This Sunday’s race is the Molly Malone’s six kilometre handicap commencing at Roundhouse Park, Devonport. The course usually takes runners to the Bluff lighthouse and return but this year, due to council path works on Victoria Parade, competitors will enjoy a flat out-and-back course to Horsehead Creek using the paths along Formby and Devonport Roads.

As it will provide members with their last chance for a solid hit-out before the following week’s Feature Race, it promises to be fast and furious. The winner will not have a handicap readjustment until after that event, so a victory here will not affect his/her chances in the big one.

Following a wonderful effort when she finished third last week, Roselyn Hendriks will fancy her chances. She has been showing continual improvement and will be tough to run down from a front mark.

Another one of the female runners, in Mollie Powell, could be her biggest threat. Powell has recently returned to live on the coast after completing university and with some consistent races under belt is now ready to win

Best of the middle markers may be Michael Purton and Rick Ferguson, both of whom will be fresh after missing last week’s long race. They each have both displayed the form necessary to show up here.

Others who wouldn’t surprise include Ken Williams, Ewen Troughton (a previous winner of this race) Brooke Fehlberg and Arnie Elphinstone.

The race will start at the slightly later time of 10:30 with entries closing at 10:00.