Track: Soft 5 Weather: Overcast

There is a full field of 14 runners plus 2 emergencies for the Jackson Security Tasmanian Newmarket with 13 geldings and 3 mares. The field includes both the 2022 and the 2023 winners. There are two four-year-olds, five five-year-olds, two six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds, three eight-year-olds and one nine-year-old. Ten runners had their last start in the Tony Carrrick Goodwood Handicap over 1100m at Hobart on 9th November that was won by Thespian Waters and two in a 1600m handicap at Hobart on 11th August (won by Sir Simon), while the rest came via different races. Trainer Imogen Miller has 4 runners, John Keys has 3 runners while John Blacker and Adam Trinder both have two.

The early favourite is The Inevitable who won this race in 2022. He is resuming from a 19 week spell and can go well first-up. Second favourite is Thespian Waters who was impressive winning first-up to give him 5 consecutive wins. Third favourite is Geegees Gemstone who has 7 wins from 14 starts. Bello Beau has a good record at this track, while Alvarinho was runner-up to Thespian Waters last start. All other runners are currently $15 or longer.

1. The Inevitable (1)

Won this race in 2022 and is the oldest runner this year. One of 3 runners for trainer John Keys (the others are Tsunami Sam and Galenus). Resumes after a 19 week spell and has won a recent trial. He has 7 wins and a place from 9 races at the track and is nicely drawn. Top chance.

2. Indispensable (8)

Finished 11th in the Tony Carrrick Goodwood Handicap over 1100m at Hobart on 9th November and has disappointed at all 3 runs this campaign. Prefer others.

3. Hype (6)

Back from a 15 week break after racing in Queensland where he won his last 2 starts at Rockhampton then Mackay. Ran 5th in this race last year. Not the worst.

4. First Accused (4)

Won this race last year, ran 2nd in this race in 2022 and 3rd in 2021. Resumed from a 20 week spell to finish 5 lengths 13th behind Thespian Waters where he was wide with no cover and faded down the straight. Proven on soft tracks and has claims.

5. Swoop Dog (10)

Resumes after 15 weeks and has had gone well in both trials. Is best over further but not out of it.

6. Bello Beau (13)

Has a good record at this track with 6 wins and 2 places from 10 starts. Drawn wide but has won 3 of 4 second-up starts. Chance.

7. Geegees Gemstone (7)

He has 7 wins from 14 starts. Resumed in the Tony Carrick where he was finishing strongly before getting blocked in the final 100m. Should go well.

8. Kaliuwaa Falls (2)

Has had an 11 week let-up after winning over 1880m at Devonport. This might be too short but he is a very consistent runner.

9. Tsunami Sam (14)

Drawn the outside barrier. Resumed for 5th behind Thespian Waters and goes well on rain-affected tracks. In the mix.

10. Thespian Waters (9)

Impressive winning first-up to give him 5 consecutive wins. Goes well at the track and this is his best distance. One of the main chances.

11. Alvarinho (11)

She was runner-up to Thespian Waters when resuming last start. In the mix.

12. And Beyond (12)

Having his first run for trainer Imogen Miller and returns from a 17 week spell. Handles softer tracks and has won 4 from 8 first-up. Place chance.

13. Galenus (3)

Ran 6th to Thespian Waters last start. Rough place chance.

14. Jaguar Stone (5)

She finished 3rd in this race last year. Was 3rd to Thespian Waters when resuming. Place chance.

15. Just A Needs (1)

SCRATCHED

16. Durazzo (11)

SCRATCHED

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
10 Thespian Waters
7 Geegees Gemstone
1 The Inevitable
14 Jaguar Stone

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Geegees Gemstone
2nd	1 The Inevitable	0.5 length
3rd	11 Alvarinho	0.56 length
4th	10 Thespian Waters	1.06 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 15e. Just A Needs, 16e. Durazzo.