In Brief
- Almost 200 nominations for return meeting.
- Field restrictions mean many horses will likely miss out.
- Tasbred bonuses attract plenty of attention.
The number of horses trialling in recent weeks was a strong indicator that the return meeting would be at capacity and that was confirmed on Monday with nominations released for Sunday’s Launceston program.
190 nominations were received across the seven scheduled races; however, it is anticipated that at least some of the races will be split to accommodate the number of horses.
Field sizes remain restricted to a maximum of 10 as they were just prior to the enforced shutdown of racing in the state due to COVID-19 and that outcome will likely see many horses miss out on Sunday’s meeting and potentially Hobart and Devonport in the following fortnight.
The Tasbred bonus maiden over 1100 metres received the highest number of nominations with 43 horses throwing their names in for a start, including 11 who are eligible for the $4,000 breeder and $16,000 owner bonuses for Tasbred horses.
Several dual nominations were received across the Class 1, two Benchmark 60 races over 1200 and 1400 metres respectively as well as the 1200-metre benchmark 66, though those races will almost certainly still run with the capacity of 10 runners.
The benchmark 74 handicap over 1200 metres received the lowest number of nominations for the day with 16, however options are limited for horses in that rating range and it’s another where it would surprise not to see the maximum number of runners engaged.
Banstead (main picture) entered the racing shutdown with a picket fence of four consecutive wins and is among those nominated for the race.
Acceptances for the program will be finalised on Wednesday morning.