Races go ahead at Mowbray with strict protocols and no spectators

"There's as many people here tonight as there was at Caulfield on Saturday for the group 1 meeting," Newitt joked.

The state's leading jockey had just led all the way on short-priced favourite Perfect Words for Brighton trainer Gary White.

"She stepped really good, which she hasn't been doing of late, and once she found the front she got a couple of easy sectionals," Newitt said.

"They cranked it up a fair way out but she's fit, she's honest and she got the job done."

As well as barring owners and the general public from the meeting as part of the coronavirus crackdown, Tasracing enforced strict hygiene protocols.

They went as far as live stream host Duncan Dornauf using two microphone covers and changing them in between interviewing the winning trainer and jockey.

Both covers were then disinfected before the following race.

Racing Victoria announced even tougher raceday restrictions on Wednesday afternoon, widening the attendance ban to include nearly all media.

Only a single journalist and photographers providing a pool service to all media outlets will be allowed on-course.

Daniel Ganderton was the first beneficiary of Anthony Darmanin's decision to stay in Melbourne when he picked up the late ride on Class 1 winner Gee Gee Acehigh.

And, he had an armchair ride, as the Team Wells-trained filly never really looked in danger, leading throughout to score by 1-1/2 lengths.

Co-trainer Dean Wells said Gee Gee Acehigh was "a good bread-and-butter horse" who appreciated a drop in class after finishing sixth to Galenus in the $50,000 3YO Classic on Cup Day.

"That was a good first-up run - she was still there till the 150m when her condition gave way and she didn't handle the (soft 7) track one bit," Wells said.

"Boris (Thornton) gave her a good report after the race and she's improved fitness-wise since then."

Trainer Siggy Carr had intended using a claiming apprentice on Mr Tindall in the Benchmark 60 to give the gelding some relief from his big weight.

But when Victorian-based Jaden Lloyd had to pull out of the meeting due to the coronavirus restrictions, Carr decided to ride the six-year-old herself.

Despite being burdened with 62kg after the vest allowance and barrier 11, Mr Tindall scored his second Tasmanian win in very easy fashion.

Carr went forward early to sit outside the leader Spearhead before taking control on the home turn and quickly establishing a winning break.

Lightly-raced four-year-old Rough Road was another to benefit from a drop in grade when he justified his short odds in the Class 3 Handicap.

Trainer John Blacker said the gelding had "no luck at all" when a close fifth to star filly Deroche in the $65,000 Magic Millions 3&4YO Classic.

He followed up with a close second to the talented Uber Ed in Hobart.

"He's always shown promise and it was good to see him win at his first time over a mile," Blacker said.

"I'd like to press on for perhaps one more run then give him a good break and bring him back for our carnival next year."

Apprentice Scarlet So made the most of the inside barrier to give Rough Road a perfect run behind the leader.

Trainer Angela Brakey was worried that White Hawk wouldn't handle a trip to Melbourne but the opposite proved the case.

"He actually thrived on it," Brakey said after the promising stayer finished off strongly to win the Benchmark 84 over 2150m.

White Hawk was on a quick backup after finishing seventh over 2400m at Caulfield on Saturday when things didn't go to plan.

The gelding got boxed up on the fence from barrier 1 and jockey Dwayne Dunn said he wasn't suited by the slow pace.

"Dwayne suggested we find another race for him where we can get on the speed and lead," Brakey said.