Matt Reid's Friday & Tuesday Tasmania racing preview (30/10)

It’s all systems go for the return of thoroughbred racing to Hobart’s Ladbrokes Park Elwick, following a set of grass gallops at the venue on Thursday morning.

Around 10 horses, most headed to next Tuesday’s Goodwood Handicap (1100m), galloped at the track, with riders positive about the surface.

“The track felt beautiful, and it looks great,” said Troy Baker, who rode both Flying Concello and Perola on Thursday morning.

“I thought it felt like probably a four this morning, and it’ll be spot on by Tuesday.”

Baker won the 2024 Goodwood Handicap aboard Thespian Waters, another horse put through its paces on Thursday. In 2026, Baker has settled on Flying Concello for Jessie Bazan but admitted he had a few options.

“I was a little bit spoilt for choice given my weight (54kg), so hopefully I’ve gone the right way.

“I haven’t ridden Flying Concello in a race before, so it was great to have a spin on the track ahead of Tuesday, and she gave me a great feel,” said Baker.

Flying Concello has won four of her five starts since arriving in Tasmania, ranging from a Class 4 to a BM68.

“We’ve aimed her at this race (the Goodwood) and the Newmarket,” said Neil Walsh, representing his partner Jessie, on Thursday morning.

“We were ecstatic with what she did last preparation, but I think she’s an improved horse this time in. Looking at the nominations for Tuesday, there doesn’t appear to be a stack of speed, so hopefully we’re right in the mix.”

Perspiration, Georgaroni and Alpine Thunder were a few other Goodwood nominees based in the south of the state who worked in Hobart on Thursday morning.

Walsh and Bazan expect a particularly strong team in Hobart on Melbourne Cup Day but will also take a small group to Launceston on Friday night.

“Kakia is probably the pick of ours in Launceston. We’ve opted to put Pires back on so he’ll carry a big weight (62.5kg), but he’s always around the mark in that class.

“We’re excited to have Island Warrior back, but we hope to get to the Cups with her, so she’ll improve on what she does first-up.”

The last of six consecutive Friday night meetings in Launceston is a big one with 10 races programmed. Eight races are scheduled for Hobart on Tuesday, with several horses dually nominated across both meetings.

Acceptances for Tuesday’s meeting will be taken at 9:00 on Friday morning, coinciding with final scratchings for the Launceston card.