Victorian raider favourite for Tasmanian Derby

Victorian visitor Johnich has opened favourite for Friday’s $150,000 Tasmanian Derby in Hobart, with Lachlan Neindorf booked to ride the Dundeel gelding.

Prepared by Jason Warren, the three-year-old is coming off a last-start second over 2000 metres at Flemington behind Our Chief and is one of three middle-distance runners the stable has accepted for the race.

Warren will also be represented by Octane Reign, a son of Tasmanian sire Needs Further, and Alpine Eagle gelding Stole Him. Octane Reign broke his maiden two starts ago over 1600 metres, while Stole Him scored on debut at Tatura four runs back.

Johnich heads betting at $3, narrowly ahead of the Ciaron Maher-trained Dad And Dave at $3.40, with the colt entering the race after winning the Launceston Guineas.

Wolf Junior is rated the leading local hope at $8 following his third placing in the Launceston Guineas.

The Matt Laurie-trained Admire Fluke, a last-start maiden winner over 2000 metres at Wangaratta, is also quoted at $8 for the Hobart feature.