Trainer Robert Smerdon - says Rathsallagh a certain Hobart Cup acceptor

CAULFIELD trainer Robert Smerdon today confirmed his talented mare Rathsallagh will be a definite starter in next month's $400,000 Group 3 AAMI Hobart Cup (2200m).

Rathsallagh has led all the way at her past two starts at Sandown, the latest in a $70,000 restricted handicap (0-89) after which Smerdon made travel arrangements to Tasmania.

"When she won two starts back I started to think she might be a chance to go to Tassie but there was no doubt after this latest win," Smerdon said.

"She is a staying mare in form and they (mares) usually hold their form at this time of the year so the Hobart Cup (2200m) should be an ideal option," he said.

Glenn Boss has been aboard Rathsallagh at her past two starts and he has been confirmed as her rider on the Hobart Cup.

Nominations for the AAMI Hobart Cup closed yesterday with 24 of the 30 nominations from interstate.

Gai Waterhouse has nominated two - Music Maestro and Rabbuka while the other NSW candidate is last year's Hobart Cup runner-up and Launceston Cup winner Zavite from the Anthony Cummings stable.

The remainder of the interstate nominees are from Victoria with the Darren Weir-trained Bangerang Quickpic also certain to make the trip across Bass Strait.

Weir targeted the Hobart Cup for the gelding a few months back and he knows what it takes to win the race having been successful in three of the past four cups.

2010 AAMI Hobart Cup Nominations:

Tasmania: Assent, Beven Heights, Bundoran Breeze, Dream Pedlar, Maybe French, Mr Isaac.

Victoria: Ballack, Bangerang Quickpic, Bolle, Boom 'N' Zoom, Davcon, De Fine Lago, Fairygem, Flying Monty, Grand Destiny, Growl, Ista Kareem, Larry's Never late, Montahlia, My Bentley, Old Jock, Olympic Win, Playwright, Rathsallagh, Syndrome, Testa Jesta and The Tiger.

NSW: Music Maestro, Rabbuka, Zavite.