FANTASTIC SPIRAL gave his trainer NSW Jason Fletcher his first success in a Launceston Cup when the dog emerged triumphant in the Group 2 event over 515 metres tonight.
Fantastic Spiral was the only Group 1-winning dog in the final and he needed all those qualities to emerge the winner.
He began well from box five as the $2.20 favourite and when he hit the first turn in front half the battle was over.
Fantastic Spiral sped clear down the back stretch opening up a four-length margin on Lemon Sunrise but in the home straight the leader started to feel the pinch and Lemon Sunrise ran him to a half-length.
Fantastic Spiral has spent the past three weeks in the care of top Tasmanian trainer Mick Stringer who has had a long working relationship with Fletcher.
“Jason (Fletcher) has been sending dogs to me for the past 10 years and the first one he sent to me to train won 13 of 14 starts,” Stringer said.
“Fantastic Spiral is a lovely natured dog and an absolute pleasure to have in my kennels.
Fantastic Spiral stopped the clock at 29.72 which was the worst time recorded on the track with his quickest of 29.38 coming in his Launceston Cup heat at what was his first look at the track and he followed up with a run of 29.55 in winning his semi-final.
The dog will have his next start in the Group 1 Temlee at The Meadows on Saturday night in which he has drawn favourably in box two.