Only seven three-year-olds will step out in this evening’s Listed Tasmanian Derby (2200m) at Hobart and it is looming as Civil Disobedience’s race to lose.
The Darren Weir-trained colt has returned to racing in terrific form this time and will have plenty of options in the Tasmanian Derby from barrier 1.
Civil Disobedience has been up and racing since early October and will be stepping out for the ninth time this preparation in this evening’s Tasmanian Derby, but he continues to produce fine performances and is clearly rock-hard fit.
The Raise The Flag colt broke through for a maiden win in a Bendigo mile race on November 14th, but weathered a tough run in transit upon return to metro grade and finished fourth in the Spicer Thoroughbreds BM70 (1600m) at Sandown on December 2nd.
Clearly relishing a step up in distance, Civil Disobedience won both the Stellar.com.au BM64 (2000m) and Summer Racing BM70 (2000m) in succession before running third in another 2000m race at HQ on January 20th.
This is terrific placement from Darren Weir, who saddled Howard Be Thy Name to second in this race in 2016.
Weir will also saddle Wolfendale in the Tasmanian Derby, who is seeking a third-consecutive win this afternoon.
The Astronomer Royal gelding has only made five appearances at the races since debuting in November, but has more than stamped himself as a horse to follow; posting three wins and a close second most notably.
Wolfendale has followed a more tradition path into the Tasmanian Derby and was a smart winner of the Listed Hobart Guineas (2100m) last time out on January 28th.
Fellow mainlander Kugelblitz ($4.20) will take winning form into the Tasmanian Derby and betting suggests that he is the only other real live chance in the field.
Saddled by the Cranbourne-based team of Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young, Kugelblitz clearly required the run when fifth in a Werribee minor over 1600m on debut, but took wholesale improvement into an impressive four-length win over 2030m on January 13th.
Champion hoop Damien Oliver will take the ride and won’t have an issue finding a position on pace in this small field, despite drawing wide.
Local Double You Tee ($8.50) is the only other runner current available at Tasmanian Derby odds of less-than $10, while Pennstock ($12), Overplay ($18) and Gee Gees Saint Nik ($101) complete this year’s field.