Raiders to dominate Group Two Cup

HAVING dominated the heats Victorian raiders Im Sir Blake and Its Back In The Day look set to fight out the Tasmania Cup in Hobart on Saturday night.

First-up since December 2, Its Back In The Day was a class above his rivals during last weekend’s qualifier as he overcame a 10-metre handicap to score in 2:03.5 over 2579 metres.

A lightly-raced son of Washington VC, with eight wins and a second from 15 starts, Its Back In The Day will again begin from the 10-metre line in the $75,000 Final.

Im Sir Blake will join his fellow ‘Big V’ representative on the handicap for co-trainers Leroy and Danny O’Brien.

Successful at three of his last five outings, Im Sir Blake was an eye-catching winner of his heat when driven by local reinsman Christian Salter.

Pleased with the four-year-old’s performance, Leroy is confident Im Sir Blake can make a clean sweep of the series.

“I couldn’t be happier with him,” Leroy said. “He won in Melton before we came over and took that form into his heat.

“His work this week has been as good as ever and he’s ready to go.

“We’ve just got to hope he gets away cleanly and can get a good run through.”

Citing Its Back In The Day as the main danger, Leroy expects Tasmania’s leading hope for a home town win – Ryley Major – to play a role in the finish.

Trained and driven by Rohan Hillier, Ryley Major finished third in Im Sir Blake’s heat.

The talented son of Art Major, which boasts 27 wins and 10 placings from 38 starts, faces a daunting task from his 30-metre back mark.

“Its Back In The Day is a nice type and is the one to beat,” Leroy said. “Ryley Major is also a very nice horse and has to be respected, but his handicap could find him out.

“He’s giving us and Its Back In The Day a 20-metre stand and has a big field to navigate.

“It won’t be easy on him, but he can’t be dismissed either.”