Tasmanian Derby – 2024

There is a small field of 7 runners for the Graham Family Funerals Tasmanian Derby and they are all geldings. Five runners had their last start in the Listed Launceston Guineas over 2100m on 26th January (won by Bold Soul), while the other 2 had their last start in Victoria. Two are trained in Tasmania and 5 are Victorian raiders.

The short-priced favourite is Bold Soul who won the Launceston Guineas last start. Second favourite is Motorace who finished 5th behind Bold Soul after winning the 2 starts before – at Albury and Cranbourne. Third favourite is Macy Moon who was 2nd in the same race. All other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Bold Soul (1)

Won the Launceston Guineas by 1.3 lengths on 26th January following a win in a 3YO BM 70 Handicap over 2000m at Flemington on 13th January to give him 3 wins and 2 places from his 5 starts. Top chance.

2. Motorace (4)

Resumed from an 8 week let-up for 2.2 lengths 5th in the Launceston Guineas. Before that he won his previous 2 starts – at Albury over 160om and Cranbourne over 2025m. Looks a promising stayer in the making.

3. Macy Moon (7)

Finished 1.3 lengths 2nd to Bold Soul in the Launceston Guineas after 0.4 length 3rd behind Bold Soul over 2000m at Flemington on 13th January. One of the key chances.

4. Johnnie Pinch (5)

Ran 1.3 lengths 3rd in the Launceston Guineas following 8th in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas over 1600m on 5th January (won by Wings Of Song) after bumping with another runner. Not the worst.

5. Gold Wolf (3)

Won a maiden at Moe 3 starts back then ran 3rd over 2021m at Seymour then 4th over 2000m at Pakenham. Will find this hard.

6. Stardealt (2)

Has a win and a place from his 3 starts. Hasn’t raced beyond 1800m before, but his breeding suggests that won’t be an issue.

7. Thonatus (6)

Ran 6th on the Launceston Guineas. Prefer others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.