse competed in a 1200m 2YO handicap at the venue a fortnight ago, which saw Miss Lyra get the bob in a photo finish over Bright Night.
The favourite for that contest was the cleverly named Onlyforaminute (Needs Further x Sheez On Top), and trainer Glenn Stevenson took heart from the run despite the beaten performance.
"This is the race we've had in mind for him this campaign," Stevenson said.
"We've gained heaps of improvement from his last run, and I think he'll run a huge race."
The only male in Sunday's Sires Produce, Onlyforaminute will meet his rivals on better weight terms from last start, and his trainer thinks the small field could be an advantage despite drawing the widest barrier.
"Because it's a small field, even if he is out the back or midfield, it's not like he's going to have to go around a lot."
A $36,000 purchase at the 2024 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Onlyforaminute is owned by an all-female syndicate who had their outlay immediately returned when the horse won $40,550 for its Tasbred maiden on debut in Devonport.
Stevenson has five runners in total across four races in Hobart, including a two-pronged attack in the class 4 (1400m).
The Longest Yard landed a big plunge when successful at his first start for the stable in a class 1 in Devonport.
"The horse goes alright, and I think the bigger track in Hobart will suit him.
"He's not a class 4 horse, but I think it's important for him to have a look at the track, and he certainly hasn't gone backwards since last start."
Stevenson's other runner in the race is Lispector, who has been unplaced in two runs this campaign.
"There are two of her, but her work at home is much better than what she's showing at the races."
Back-to-back Ladbrokes Devonport Cup winner Ashy Boy is engaged in the open handicap (1200m) at a distance Stevenson says is well short of his best, while the trainer has an opinion of first starter Alpine Fury, who is in a 1100m maiden.
"I think he will be a nice horse in another prep.
"All we've tried to do in his trials is to get him to travel, but he might be able to land in a nice spot on Sunday, and I think he's one for us going forward."
With a $50,000 race on the program, provincial claims are available for apprentices riding on Sunday, meaning a bigger allowance than usual for the likes of Lauryn Bingley, Jackson Radley, Jabez Johnstone and Chloe Wells.
There have been time amendments since the fields were initially released with the first race now scheduled for 11:00 and the last of nine at 15:55.
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