The stage is set for the 2025 Group Two Ladbrokes Launceston Cup Final. Six heats were conducted last Monday, with the six winners and the two fastest seconds lining up in the $60,000-to-the-winner final.
Mighty Quinn – Was last passing the post the first time. He manoeuvred his way through the field and roared home to defeat Victorian, No Restrictions in 29.73 to claim heat no.5. He has a brilliant record off the inside and will only come on from his first race at Launceston. Major player.
Red Stiletto – Got the start right on the night that counts the most. With this, she found the lead down the back straight and gapped rivals to win heat no.6 in equal BON 29.49. A similar beginning would see her extremely hard to hold out.
Is It Me – Finished second behind tearaway winner Rupee Rebel in heat no.2. Her time was quicker than some of the heat winners on the night. The draw certainly helps her chances although she’s a long way up in class. Unsure how she’ll handle a high pressure race.
Teddy Danger – Started the heats with a bang spearing the lids and leading all of the way to score by 13 lengths in equal BON 29.49. He’s an extremely honest chaser and is one of the up and comers engaged in this group final. Hard to see him not being competitive.
Simply Danger – Caused a minor boilover, defeating a few more fancied runners to claim heat no.4 in 29.93. He’s got an unblemished record off this draw and will be looking to bring up a hat-trick of wins in the best way possible.
No Restrictions – Is the sole interstate runner engaged in this final and will be doing his best to fly the flag for his Victorian connections. He hit the lead turning for home in heat no.5 before being run down by Ex-Victorian Mighty Quinn. He’ll certainly take improvement from the run; however, the draw does him no favours.
Buckle Up Majel – Was the giant slayer last week defeating the likes of Ducati Roy and Browsing About. He led throughout to claim heat no.3 in a moderate 29.91. Terrific feat getting this far; however, this race is out of his depth.
Rupee Rebel – Is quickly becoming the pin up boy in Tasmania winning four of his five starts since returning from a six week hiatus. He charged home in the recent Devonport Chase to just miss Seaton by a whisker. He’s drawn exactly where he wants to be and if he can get through the first turn unscathed he’s a deserving favourite.
Race Preview: RUPEE REBEL (8) has gone to a new level since returning from a small break. He was the eye-catcher in the recent Devonport Chase and certainly deserves to go one better here. MIGHTY QUINN (1) did the impossible last week coming from last to claim victory. He’ll be well prepared by Mick Stringer and will rattle home once again. Danger.