Australia: Zany Girl looks to stay unbeaten in Elwick at Hobart

A clean trip will be vital for Zany Girl when the Southern Hemisphere 2-year-old filly starts for the third time in Saturday’s Kevin Elwick Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs at Hobart Racecourse in Australia.

Zany Girl won her first two starts from off the pace in five-furlong races at Hobart – against maidens on Dec. 15, and in an allowance race as the odds-on favorite in a field of 10 on Jan. 3.

Zany Girl, trained by Stuart Gandy, closed from fifth to win by slightly less than a half-length on Jan. 3. In the Elwick Stakes, Zany Girl drew the inside post in a field of 11. Races at 5 1/2 furlongs at Hobart begin in the middle of the backstretch, which should give jockey Anthony Darmanin sufficient time to find racing room.

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Through Thursday, Darmanin was the leading rider at tracks on the island of Tasmania, which includes Hobart.

The Elwick Stakes drew six first-time starters and four runners who finished behind Zany Girl on Jan. 3, including second-place finisher Geegees Missile. There are five geldings and six fillies in the field.

Geegees Missile, a filly, was third behind Zany Girl in the maiden race, losing by slightly more than four lengths, but gave a more encouraging performance on Jan. 3, stalking the pace before disputing the lead in the stretch.

Of the first-time starters, there will be support for Wolf Junior, who finished first of five in a training race from the gate, or barrier trial, on Jan. 14. Wolf Junior is out of a mare who was a close second in her debut and won her second start as a 2-year-old.

Wolf Junior is by the High Chaparral stallion Alpine Eagle, who won his debut.

Hobart has an eight-race program beginning at 9:10 p.m. Eastern or 6:10 p.m. Pacific. Wagering is available through DRFBets.com.

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