3 minute read
Strong book for Darmanin on Friday night.
Launceston backs up for its second meeting in three days with a strong eight-race card on Friday night, and leading rider Anthony Darmanin looks to have the pick of the rides with a strong book.
'Darma', who won last season's jockeys' premiership, has picked up where he left off and is the early leader on the table again with 15 winners, one ahead of apprentice Chloe Wells.
Darmanin has rides in seven of the eight races, although one of his better mounts, Mastretta , was listed as doubtful at the time of writing.
Five of his rides are the early favourites for their respective races.
"On paper it looks like a pretty good book," Darmanin said.
Darmanin agrees that if Mastretta runs it looks to be his best ride of the night. The 3YO filly was a good thing beaten when a luckless second in a Maiden (1220m) on 18 October.
Her trainer Monica Ryan is waiting for a second set of bloods after a sample taken earlier this week was inconclusive, before making a final decision on a start.
Other good rides for Darmanin include Azonto in race three.
"Very nice horse, though it was a bit plain the other night. The track played really well last night and if it plays like that again I think Azonto will be a really good chance."
Rowing Power has had little luck lately and is the popular pick in race seven.
"It's been unlucky its last two. It misses the kick and can do a few things wrong, if everything goes to plan, we've drawn good, and I think the horse is definitely in with a winning chance."
And he rounds out the night with one of the top hopes in the final event, Bloomtime.
"It was an okay run the other day but looking at the field I thought the only danger will be Winning Witness, but I think I'm the one to beat."
I'm making Wheeling my best bet in race five, a 2kg claim for Lauryn Bingley and his recent form has been very strong. For value, I'm selecting Lightmeupjazz, who had no luck last time and is an each-way price in early markets in race one.
The first race is timed for 18:00. Matt Reid will be trackside with all the action on Tasracing Live.
