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The Group 3 Betfair Launceston Cup (2400m) appears to be a race in two with the recent Hobart Cup the key piece of form going into the $225,000 race.
The Mick Kent-trained Epingle proved too strong for local hero Geegees Blackflash on that occasion and these two look the most likely to fight it out once again today, with a field of 13 to line up in the 150th running of the cup.
Epingle, the early favourite goes up 2kg on his last start effort with Geegees Blackflash to remain at 60kg and the Seven-year-old gelding looks well placed to turn the tables today.
Geegees Blackflash who took out the cup last year rarely runs a bad race and with not much between him and Epingle can easily overturn the 3L margin of the Hobart Cup and further stamp himself as Tasmanian racing royalty.
Both horses rate the same on weight adjusted Timeform ratings and with a better barrier and the local crowd behind him Geegees Blackflash is sure to get a good run from barrier eight and is not stranger to carrying the big weights.
The son of Clangalang is yet to miss the placings from five runs at the trip and has a terrific record on the Launceston course.
Stephen Maskiell is building up a good record on the horse and victory today will see the Geegees Blackflash go past the $1m prizemoney barrier.
Epingle will look to build on his good effort to win the Hobart Cup and looks the biggest danger with Craig Williams remaining in the saddle.
Prior to his Hobart success, Epingle showed good form in Melbourne but from barrier 12 will not get such a good run in transit as he did at Hobart.
The extra 2kg will also add an extra barrier but he is sure to be in the finish again and these two should put a handy margin on the rest of the field.
Surpass got home well in the Hobart Cup for fourth and looks next best with Melbourne based trainer Michael Moroney bringing the son of Savabeel back to Tasmania.
The five-year-old is relatively lightly raced but has a solid record and is well worth an each way ticket based on his Hobart Cup run.
Top jockey Craig Newitt goes back on board and down in the weights (54kg) is certainly one to keep an eye on here.
Gee Gee’s La Quita produced a career best run to make her way into the placings in the Hobart Cup but has also fared poorly at the barrier draw.
Has tasted success at the course previously and on recent form would not be surprised to see her in the finish again here.
Has a bit to find on the top couple of chances but is down in the weights again and is not to be discounted.
It’s hard to see anything outside of these four winning here but Red Eagle and Keep The Cash can run into the placings.
