Epingle returned to winning ways in style, claiming the Hobart Cup.

The Mick Kent-trained mare Epingle staged good staying performance to win comfortably by three lengths.

She was well-rated by Craig Williams who kept in her back in third place, following a strong tempo before improving nearing the home turn. She took the lead shortly after turning for home and drew clear for a decisive win with her 6kg pull in the weights over the runner-up.

The top weight (60kg) Geegees Blackflash was well back in second last place in the nine-horse field before making ground along the rails from the 600m. He switched between runners at the turn and fought on resolutely with his weight for a game second.

Gee Gee’s La Quita was a distant fourth to the 600m. She fanned wide at the turn and battled on nicely for a sound (one and three quarter lengths) third.

The Mike Moroney-trained Surpass made ground late for fourth after being a distant sixth nearing the 600m.

The Cleaner set a solid pace, leading clearly as usual, before tiring from the home turn for fifth while the other Victorian-trained runner Magnapal only plugged on to finish sixth, beaten six and a half lengths.