3 minute read

Unique Eagle unbeaten in three starts.

Trainer Brad Franklin made it a double for the night, and jockey Anthony Darmanin a treble when talented 4YO Unique Eagle ($1.80) made it three wins from three starts in the 1220m Class 3 on Wednesday night in Launceston.

Sitting just off the pace for most of the race, Unique Eagle quickly rounded up the leaders and sprinted clear to win in good style, underlining her potential, albeit in a restricted class.

Darmanin described her as very smart, and Franklin was rapt with her effort.

"I was a little nervous, to be honest, eight weeks between runs and a four-week freshen up, but I was pretty confident the way she had been working," Franklin said.

"It's only her first racing preparation, so I don't want to be too hard on her. She's done a good job, so I just want to look after her, just work her through her grades, and if she's going well enough, put her away for next year and some good races."

Street Diva ($4) stuck on well for second, Golden Meadow ($16) ran third.

Earlier, Franklin caused an upset in the first of the night with Margie ($21) coming from last to score win number one at her fourth race start in the 1120m Maiden, downing Smart Artie ($8.50) with another outsider Prosperous Miss ($51) coming from second last to run third.

Lady Fern was backed as if unbeatable, firming from $2.15 to start ($1.50) but never looked a chance, finishing midfield.

Margie had shown little form for punters to get enthused about finishing unplaced at her first three runs but was specked, firming from an opening quote of $61.

"Tonight was her last chance, so we freshened her up and stoked to get the win," Brooke Smithers from the Brad Franklin stable said.

"I don't think she handled the track in Hobart, and her bloods afterwards were a little bit all over the show."

Margie jumped nicely but drifted back and was a distinct last at the halfway mark.

"A little bit of rain and Brad said she will appreciate a bit of give in the ground; she wobbled a bit coming up the straight, so she's still got a bit to learn," jockey Codi Jordan said.

Jordan made it two for the night when Lindrum ($5.50) got up in the last stride to beat runaway leader Clifton Dansuer ($10) in the 2150m BM60 Hcp.

The former King Island galloper has now started 17 times for four wins and five placings; he has raced four times over 2100m for two wins and two placings.

Gems Eagle ($4.20) has always shown potential and finally broke his maiden status, scoring a decisive win over 1420m after sitting just behind the speed for most of the trip.

Once rider Mehmet Ulucinar pulled the 3YO around the leaders, he quickly sprinted to win by 3 1/2 lengths. Wannabe Ziggy ($3.10) ran home late to grab second from the heavily backed favourite ($7.00 – $2.80) Dubai Affair.

"I think now we all know Alpine Eagle's need time; he's a difficult horse, he's coming right and really strong through the line tonight, he's a nice horse," trainer Stuart Gandy said.

"We will see how he pulls up, but no plans past tonight."

Wannabe Ziggy has been placed at all four runs this campaign and should be winning soon.