GREYSTEEL confirmed his status as a genuine Tasmania Cup contender when he led all the way to take out the $20,000 City of Launceston Cup over 2200 metres at The TOTE Racing Centre last Sunday night.
Greysteel gave a star-studded field a pacing lesson and convinced his trainer Zeke Slater that he was a live chance to win the coveted Tasmania Cup in Hobart next Sunday night.
With in-form driver Mark Yole in the sulky, Greysteel showed his customary early speed to lead and after producing a spritely first half he slipped home his last 800 metres in 57.4 seconds that made it very difficult for anything to come from behind and win.
Despite the comfort of his win there was a lot to like about the way minor placegetters Our Chain Of Command and Motu Crusader hit the line and fourth placegetter Our Sir Jeckyl also hit the line hard after being near last turning for home.
Greysteel and Motu Crusader are owned by Merv Butterworth who leases them to Slater.
“Motu Crusader has beaten the best horses in Australia, including Smokin Up and Terrorway and I thought he would win tonight’s race,” Butterworth said.
“But Zeke told me the Greysteel would beat him,” he said.
Beautide was sent out favourite but he faded slightly in the home straight after facing the breeze for most of the race.
It was Motu Crusader’s first start in Tasmania for Slater and the trainer was more than pleased with the gelding’s effort.
It was Greysteel’s fourth win in succession in Tasmania and given his most recent win he could start favourite, depending on the barrier draw.
All first four placegetters will take their place in this Sunday’s night’s $40,000 Tasmania Cup.