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Racing returns to Launceston this Wednesday night for an 8 race program. The rail goes out to the 4m position from the 1200m to the winning post, and remains in the true for the remainder. Last meeting the rail was in the true position and raced quite evenly so with fine weather forecast and a firm track likely a fair track can be expected again.
Race 1 6:45pm Brendon McCoull Class 1 Handicap (1200m)
Looks a standard tempo here. Nielson will be looking for the lead from the middle draw but will have opposition coming across from the outside gates, with Sunday Cider and Scouting Around capable of charging towards the lead. Gotta Have Vibe should box seat with Dhanraj maybe holding his position midfield while fresh, with most other runners preferring to race back off the speed.
Le Bel Opera is racing in excellent form, having run 2nd to a couple of promising females at his past two runs in Jazzy’s Choice and Step The Pedal. Has proven there he is not just a Tapeta specialist although he has his first run at this track here. 1200m is as far as he wants and may need some luck to work away from the inside from gate 1 but he has the right form and looks hard to beat.
Nielson had a good first prep with Adam Trinder and resumes here with two trial wins under his belt. First up at 1200m probably isn’t ideal even considering the two trials but he ran very well in both tries over this course last time in. Might be softened up early with the pace drawn outside him but if he can get a decent run near the lead he’ll give them plenty to chase.
Dhanraj resumes from a spell after a consistent campaign where he got out to 2100m. Hasn’t won fresh but has generally run well and has raced well both at this track and over this trip without winning. Drawn ideally and booking of Carr is a sign he’s ready to run a race fresh. Has plenty of ability and finds a suitable race fresh.
Scouting Around is a horse with plenty of ability but does plenty of things wrong also. Wasn’t bad first up when raced outside a fast pace and then not suited by a big mid-race slowdown before battling to the line. Drawn out may suit him to come across and track the speed and expect improvement 2nd up. Hard horse to follow but has the talent and should run well.
Alpine Angel has been well supported at her past couple of runs but hasn’t had much go right at both runs. Races well at this track and will be suited if there is good speed up front. Going better than it looks and she’s capable of capitalising if things finally go her way.
Next best Global Squire (reasonable win in maiden grade and suited by further trip).
Verdict: Competitive race to start the night. Le Bel Opera has the form but possibly an awkward draw and a poor winning strike rate. Dhanraj and Nielson can run well fresh, while Scouting Around and Alpine Angel can improve.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Nielson and 2 units to win on Dhanraj.
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Race 2 7:20pm Sigrid Carr Maiden Plate (1200m)
A genuine tempo likely here with Lion Speed and Can’t Decide having the speed to run them along. Marbel Duke, Shockwave Miss and Blushing Pink are capable of racing on speed while George’s Gambol can get a good run from a middle draw. All runners should get their chance.
George’s Gambol has been a bit costly for punters but has run with some merit at all four runs this prep. Last run he had every chance when easily beaten by Elegatano but that horse looks above average and he did race with improved manners while beating the rest. McCoull sticks with him and he looks like getting another good run just behind the speed. Deserves to be favourite again and looks top pick.
Can’t Decide ran well first up over this course before being scratched at the barriers last week. Drawn out shouldn’t be an issue here with her early speed but not sure she’ll find the fence across Lion Speed. Form from last run is yet to be proven but it seems reasonable enough for her to be very competitive in this.
Marbel Duke ran a respectable race first up in the state in Hobart when 3rd behind Marmalady. Step up to 1200m suits and should get a gun run from gate 4. Improved with racing in first prep and should be in the mix here if he can do so again.
Taramaya has been much better at two runs this year on her home track in Hobart. Gets back in her races and will need luck from a wider draw but has Carr aboard and looks just about cherry ripe 3rd up. Launceston form last year was very plain but steadily improving and looks to have place claims at the very least.
They look to be the winning chances, with next best Blushing Pink (hasn’t shown a lot but better last time) and Shockwave Miss (bit better last time, has shown glimpses of ability but needs to improve again).
Verdict: Looks a pretty thin race and surprised if the winner doesn’t come from the top 3 chances. Give George’s Gambol one more chance in what looks a suitable race for him.
Recommended Bet: 6 units to win on George’s Gambol.
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Race 3 7:57pm Raquel Clark Maiden Plate (1400m)
A number of capable on-pacers here but no genuine leader and possibly a muddling tempo as a result. Geegees Muscle Man, Songs ‘N’ Stories, Gallow Gate, Brilliant Jet and Rangaondarun can all go forward but none of them have shown a strong propensity to lead. Likely that a positive move to go forward can be advantaged here.
Gallow Gate has placed at all four runs this prep including three at this track and looks set to be right in the finish again. Should get a gun run on speed from gate 5 for McCoull and his form looks more than good enough for this. Has been costly for punters having been beaten at an SP of less than $3 at his past three runs but looks worth another chance in this.
Geegees Muscle Man gets to 1400m now after three reasonable runs over 1100m and Siggy Carr takes the ride. Should find a good spot from gate 1 although that could be a trap if they don’t go hard and he gets shuffled back on the inside. Has excuses for last run and previous efforts were quite good. Expecting him to enjoy this trip and looks the main danger.
Songs ‘N’ Stories can mix her form a bit but most of her best runs have come over this course. Does have some early speed and should be right in the firing line from barrier 2. Has been well beaten by Gallow Gate at her past couple but can get the right run to be one of the better hopes.
Speed Force did absolutely nothing last time in Hobart in a leader dominated race and may prefer getting back to Launceston where he was quite good in Open 3yo company two starts ago. Will get back from an inside draw which may be troublesome if they don’t go hard in front. McCoull has understandably elected to ride Gallow Gate instead but does get the claim for Barr. A repeat of two starts back gives him a chance here but the rest of his form is not enticing.
Brilliant Jet ran an honest 4th on debut behind Banca Boy in a race of questionable form. Has bandages on which is never a good sign but may just be precautionary. Has early speed to overcome his wide draw somewhat and can improve for his second run out to 1400m so he looks to have a hope in a pretty low race.
Next best Hirvonen (likes 1400m and this track, gets back so wants speed right on and probably won’t get it) .
Verdict: Hard to go past the top two picks Gallow Gate and Geegees Muscle Man and expect one of them to be winning. The former is the safe option with the runs on the track but likely to be short and the latter is still improving.
Recommended Bet: 2 units each way Geegees Muscle Man.
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Race 4 8:32pm David Pires 3yo Handicap (1200m)
Small but select field likely to run along here with I’m Wesley and Gee Gees Jet capable of running some time early. Naadam can also go quick but likely to take sit here with Blaze Forth and Nissky. With no pressure apparent on the front half the backmarkers have their work cut out.
Naadam was disappointing last time when forced to run on basically heavy ground but his prior 4 runs were all quite solid. Back on top of the ground will suit perfectly and his prior runs were 2nds behind Gee Gee Red Prince and Silver Bot so his best is up to this. Gate 1 is a minor issue if he gets caught behind the leader so would enjoy McCoull to angle off to settle one-out and one-back and if he does he will take holding out.
I’m Wesley was very heavily backed when first up in the 3yo Classic on Launceston Cup day and ran right up to that with a game 3rd after racing 3 wide outside the speed throughout. This looks much more suitable and is drawn to lead if desired. All his form is pretty strong including a 4th in the 3yo Cup so respect what the market was saying first up and expect a big showing.
Gee Gees Jet has had a long campaign but continues to race well and was very game last time when a close 2nd behind Gee Gees Red Prince in the 3yo Classic. Has the blinkers go back on for this which he hasn’t worn for quite some time, and Boris Thornton takes the reins with his claim being quite helpful as topweight. Expect him to work across and sit 2nd and he has won many races from that position before. Obvious chance in good little race.
Blaze Forth won the Magic Millions two starts ago quite impressively when he ran past Jazzy’s Choice to score comfortably before running an even race in the 3yo Classic last time. Gets in light with Clark’s claim and should get a good run just behind the speed. Might not have the class of the above chances but is honest and will be thereabouts.
Nissky improved last time over this course after getting a freshen up and has had 3 weeks to prepare for this. That run was on softer ground which he has clearly appreciated throughout his career so far but looks unlikely to get the same conditions in this. At his best he can run on strongly into the mix in this but his form has been hard to trust this time in and he’s yet to prove he can beat the main hopes in this.
Verdict: Great little race. Expecting the winner to come from the top 3 hopes with a leaning to Naadam who could be value after a poor run on soft ground last time. Respect for Blaze Forth and Nissky and they can feature if the leaders attack each other.
Recommended Bet: 6 units to win on Naadam.
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Race 5 9:05 Boris Thornton Benchmark 62 Handicap (2100m)
Big field to do battle here and could be a very strong tempo to give every runner their chance. Sir Joey has run along at his past couple, while Bidirectional also likes to race near the lead and Steven’s Wonder recorded his only win when leading for Raquel Clark. Savrajette and King Manu up in trip can be on speed while the emergencies Derwent and Immortal Fire can add further pressure to the on-pacers if they get a run. Expect a genuine staying test.
Bidirectional was very good at his first go after this trip last time in BM72 company when 2nd behind Electric Crimson. Raced forward on a strong tempo and was entitled to weaken but stayed strong to the line in a fast race. Drops in grade for this but Thornton’s claim has him in alright and should be spot on with the run over the trip under his belt. Still in his first prep but repeat of last run has him the one to beat.
Savrajette had been threatening to do something this prep and finally broke through last time over 2100m in Hobart when she scored on the back of a gun ride from Darmanin. That run should bring her along nicely for this and she races well here in Launceston. Bidirectional had her measure twice over the mile so needs to turn the tables there but looks one of the main dangers.
Steven’s Wonder ran a good 3rd behind Savrajette last time in Hobart after a two month break between runs so should be much fitter for this. Clark takes the ride and won at her only previous ride on the horse – his lone win in 37 career starts. Goes forward to make his own luck and gets in light with the claim. Obviously has his limitations but racing consistently and should be around the mark.
King Manu was very well backed at his first run for Tegan Keys in a handy C2 over 1400m and he ran home well there after getting well back in the run. Jumps sharply to 2100m but arrived in the state in the middle of a 5 run prep where he had been up to 1968m so fitness shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Not many of these could do what he did last time so expect him to run well in this.
Polizei was sent out a short-priced favourite last time behind Savrajette in what was his first run over this trip but after being held up approaching the turn he didn’t finish off at all and was well beaten. Previous form was good and should be fitter now 4th up at this trip. Clearly needs to improve on last time but was sent out favourite for a reason and worth respecting.
Next best Musique Player (class horse having won 9 races including 3 over this trip but wins few and far between these days) and Coin Toss (ran on strongly last time behind Savrajette so that form ties in here).
Verdict: Bidirectional stands out here as top pick and if he holds his form he’ll be very hard to beat. Savrajette and Steven’s Wonder come through good runs in easier grade, while King Manu is the wildcard coming for a good run over 1400m.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win on Bidirectional and 2 units to win on King Manu.
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Race 6 9:35pm Bulent Muhcu Class 2 Handicap (1400m)
Should be a genuine tempo here with a number of these who can look for the front. Serengeti Miss looks ready to go off two trials and is likely to hunt the lead from her inside draw, while Box Of Frogs appears to have little option but to push forward from his wide gate to be in the first couple in the run. Antumbra can race much closer now he’s out to 1400m, while Secrets She Has has shown very good speed over this trip in the past and Village Green can look to box seat. Every runner should get their chance here.
Box Of Frogs was most impressive winning in C1 company on Launceston Cup day when he rolled along outside the leader and raced away to win by a space. This is harder but he looks to get a similar run and ran 2nd at his previous run in this grade. Looks a horse with a big future and if Pires can give him a comfortable run on speed he can win again.
Village Green is getting very close to a win after a good 3rd here two runs ago before a close 2nd last time in Hobart over this trip. Draws ideally to get a gun run just behind the leaders and while she hasn’t won over this trip in three tries she has never missed a place. Rarely runs a bad race and if things pan out well for her in the run she can be the main danger.
Secrets She Has is a mare with plenty of ability but she has mixed her form this preparation. Had two good runs in Hobart before a plain effort on heavy ground last time here behind Treasury Bond. 1400m looks her ideal distance and she ran two very good races over this course last time in. Expect a positive ride from a wider draw from Clark and she can be right in the mix.
Easy As That was very good first up in this grade when rattling home from the back to run a close up 6th in an on-pace dominated race won by Super Daph. Well bred mare who showed a bit in her first prep including a dominant victory over this course when beating handy mare Stella Etoile. Looks to have come back in excellent nick and should run well with the step up to this trip.
They look the four main winning hopes, with minor claims to Serengeti Miss (honest mare suited at this trip fresh), Helluce (resuming but has plenty of ability and can feature on her best form) and Auntie Beverley (blinkers on after disappointing run from tricky stable).
Verdict: Box Of Frogs rises in grade but won with authority last time and can do so again. Village Green and Secrets She Has look the logical dangers, with Easy As That the one with scope who may be the rapid improver.
Recommended Bet: 8 units to win on Box Of Frogs.
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Race 7 10:05pm Anthony Darmanin Benchmark 82 Handicap (1600m)
Should be a very strong tempo here with Miss It And A Bit sure to run along as she likes to do but she’ll have company at the front end with Spirit Of Nia and Ollie’s Gold both happy to race close to the speed. Jeroboam, Quest Master and Dream Roller can all be handy so there is unlikely to be much peace in the run and expect a very fast run race.
Powercharged went to a new level this season with a close 2nd behind Admiral in the Thomas Lyons before a reasonable 4th last time out in the George Adams. That was his first go at a mile and considering it was on heavy ground he seemed to handle it comfortably. Back on firm ground should suit and he races well here. Has won in very fast races so likely tempo should suit and he looks hard to beat under these handicap conditions.
Miss It And A Bit nearly caused a huge boilover over this course when a narrow 2nd behind Admiral in the George Adams after giving a bold display out in front. Very good performer over this 1600m trip and gets in under the minimum with regular rider Sherry Barr’s claim. Might find a bit more pressure in this than she did last time but if she goes anywhere near as good as she did last time she’s obviously a very big chance.
Keukenhof has got to just about his right trip now and was a very good 2nd last time when he made up a lot of ground in a leader-dominated race behind Geegees Brightstar. Very good at two runs prior in fast run races and should be cherry ripe for this. Gets nice weight relief in the higher grade and meets Powercharged much better for being only beaten 2L a few starts ago when carrying 60kgs. Not sure gate 1 is ideal for him but looks to have a fair bit going for him here.
Spirit Of Nia drops back in grade from the feature mares races where she ran reasonable races without ever threatening. Likes this track, has a good record over a mile and should get a nice run just behind the speed. If they go quick enough that the backmarkers can’t get into the race she could be the on-pacer getting the right run with the drop on the leader to be featuring heavily late and is a winning chance.
Geegees Baritone drops back from the Night Cup and has won two races this prep over this distance range in fast-run races. Generally races very well for Siggy Carr but the most recent time he returned to the mile from 2100m he ran a flat 6th behind Geegees Brightstar. Fast pace should help him here and he has form around many of the major chances. Some hope.
Next best Quest Master (improved last time with blinkers on, ran 5th in Tas Guineas only try at a mile) and Dream Roller (very good over a mile during Devonport carnival but last couple only fair in WFA company).
Verdict: Good race. Powercharged and Miss It And A Bit bring the obvious WFA form here and both look hard to beat, while Keukenhof and Spirit Of Nia are the fresher ones coming here with maybe a bit more upside to them this prep.
Recommended Bet: 2 units to win on Keukenhof and Spirit Of Nia.
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Race 8 10:35pm Kyle Maskiell Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m)
A solid tempo looks likely here with Seven Falls only knowing one way and enough pressure around him from Manchero, Meconsul, Don’t We Love It and possibly Our Casanova to keep him honest. Every runner should get their chance.
Savoire Step is a smart horse who enjoys this course, having won 3 in 7 attempts. Very good at both runs this prep in fast-run races and he has been able to settle a little closer than usual on both occasions. Looks well suited in this 3rd up and any run-on bias late in the night would be an advantage. Strong chance.
Meconsul ran well at his first two runs back this prep before failing in the Thomas Lyons and he was only fair last time behind Concrete Johnny. May be better suited back on firm ground here and gets in well with Steph Thornton’s claim despite the drop in grade. Has very good stats at this track and is quite adaptable depending on the tempo. No surprise to see him bounce back and run a big race in this.
Geegees Soprano resumed in excellent style behind Silver Bolt before finishing midfield in the Thomas Lyons and making no impression behind Concrete Johnny last time on soft going. Has a very good record over this course with 5 top 2 finishes in a row here last prep. Should get a good run from the inside draw and is going well enough to be a major threat.
Manchero has taken a bit to get going this prep but was very good last start when 2nd behind Issawi in Hobart. Ran only fairly at his only start at this track prior but did find some trouble there. Yet to really prove himself at the 1200m having won all his races at 1100m and below but was quite strong last time and may get into a good spot on speed working across from his wider draw. Repeat of last effort gives him a chance in this.
Barkly Boy comes here off two trials run in decent time at Devonport and he has placed twice when first-up in the past. Won his Tasmanian debut over 1400m off a month’s break and acquitted himself well from then on against some pretty smart gallopers. Definite market watch with him and he is capable of running a race here if fancied.
Next best Lustica (mixing her form but gate 1 and Raquel Clark may assist, might want 1400m now), Seven Falls (fast horse resuming after two trials, good booking of Carr and can lead) and Cuprona Road (going fairly and tested in this company but races well this course).
Verdict: Open race to finish the night with a number of chances. Savoire Step, Meconsul and Geegees Soprano stand out as the three with form in better grades and suited at this course, while Barkly Boy is worth respecting if a strong market push comes for him.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Savoire Step.
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