3 minute read
After the excitement of the Newmarket and 3YO Cup last week, night racing returns to Launceston a week later for an eight-race card on Wednesday night.
The rail moves out to +3m after being true last Wednesday, where the track raced exceptionally well despite significant rainfall on race day.
The forecast for Wednesday is 25C and fine.
R1 Ladbrokes Racing Club Class 1 Handicap, 1200m
Kakia (2) will take tossing. He bounced back to something like his best last start after being caught wide 1st up. The stable is running hot. STARS IN THE NIGHT (13) is seldom far away. Her last effort was out of character. She’ll lead these and will take running down with no weight on her back. GLORY MISSION (1) has above average ability and was very good first up. Shame about the wide gate. Won’t be easy from out there. PRIVATE STORM (3) broke through in maiden grade two-starts ago then failed here at her next but pulled up lame. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (6) is racing well this time in. She had too much to do last time. The extra 100m will suit.
R2 Ladbrokes Form Genius 3yo & Upwards Maiden, 1200m
CELTIC ROSE (10) brings the best form and has been awfully close at her past few runs. Just needs to find a way to navigate the wide gate. Ensign Eagle (1) gets onto the grass for the first time at start number-six. His form on the synthetic is nothing special. It’s hard to give him a push based on the evidence to date but this isn’t strong and draws to get every chance. MOORLANDS MISS (12) debut run was sound then was tipped straight out. Has trialled nicely since. A big watch on PEAK A BOOM (18) who trialled impressively before caving in quickly at her first local run but there may have been an issue and gets a tongue tie applied. MAKARSKA SUNSET(7) and MATERIAL MADAM (8) next best.
R3 Myles Baker Electrical 3yo & Upwards Maiden, 1400m
Scarletti (4) wide gate was a big negative last start when forced to cover ground till mid-way. He battled on extremely well under the circumstances. Draws poorly again but strikes a very winnable race. DIESEL’S SUNSHINE (10) looks the likely leader and might appreciate a softer tempo getting out to the 1400m. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (11) ran well behind the promising Mastretta resuming then ran respectably albeit well beaten second up. Maps for a good run. OCEAN EYES (13) wasn’t far away 2 starts back and gets a similar run in transit. AUTUMN GLORY (5) next best.
R4 Win A Brand New Car On Ladbrokes Launceston Cup Day Maiden/class 1, 1600m
DON’T GIVE UP (14) sat outside the speed and was just touched off on debut. Strips fitter and looks set to run well again. Valiant Khan (5) beaten margin was unfair resuming after being held up in the early part of the straight and arguably should’ve gone close. CAPTAIN TAZ (1) could be one that improves sharply third run back with visors going on. DISTRUSTFUL AWARD (2) finished off strongly last week and has a case if the race is run to suit. SIR JAG (3) quickly gets out to the 1600m which is a complete unknown. He’s had 4 tries at around 1400m without success.
R5 Ladbrokes Country Cup Marquee Longford Cup Day Benchmark 60 Handicap, 2100m
Always A Winner (1) is racing consistently over shorter trips but brings solid staying credentials and gets a handy claim. MONTE FLEUR (2) has been running on well and gives the impression he needs this trip now. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (8) and GODDESS OF ROCK (9) have a case. They both closed strongly at Hobart in a deep benchmark 68 race. PROPHET EYES (6) form can’t be faulted but the 2100m is new territory for him. If he can cope with steeping up in trip he has a chance. VINTAGE DIESEL (4) finally gets out to his optimal trip. He boasts a very good record this course and distance.
R6 Book Into The Kreglinger Corporate Marquee Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1200m
Tough race. Sweet Lucifer (1) is building a good record. His return run off a 5-month break was good in stronger grade. Will be tough to beat back to this level. NGAPALI BEACH (10) was planted wide second up and stuck on well. Maps to get the right run. GOLDEN MEADOW (4) didn’t have a lot of luck second up. Should get tempo to suit. Where she gets to in the run is the concern. DAY PERFORMER (8) is racing consistently and has claims again from the good draw. WHEELING (3) is thriving this preparation. Up in trip and up in weight are the obvious knocks. He has a better strike rate over the 1100m than 1200m. JEHBENTI (2) has talent but usually gives them a start and needs plenty to go right. STREET DIVA (5) is chasing 3 straight wins and is clearly going well but looks to be up against it from an awkward gate.
R7 Cressy Chaff Cutters Longford Cup New Years Day Class 3 Handicap, 1400m
MANDATE (5) didn’t fire in Hobart. He’s always dangerous this track and trip, can atone. DIOS (4) has hit the ground running for her new stable and the extra trip won’t faze at all. Rubbleonthedouble (2) is seldom far away and will appreciate getting some weight relief. He went down narrowly last week after covering ground. The run prior at this venue he over raced badly and didn’t finish off. CHARTWELL HOUSE (1) met with strong support at his local start. He ran okay without winning and will be better for it. The negative is having to concede plenty of weight to his rivals. GEE GEES ME BOY (3) and DID YOU DECIDE (8) next best.
R8 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup Wednesday 26th February Benchmark 76 Handicap, 1100m
DURAZZO (1) finished close up in the Goodwood at his latest. He would’ve been vying for favouritism in the Newmarket last week if he’d secured a start. Clear top pick. Geegee Jet By (2) is the logical threat. He’s going great guns , unbeaten in two runs this prep. ARUMA (5) gets in well after the claim. Has a case if allowed to dictate terms. Was a touch disappointing last campaign. LOVIN’ BEV (6) resumes. She’ll be better suited once she gets out over more ground.
