THE fate of many of the horses nominated for next week’s Betfair Exchange Launceston Cup rests in the outcome of a 2100-metre race in Launceston tonight.
The winner of the Night Cup will earn ballot-free entry into the Launceston Cup and for many it will be their only way into the $200,000 Group 3 event next week.
One horse relying on winning the Night Cup is the Brendan McShane-trained Livermore that has such a low rating (67) that he would most likely be balloted out of the Launceston Cup without the free pass.
“We looked at various pathways to the Launceston Cup and we opted for the one we’ve taken and if he wins tonight we will have done the right thing and if he doesn’t then we have to reassess where we go with the horse,” McShane said.
“If things don’t pan out as we expect in the Night Cup then we will probably look at the Mornington Cup in Victoria and that’s worth more money.
“There are a couple of other suitable races interstate or in Tasmania but clearly we are hoping to get into the Launceston Cup – that’s our first choice.”
Livermore won over 1880m at Devonport in August last year after which he was given a spell.
He resumed with an eye-catching third to The Master Speed over 1400m in late December and won his next two over 1420m and 1600m respectively in Launceston last month.
He wasn’t nominated for the Hobart Cup but contested a 1400-metre race on that day and he flashed home to finish second in what was a sensational performance as he came from last on the home turn.