Weekly preview / Andy Morris / 10 December 2009 / Leave a comment Bet Now

The final Group 1 race of the decade will be next week's Hobart Thousand, and though locals have traditionally had the best luck in the race there are plenty of interstate invaders contesting Thursday's heats, writes Andy Morris.

Hurricane Luke, from Ruth Matic's New South Wales kennel, looks strong in heat one having impressed in a recent start at Hobart.

Paragon Patch is another interstate entrant with strong claims, having run in the placings on the same track last week in the Prelude, while South Australian Jimmy Bothing cantered home over 643 at Gawler last start.

But the locals will be in with a shout, particularly Pedro Pronto who has been consistent of late and has drawn well in seven - he will be the likely leader.

Two Victorian contenders in heat two

Heat two sees Victoria's Gripen Bale in with a great chance, having drawn well in eight and looking the classiest of those on show.

Octane Show is another Victorian raider, and has won 18 of his 26 outings, so he will definitely be one to consider.

The locals are likely to find this one a tough task, though Koko Black will have his supporters having drawn box one.

Eagle Eye won last week's prelude, and will likely start favourite in heat three. It could be the first of the local successes of the evening, even if Eagle Eye doesn't win, as Cradoc Park ran second to him in a heat of the Tasmanian Gold Cup and has class.

The interstate raiders shouldn't be ignored completely, however, as Silent Guardian from Victoria has nine wins from 13 outings.

Tough to pick a heat four winner

Heat four is the most open of the heats, and Ultra Rumble from Victoria may start favourite despite never having raced here before.

Fevolution steps up in class but has won well at Angle Park, while Two Inch Gap is a local with strong claims having won his last three starts.

Heat five has defending champion Little Spaniard, who has been injured since but looks to be back to full fitness.

Gardam Prince will throw down the strongest of the challenges, having won 28 of 38 career starts and won on this track last week.

Topline Doovee has been inconsistent

Topline Doovee is a classy local who has drawn well in box eight for heat six, though she has raced inconsistently recently.

New South Wales bith Disintegrate won the Tasmanian Gold Cup a fortnight ago in a fast time of 25.97, while Melbourne Cup finalist Prankster will have his backers despite having drawn six.

If you haven't found a winner by heat seven, try Remo Rubik from Victoria who has an awkward draw in six but has the potential to lead all the way.

His main rival is another Victorian, Turanza Bale, who has run in the final before. Local chances include Stylish Monty who has drawn well in box eight.