3 minute read

Lightly raced five-year-old And Beyond gets his chance to regain winning form when he steps out in the weight-for-age Ladbrokes Stakes over 1200m in Launceston on Wednesday night.

In Brief

• And Beyond has been freshened for Ladbrokes Stakes.
• Trainer says five-year-old goes into the race in top order.
• Jason Maskiell recovered from fall in Hobart and will ride on Wednesday night.

The Tanya Hanson-trained gelding started favourite to win the Newmarket Handicap in December but found more trouble than the early explorers to finish eighth of 13 and he only got warm over the concluding stages after being held up numerous times during the race.

But he bounced back with a game second to The Inevitable in the weight-for-age Conquering Stakes over 1400m two weeks later.

"The horse had eight days off in the paddock after the Conquering and that little break did him the world of good," Hanson said.

"He goes into this race in really good order. His work has been excellent, so we are expecting him to run well."

And Beyond will be ridden by Jason Maskiell who returns to the state after a mixed day in Hobart last Sunday.

Maskiell was placed second aboard the Nigel Schuuring-trained Has the Look but just after crossing the line the stirrup strap snapped sending the rider crashing to the turf.

The rider was dazed but managed to ride in the next, the $100,000 Elwick Stakes, and won aboard exciting two-year-old Bello Beau.

However, Maskiell was forced to forego his rides for the remainder of the program.

"I spoke to Jason today (Tuesday) and he said he would be passed to resume riding from Wednesday, so he can ride And Beyond."

Gee Gee Secondover from the Team Wells camp is a proven 1200-metre performer having won five and been placed six times over the journey from 18 tries and his recent form suggests he is a genuine winning chance.

The Peter Luttrell-trained Ethical Dilemma impressed with a win in an open handicap in Launceston over 1120m last Friday week and while he usually races best fresh, he cannot be overlooked.

Liffeybeau and Blaze Forth also could surprise at odds.

Peter Staples tips for the Launceston program:

Best Bets: R5 – 4. Brew Horse and R6 -1. Alpine Wolf.

Quadrella: 1/2,5,6/1,4,5,6/2,4,5,7: $48 for 100%.