Launceston hosts the second-last night meeting of the season this Wednesday night with an 8 race program. The rail returns to the True position after being out 8m a fortnight ago, and with little rain forecast the track should be firm. Expecting true racing under these conditions as the track has played particularly well all season long.
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Race 1 5:55pm The Boathouse 2yo Maiden (1100m)
Tricky race to predict the tempo with a number of first starters engaged and all but one having had two starts or less. The lead can be contested by any of Jansz, Chillout, Gemini, Butani, Gee Gees Free Hero and Amaword with Bailee’s Moshe, Gee Gees Rusty and In Bloom likely to be in behind.
Jansz has run well at both career starts including a last start 3rd over this course behind Top Draw. Was able to work up to sit 2nd there from a wide draw but not sure she has the early speed to take full advantage of the inside barrier. Race experience will be a bonus in this and with further improvement and luck in running she looks one of the leading chances here in an open race.
Gee Gees Free Hero makes his debut here with two trial wins under his belt, the latest in reasonable time under a hold. Comes up with a wide barrier but begins well and looks to have the early speed to possibly overcome this. Competitive race to try and win on debut but he does look to have plenty of ability. Watch market closely.
Chillout is another first-starter who comes here off an impressive trial, having scooted around Longford to win by 4 lengths in reasonable time. Did it all under his own steam there and that was a sharp improvement on his first trial on Tapeta. Clark takes the ride in what may be a lead with three Campbell runners in the race. Another to watch the betting on but does look to have ability from the trials.
Gee Gees Rusty ran favourite last time after a couple of seconds but after being caught three back the fence he had no luck and his run is best forgiven. Draws out this time and in much better at the weights, especially after Wong’s claim. Best form is clearly in the mix here and market may overlook after last run.
Gemini trialled nicely leading into her debut but was only fair behind Top Draw. Likely to be improved by that run and did have the measure of a few of these at the trials. Will need to improve on her first run but drawn to get a good run and has at least place claims.
Next best Amaword (debuts with winkers on, has trialled well enough to show up) and the emergency Bailee’s Moshe (had to do plenty of work last time and wasn’t hopeless).
Verdict: Very tricky race with not a lot of exposed form to work with. Jansz and Gee Gees Rusty look the best of the raced brigade but there are a number of debutants who look to have ability here – Gee Gees Free Hero and Chillout especially. Betting markets will be a must watch.
Recommended Bet: 2 units to win on Jansz and Gee Gees Free Hero.
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Race 2 6:30pm Crowe Horwath Maiden (1200m)
Can’t Decide and Under Milkwood look the leaders here in a race where basically the whole field can look to be handy to the speed. Expect that to result in plenty of pressure but it makes it hard to predict who may be suited.
Gallow Gate comes back to 1200m here after three handy runs at 1400m where he has been close up as favourite on all three occasions. Both runs over 1200m at the start of this prep were good and he has the ability to sit just behind the speed in this. Has had plenty of chances but this is no harder than what he has been contesting and he appeals as a leading hope.
Can’t Decide has run well both times over this course this preparation, finishing 2nd both times after leading. May find plenty of pressure in the lead here which would make her task difficult but drawn to hold the lead and gets in light with Maher’s claim. A repeat of her past two runs will have her in the finish here in a tough race.
Ansaam showed plenty of early speed last time before knocking up when 4th behind Bonbeach over this course, which followed two pretty handy runs when ridden a bit quieter. From the wide gate here with a good tempo likely she gets her chance to be ridden a bit quieter again which may be her go and she gets in well with McCarthy’s claim. Could be the one to settle off the speed and come with a rush late and she has definite claims on her best form.
Killin Falls is a debutant from the Glenn Stevenson yard who comes here with two handy trials under his belt, albeit in slower times. Has blinkers on so suggest he is ready to go and he finds a pretty winnable race to kick off in. Awkwardly drawn but the betting moves for this one are a must to watch.
Silver Reset had to do plenty of work on debut when caught 3 wide outside the speed before faltering for 7th behind Elegatano over this course. Had trialled well previously and expect him to have come on from that run. Inside draw might provide him with a gun run behind the leaders if he can begin well and sharp improvement wouldn’t surprise.
Next best Under Milkwood (has speed and has placed over this course but had plenty of chances).
Verdict: Pretty plain maiden field to sort out here. Gallow Gate is a consistent type who appeals while Can’t Decide has obvious claims. Ansaam can run better if ridden off the speed and Killin Falls can run well if fancied.
Recommended Bet: 2 units each way on Ansaam.
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Race 3 7:10pm Launceston Mitsubishi Maiden (1400m)
Plenty of horses capable of racing forward here with the lead likely to be contested by Shorty Knox, Christopher Mac, Rangaondarun and Pistol Jack. Belmont and What An Option may also decide to burn from their outside barriers while Super Genes can kick up along the inside over the longer journey. Plenty of pressure which should give the backmarkers their opportunity.
Christopher Mac was quite good second-up when 3rd behind Bonbeach and the runner-up Chill Winston has won since in Hobart. Big, strong looking gelding who looks well suited stepping up to 1400m and should get a good run on speed for McCoull from barrier 5. Expect him to keep improving being only his third run and he looks as good a chance as any in this.
Hirvonen is winless from 15 starts but has had tempo against in a lot of those efforts and finds a race which looks pretty suitable. Ran home well last time when a close up 3rd over this course and all his 1400m form is generally good. Needs things to go his way but might just get that this time and expect him to be charging home late in the piece. Good chance.
What An Option looked all over a winner last time over this course but tired late when a narrow 2nd behind Songs ‘N’ Stories. Was suited by the track pattern that night but can’t knock her consistency, having placed at her past three runs. Drawn wide might be a query here with plenty of speed drawn underneath her but if she can get across she has a genuine hope and that run under her belt over 1400m should have her ready for this. Definite winning hope.
Impulsive Lager has been much better at two runs in this prep, making ground from back in the field and recovered well from being checked early at his last run at Devonport. Step up to 1400m looks ideal and should appreciate a solid tempo to chase home. Improving type who can be running on late.
Dance South can mix her form but her last run was a lot better when 3rd behind Songs ‘N’ Stories over this course. Her 1400m form is quite handy with 2 placings from 3 tries and she should get a soft run off the speed from her inside draw. In light with Maher’s claim and with luck in running she has at least place claims.
Next best Rangaondarun (not bad at last couple, might want a mile now but has a hope).
Verdict: Number of chances here. Christopher Mac looks the one on the up stepping to this trip for the first time and it’s hard to knock What An Option’s consistency. Hirvonen has had plenty of chances but finds his right kind of race.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Christopher Mac and 2 units to win on Hirvonen.
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Race 4 7:45pm Tassie Instant Marquees Maiden/Class 1 (1600m)
Expect a solid tempo here with Charcol and Scouting Around capable of taking up the running in front of Kelly’s Diva, Songs ‘N’ Stories, Invoice and possibly Sea Ruler with the blinkers on.
Scouting Around was much better last time up to 1400m but did have every chance landing 3rd the fence and then getting around the leaders’ heels on turning. Looked the winner before being grabbed late but that run should bring him on nicely and have him ready for the mile now. Ran a narrow 2nd at Devonport in his only try over this distance range. Expect him to get a good run drawn middle of the line for Clark and he looks one of the hardest to beat.
Charcol was very strong at his first run in the state when 3rd behind Olly’s A Star after being forced to do plenty of work early to race outside the leader. Has a tongue tie applied now for the step up to the mile, a distance he has failed at in all four tries on the mainland. That makes the trip a little query, especially second-up, but a repeat of his first run has him right in the mix in this.
Strathalbyn has been up a long time but did work well to the line last time when jumping sharply back to the mile. Settled closer there than usual but has a wide gate to contend with here so not sure where he’ll end up in the run. Has been up a long time but races well in this grade and with some luck in running he has a winning chance.
Speed Force improved considerably back to this track last time when breaking his maiden status with a solid victory over the 1400m. Previous run at this track in the Magic Millions was good before an abhorration at Hobart. Ready for the mile now and still very raw so further improvement wouldn’t surprise. Has to be given a hope.
Colonial Coaster was ridden off the speed when up to 1400m last time and ran home very well along the inside to finish a close up 5th behind Olly’s A Star. Wasn’t far away from some main chances in this so form ties in well from that effort. Up to the mile now for the first time is a query and Steph Thornton will have to deal with a tricky gate but a repeat effort has her in the finish of this.
Next best Sea Ruler (didn’t do much first-up at Devonport but blinkers go on from a better draw and worth watching the market), Kelly’s Diva (probably wants the mile now after being beaten for speed early last time but still a query being first try), Songs ‘N’ Stories (strong effort in weak maiden last time but 1600m form is poor) and a good chance to the emergency Quirribilly Lodge if it gets a run (last run a bit plain but tongue tie goes on and is a horse with plenty of scope).
Verdict: The on-pacers in Scouting Around and Charcol look well suited here up to the mile. If they bring themselves undone there are a number of chances who can run over them late in what is an open contest.
Recommended Bet: 3 units to win on Scouting Around and Charcol.
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Race 5 8:20pm Westbury Hotel Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m)
Not much obvious tempo here with Himation likely to roll to the lead ahead of Fund Trader. Blaze Forth, Speckie, Cheryl’s Horse and Savoire Step look the only ones capable of being on the speed but all prefer to race a bit further back so every hope to those racing on pace here.
Himation wasn’t fancied in the betting first-up so probably needed the run and did a good job considering to run 4th behind Vandemeer. Was a race dominated by the backmarkers so his effort was satisfactory. Clark takes the reins now and he looks like getting a great run in the lead. Would have liked to see the blinkers go back on but still looks a very good hope and has won second-up in the past.
Fund Trader resumes after a short spell with a trial under his belt and was only narrowly beaten first-up last time in over 1350m at Devonport. Smart galloper who races well at this track and looks like getting a soft run from the inside draw. Market will probably tell the tale with him fresh but does look to get his chance if he’s ready to go.
Speckie is racing in great form having placed at his past six runs including a win at this track. Ran well last time when 3rd behind Vandemeer and now gets in under the minimum here with Wong’s claim. Does appreciate a fast speed which he won’t get here but racing so well it is impossible to leave him out.
Savoire Step is racing well and wasn’t suited last time coming wide on a track favouring those racing near the fence. Proven in this grade and above and gets in well with McCarthy’s claim. Outside draw may be tricky without the tempo to break the field up and although he has won at 1400m he has never really been strong at the end of it. Smart horse who will be hard to beat if luck goes his way but has a bit against.
Ash For Cash loves the 1400m here and is racing in good form but has a poor winning strike rate. Ran a good 2nd last time behind Vandemeer but was suited by the big anchor drop mid-race. Might not get the right tempo here considering he will get back and has drawn inside but no surprise to see him running home into the finish again.
Next best Blaze Forth (handy 3yo having first try at 1400m, well drawn) and Cheryl’s Horse (fresh and very good run when last fresh over 1400m behind Tshahitsi).
Verdict: Tricky race here with many chances. Adam Trinder holds the key to the race with Himation and Fund Trader so market moves with them will prove valuable. Think they are best placed to take advantage of the likely speed and happy to work around them if reasonable odds.
Recommended Bet: 2 units each way on Himation.
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Race 6 8:55pm Launceston Golf Club Veterans Class 1 Handicap (1200m)
Looks a genuine speed here with Almost Art likely to come across from her wide draw looking for the lead. Mel Loves Vodka, Elegatano and The Captain are all capable of kicking up into a forward position with Armagonnagettem likely to go forward from his wide draw also. Emergency Gotta Have Vibe can be thereabouts if he gets a run.
The Captain ran a very warm favourite last time under similar conditions but found plenty of trouble after making a mess of the start. David Pires goes back on and with a better beginning he can land in a lovely spot near the lead from the good draw. Has solid form in good 3yo company this season and can run a much better race here. One of the leading hopes.
Cameo Kiss has been very good at both runs in from a spell, running home hard from back in the field to be narrowly beaten on both occasions. Staying at 1200m for a 3rd consecutive run is some concern as she has struggled for early speed on both occasions but no doubt her form is good enough for this. Will appreciate any run-on bias and pressure up front. Expect to see her running into the finish again.
Almost Art was well fancied on debut in a 900m maiden at Devonport and she did the job easily after dictating in front. Hard to know what to make of that win as it was basically a glorified barrier trial but she looks to have plenty of speed and Clark taking the ride is a good push. Much different here up in grade out to 1200m but untapped.
Elegatano returns to 1200m after being beaten as favourite over 1400m last time. Might be better suited to the faster tempo of the shorter trip here and did win impressively over this course first-up in maiden grade. Brendon McCoull takes the ride and he should find a good spot from the middle draw. Can bounce back here.
Udayan has been kept fresh since her good 3rd in an on-pace dominated race at Hobart behind Jazzy’s Choice and does race very well at this track. Both runs over this course early in her preparation were good and drawing out probably suits her here. Hard to make a big push for her with her get-back racing pattern but if the pressure is on she can finish hard late.
Next best Armagonnagettem (good last time and that form ties in but awkward draw), Alpine Angel (running home very strongly at recent runs but does need luck), Marbel Duke (up in grade from weak maiden grade but on the up) and Global Squire (maybe better suited ridden just off speed and can get that run from good draw).
Verdict: Very open race here with many chances. Happy to stick with The Captain to bounce back as he has proven himself to be a horse of good ability. Almost Art is the unknown but appears to have talent, while Cameo Kiss and Elegatano will be strong late. Luck in running will play a big part here.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on The Captain.
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Race 7 9:30pm Cascade Brewery Class 5 Handicap (1200m)
Issawi looks well placed from his outside draw to work across the field to take up the running here in front of Manchero with Trot On Candy and Volcanic Sky. The on-pacers should get it comfortable enough to advantage them here.
Issawi has been excellent at all three runs this prep and despite finding his toughest test here he does look well placed again. Was most impressive over this course two starts back before winning well last time in Hobart. Drawn out suits here where he can control the speed and think that gives him the edge again. Top pick.
Tshahitsi is a very promising galloper who resumes here after a short spell. Was a very good win first up last campaign before running Silver Bolt to a nose over this course second up in good time. Likely to drift back from his outside draw to get in which might make it hard to run down the favourite but if there’s any run-on pattern later in the night he will be well suited. Genuine danger.
Trot On Candy has won 4 of her last 6 and comes here having won her last start over this course a month ago in C4 grade. Gets in light with Clark’s claim and has the tactical speed to sit just behind the speed here. Stiffest test here but still on the up and she has definite winning claims.
Manchero was very good two starts back behind Issawi at Hobart before running fairly last time behind Cuprona Road over this course. Likely to get a cheap run from the inside draw but think he is clearly behind the first three chances and is still some query at the 1200m trip. Has place claims but runs into a few good ones here.
Barkly Boy was unsuited fresh in a rails/leader dominated race so will be better for that run. Draws well here and Carr can find a much better spot this time. Expect to see an improved effort here but strikes a hot field.
Verdict: Three very smart horses doing battle here but Issawi does look well suited controlling the tempo in front, especially if the rail is playing well. Tshahitsi and Trot On Candy are both very capable if there is any chink in the armour or a run-on pattern and expect them to be finishing hard late.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Issawi.
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Race 8 10:00pm City Of Launceston Benchmark 82 Handicap (1600m)
Miss It And A Bit will look to run them along as she always does but she may have stiff competition for the lead from One Shot Off here and Ollie’s Gold will be on pace as usual. Village Green looks to get the spot right behind them in front of Powercharged and Lingo.
Powercharged was a very impressive winner last time when things didn’t go his way during the run. He stamped himself as a top galloper over the carnival and although he has been up a long time he was very strong through the line and showed no signs of coming to the end of his prep. Should get a better run this time from the inside draw and with even luck he will be mighty hard to beat again.
Village Green comes to a mile for the first time after a narrow but strong victory over subsequent winner Box Of Frogs last time out. Has developed some tactical speed and she should get a good run just behind the leaders. Rise in class here but in with the minimum weight and looks the one who can pounce on the leaders and give the favourite something to chase. Main danger.
Miss It And A Bit gave a great sight in front last time on a night where leaders and those racing near the fence were advantaged. May find more pressure for the lead this time from One Shot Off which looks a negative to her chances. Continues to run well and in light with Barr’s claim so she can be in the finish again but that extra pressure may make it hard for her to turn the tables on Powercharged.
Keukenhof continues to run good races without being able to win. Had every chance last time from the inside draw and likely to get a similar run again having come up with gate 1 for the 3rd consecutive start. Gets his chance again but has been a long time since he has won and not sure where he finds that extra length or two from.
Ollie’s Gold came back to the mile last time after a tough run in the Launceston Cup and is probably better suited this time with that run under his belt. Wasn’t that far away last time and is tough enough to handle the extra pressure. Probably finds a couple of these a bit sharp at this trip but can fight it out for minor money.
Verdict: Hard to go past Powercharged here and he does look the winner. Difficult to make a case for those who finished behind him last time to turn the tables so look to Village Green as hardest to beat.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win on Powercharged and 2 units to win on Village Green.
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About our staking strategies
Staking strategies are expressed in units so you, the punter, can apply them to suit your punting budget.
For example you may decide that 1 unit = $1.
So, if the staking strategy is 4 units to win on CHILL WINSTON you would put $4 on CHILL WINSTON to win.