Tasmanian jockeys will only be spectators when the $400,000 Group 3 AAMI Hobart Cup (2200m) is run later today.

There are only five local horses in the field of 16, and they will all be ridden by mainland jockeys.

The Tassie riders would have done all the hard work preparing the horses for the biggest race in the state but will all be sitting in the grandstand.

It does illustrate how fickle racing can be, roosters today and feather dusters tomorrow.

Wonder how many will turn up at the track to ride in the morning, when the hard yards have to be done.