Racing returns to Launceston on Wednesday night following last week’s Devonport Cup and the 2yos take centre stage with the running of the Ensign Lodge Alfa Bowl. The track is currently a Soft 6 but with hot weather forecast expect it to be nudging the Good 4 range by race time. The rail is in the 9m position which can favour the front-runners on dry ground so be aware of the pattern throughout the night.
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Race 1 6:25pm Ray Trinder Memorial Maiden Plate (1420m)
Big field for the first of the night and the short run to the first turn at the 1420m start usually provides good pressure early so the tempo should be decent. Frost and Gee Gees Talk Fest look most likely to lead, with Inheritance, Pop A Lefty, Opening Line and Millrace all looking to race near the lead. Expect Sh’bourne Dylaca to be ridden a little more quietly this time out.
Millrace comes back to maiden grade after a solid 5th in a good class 1 behind smart 3yos The Master Speed and Ariconte. Did have gate 1 there to assist and now draws wide here, but has the blinkers on for the first time to try and find a good spot near the lead. Has the best form going into this and is still on the up so she appeals as the top pick.
Frost had every chance last time at Devonport when leading at a slow tempo and running 2nd behind Strategic Moves, but does look suited again here with Newitt on from the inside draw. Has had every chance to break his maiden so far in his career but looks to get every chance here again and should be around the mark.
Saint’s Quest was a good effort last start when 2nd at Longford after having to cover a lot of extra ground from his wide draw. Failed here previously over 1600m but looks much better suited at 1400m and ran well at this trip 3 back in a handy form race. Won’t want to get too far back with the rail out but looks a big danger with the right run.
Sh’bourne Dylaca was well beaten at Longford as favourite but endured a very tough run 3 wide on a good speed and was entitled to knock up as she did. Gets a tongue tie and a better draw here and go on her previous 2nd placing behind Turtles Nest over 1100m. Expect a much improved showing and she is a genuine winning chance.
Hell Baby was very competitive with Millrace at their first couple of starts, beating her home on both occasions, before never getting into the race from the back last time behind Kissed By Fire. Might not get so far back here with a softer tempo likely and can be in the mix on her first two runs.
Next best in a wide race Gee Gees Talk Fest (drawn wide but can go forward, tends to be around the mark), Inheritance (better last time in slow race, draws gate 1 and can be on speed), British (wasn’t hopeless on debut, better for that experience), Full Of Promises (has ability and can improve with change of scenery to Tegan Keys stable) and Opening Line (handy at Longford, inexperienced rider but in light).
Verdict: Very even field but Millrace stands out with the C1 form and the blinkers on. Sh’bourne Dylaca appeals as an improver at longer odds.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Millrace, 2 units to win on Sh’bourne Dylaca.
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Race 2 7:00pm Roy & Dora Coghlan Memorial Benchmark 62 Handicap (1420m)
Very good speed on paper here with Viva La Verve, Pengalas Gee Gee and Bella Venus all having plenty of early speed, as does the emergency Before All at this distance. Many runners looking to box seat too to add to the pressure, so those back in the field should get their chance even with the rail out.
Viva La Verve has been racing well at Devonport with a couple of close 2nds at this distance range from her past three starts. Failed here first up from a long spell but has won here in the past so track holds no fears. Draws ideally in gate 1 for McCoull to sit on or behind the speed and carries less weight than most of these. Looks just about ready to win and is one of the better chances in a deep race.
Spihro did a good job to win at his first Tasmanian run even considering the gun run he had from the inside draw and looks suited up to 1400m. Can race handy to the speed and looks like getting a good run for in-form rider Moore. Only has to go on from his first-up win to be very competitive here.
O’Reilly’s Geegee is the class horse of this field and has been very good at both runs so far this prep. Loves this distance and was quite good in strong race last time in Hobart. Draws wide and has plenty of weight but should get speed on to suit and if horses can make ground with the rail out he can be storming down the middle late.
Speckie has had a freshen since a below-par run over this trip behind Stella Etoile. Fresh form is fine and did win this track and trip at first start in state off a month’s break. Draws inside for a soft run and has the services of Newitt so should get every chance and will appreciate the drop in grade. Definite winning hope.
Bella Venus returned to some form last time out at Devonport and looks ready for this trip now, one which she won at here earlier in her career. Will find plenty of speed to contend with in this but is capable of sitting on a fast tempo and having a kick late. Needs to go one from last run but always shown talent and expect her to give a sight.
Next best Pengalas Gee Gee (back to his best last time, may find too much pressure here) and Aslanyon (improved effort last time, won last time he switched back to this track from Devonport).
Verdict: Very hard race with many chances. Viva La Verve draws for the suck run behind the leaders and is knocking on the door, while O’Reilly’s Geegee has come back in great form and might be good enough to circle the field and win. Spihro and Speckie both get good runs midfield and can figure also.
Recommended Bet: 2 units each way on Viva La Verve and 2 units to win on O’Reilly’s Geegee.
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Race 3 7:40pm Jack Chambers Class 1 Handicap (1420m)
Big field but not a lot of obvious early speed so expect Dehughes to find the lead pretty comfortably from the middle of the line. Hello Gertie may push on from the widest barrier to race closer to the speed this time, while Gotta Have Vibe, Tambro’s Game and Antah will all be looking to work across from their wide gates. Not much speed from those drawn inside, with Savrajette the only one likely to hold a position from an inside barrier.
Savrajette was very disappointing last time out when a firm favourite at Devonport but raced ungenerously and now returns to her favourite track Launceston. Was very good first up here over the shorter trip and should find the 1400m ideal at this stage of her prep. Looks like getting a gun run from the inside draw for McCoull and is proven in tougher races than this. Looks a great chance to bounce back.
Antah has shown plenty of promise in his short career thus far and delivered last time when breaking his maiden status in impressive fashion. Step up to 1400m looks perfect but has to contend with a wide gate this time. He loses nothing with Newitt taking the reins and with natural improvement he should be hard to beat again.
Livermore was a very good effort first up at this trip when forced to cover a lot of ground wide and chase down a couple of smart 3yos who dictated the race from the front. Gate 1 appears tricky at first glance but worth nothing last time he drew inside 6 was in December 2014 when he was able to lead and finish a head 2nd behind Savrajette here over 1400m. If he can find the gate speed to be right on speed again here he will be very hard to beat on his first-up run, but he hasn’t shown that speed for a while now. Should be in the mix but may need luck.
Kissed By Fire was an impressive winner at only her second career start last time here over 1400m. Kept fresh after that which should suit staying at the 1400m and draws inside. Will need luck getting into clear galloping room as she will look to build her momentum pretty early and if she gets it she will be a big danger to the favourites.
Hello Gertie was just fair last time when getting a bit further back than she has been but with Maher booked for this ride and the outside barrier to contend with she may look to race near the lead this time. Think she will be better suited if she does and can run an improved race.
Next best Must Be Love (racing well but long time since she won), Faith In Georgina (ok win in maiden company last time but this is harder), Dehughes (won a low maiden by a big space when suited at Longford, should lead here) and Like Alulu (has ability and has won this track and trip).
Verdict: Savrajette can bounce back here at her favourite track after last start anomaly in what is an open race. Antah is a horse with a big future but not sure where he lands from the wide gate, while Hello Gertie is the best roughie in the race.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Savrajette, 1 unit each way Hello Gertie.
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Race 4 8:20pm Ken Evans Memorial Maiden Plate (1220m)
Just an average tempo here with Under Milkwood likely to roll to the lead from Deciding Clause. Sunday School, Gallow Gate and the first starter Greenmount Lass can be handy.
Sphero has been very good at both starts this prep, finishing behind 2 very smart horses. Gets his chance here in what looks an easier affair. Boris Thornton should be able to give him a good run from barrier 4 but he wouldn’t want to get too far back in a race lacking in tempo. Given even luck he does look the winner of this.
Gallow Gate resumes after a reasonable first preparation racing at Devonport through the winter where he was generally close up behind some handy horses. Has had a trial leading into this and while gate 10 looks awkward, he does have some early speed which may help Ganderton find a position. Looms as the main danger to the favourite.
Under Milkwood ran his best race so far when resuming for the Paul Maher stable last time at this track and can be better for that run here. Drawn to lead again and Shiralee Maher again takes 3kgs off to bring him in nicely at the weights. The last race he contested has produced two maiden winners since so he can give a sight in front here.
Greenmount Lass is a first starter from the Michael Trinder stable who trialled nicely behind Seajamm in preparation for this. Will have done plenty of work leading into this and showed some early speed in her trial so she may be able to find a good spot near the lead. Looks to have ability and market confidence should be respected in what is a thin race.
Sunday School was sent around huge odds on her debut following some very plain trials but she ran much better than expected, finishing 3rd behind the promising Antah. Was only a couple of lengths behind Sphero there and now has stable rider Bulent Muhcu taking the reins. May be looking for a tad further already but should get a nice run from gate 1 and can be running into the money again.
Next best in a thin race Deciding Clause (may be better suited back to 1200m here, ran fairly only go this track).
Verdict: Does look the race for Sphero to break through but just a little concerned with how far back he is getting and that may not be suitable here with the rail out. Under Milkwood can feature if leaders are advantaged, while first-starter Greenmount Lass is showing enough to be considered.
Recommended Bet: 2 units to win on Under Milkwood, 1 unit each way on Greenmount Lass.
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Race 5 9:00pm Ensign Lodge Alfa Bowl (1120m)
Most of these are still very lightly raced so their racing patterns can change dramatically but there isn’t much exposed early speed here, allowing Gee Gee Double Dee to cruise across and find the lead. Jupiter’s Moon can be handy as can Tom Archie if he avoids trouble at the start this time, while Zatacla may kick through from his inside barrier.
Gee Gee Double Dee is going to start a very short priced favourite and for good reason after two ultra-impressive wins in Hobart. No 2yo has got near her this season and she has been running excellent times in the process. Two unknowns this time – up to 1120m from two 900m runs, and this is her first go away from her home track. Wouldn’t think that would be enough to get her beat but you’ll need to take very short odds to find out. Looks the winner.
Jupiter’s Moon was a nice win on debut over this trip here and does look a nice colt in the making. Draws well in 2 to be on the favourite’s hammer and if he can keep in touch with her he will have plenty of strength late. Times from his win weren’t anywhere near as good as what the filly has produced so suggest he’s racing for 2nd but he’ll run well again.
Tom Archie had no luck at the start again last time when hampered early and then forced to make his run out wide approaching the turn so his effort to stick on to grab 3rd behind Jupiter’s Moon was quite good. Had no luck on debut behind Gee Gee Double Dee either but has shown enough on both occasions to say he has his fair share of ability. Hard to see him beating the favourite but with a good start he is an excellent place chance.
Sameron finished off nicely at his only start behind this favourite and will appreciate stepping up to the longer trip. Has the blinkers on for the first time and expect that will result in an improved showing here. Looks to be one of the leading place chances and should run well.
Next best in the race for minor money looks Zatacla (not bad at only run against some who were easily handled by the leading picks here) and Trusted Warrior (rattled home at first start and will appreciate longer trip and blinkers first time).
Verdict: Can’t go past the favourite Gee Gee Double Dee and she should win again but she does enter some unknown territory to make you think twice about taking the really short odds. Maybe look to Tom Archie in place markets, who can improve with better luck in the early stages.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to place on Tom Archie.
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Race 6 9:30pm Craig Hanson Memorial Benchmark 72 Handicap (1220m)
Plenty of exposed speed here with any of Bideford, Silver Bolt, Beckon or the emergency Bella Venus capable of taking up the running here. Teriki can be handy trying to find a spot from a wider draw while Espry and Dillon Hall can also be looking for the box seat if they begin well. No excuses for the backmarkers if this one is run to plan.
Bideford returns to this grade after a game 2nd in Open company behind gun sprinter Geegees Doublejay in Hobart last month. Won at this track and trip impressively two starts ago and has never missed a place at this track and distance in 6 goes, including two wins. Drawn to lead or take a sit down on the inside, he has the big weight against him but should get the right run to give him every chance. Hard to beat.
Silver Bolt is racing in rare form with impressive wins at 3 of his past 4 starts and looks a real chance to complete a winning hat-trick. Expect Thornton to push forward again at the start from the middle of the line and he can find a good spot near the lead. Getting up in the weights but proven this grade and should be right in the finish again.
Beckon is a major watch here having his first run for Mick Burles after transferring from the Peter Moody stable. Showed plenty of pace throughout his Victorian and NSW career and did have the talent to run an equal 2nd favourite in the Group 3 Australia Stakes at only his 3rd race start. Resumes without a trial but gets weight relief with Maskiell’s claim and is a major market watch.
Teriki is a smart filly who gets a lot of weight off those at the top of the weights here. Gutsy effort last time to dead heat over this trip with Hyperbole who was an impressive winner on Friday. Awkwardly drawn but finished alongside Silver Bolt at their only meeting so form ties in here to be a genuine danger.
Powercharged has run home well at his past couple of starts, with a 2nd last time behind Silver Bolt the best run of his prep so far. Can get a nice smother behind the speed from gate 2 and with luck he can be out and charging home late if the leaders overdo it up front.
Next best Dillon Hall (good Devonport form in Tasmania, did beat Hugo at most recent run) and Mon Londo (always runs on and might get the tempo here to break his drought).
Verdict: Hard to split Bideford and Silver Bolt, two promising horses on their way through to open company. Watch the market with Beckon, while Teriki can figure with no weight.
Recommended Bet: 4 units to win on Bideford.
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Race 7 10:00pm Carrick Plate (2150m)
A number of on-pacers here but no genuine leaders. Expect any of Leigh John, Deux Foix, Oerter, Smoke ‘N’ Whisky, Our Anna and Sir Joey to take up the running with the other’s looking for a place handy to the speed. Expecting a standard tempo.
Cheryl’s Horse hasn’t put a foot wrong since a short let-up, running an excellent 3rd over 1400m before bolting in last time over 1800m at Longford. Ready for 2100m now and this doesn’t look all that harder than what he has been competitive in previously. In well with Thornton’s claim and looks clearly the one to beat here.
Smoke ‘N’ Whisky is racing in excellent form and comes to this trip for the first time on the quick back-up from a good 2nd last week at Devonport. Will find this easier than what he has been contesting but always hard to win at this trip at your first try. Has won 5 races at this track so it’s the right place to attempt it but with 59kgs he might just need a look at it. Good hope nonetheless and no surprise to see him winning.
Oerter disappointed last time out in the Sheffield Cup but gets to his preferred distance range now and was quite good here two starts ago over the mile. Has won 3 times at this trip and beyond interstate so expecting to see a much improved run back on the turf. Beaten less than 3 lengths over this trip last prep at both Randwick and Moonee Valley so that kind of form gives him a strong chance here.
Gwemrae has been much better at her past couple of runs and was only just tipped out last week in Devonport by Musique Player. Ran respectably over this trip as a 3yo in the good fillies’ races and is racing like she wants this trip now. Runs into a few good ones here and is racing out of her grade but won her last start at this track and should be competitive.
Deux Foix is right up to this on his best form but has been quite plain at both 2100m runs this time in. Given a little freshen and in light with Patterson-Doyle’s claim, he might go back to his own racing style of trying to lead all the way and this isn’t a bad race to try it. Needs to improve sharply but is capable and figures on his best form.
Next best Sir Joey (not bad at all in the Longford Cup, wasn’t hopeless only try this trip), Windell (disappointed last time when favourite and first try this trip but looks a stayer on the up) and Our Anna (ok at Longford behind Cheryl’s Horse and can stick over this longer trip).
Verdict: Hard to go past Cheryl’s Horse and do think the winner will come from the top three chances. Deux Foix is capable on his best form but hasn’t shown it for a while.
Recommended Bet: 5 units to win on Cheryl’s Horse with 1 unit to win on Oerter.
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Race 8 10:30pm Balmoral on York Class 2 Handicap (1220m)
Just a standard tempo to finish the night with Madame George likely to roll across to lead from her wide draw. Into The Wind, Before All, Brightness and Artie Edna from out wide can all be handy or vying for the lead with Sentinel capable also if he’s in the right mood.
Brightness is a promising filly who was very impressive fresh at Hobart before being found out in the 3yo Cup. Given a brief break since that to start again here and did win fresh at this track last preparation. Can get a gun run near the lead from the middle of the line and she looks an excellent chance to bounce back to form with a win here.
Madame George appeared to have every chance in front last time but in hindsight may have gone a bit quickly and was a sitting shot for handy mare Tara’s Gem. Ran well here in this grade two starts ago and should find this a little easier. Expect her to go straight to the front in this and she will take some running down providing the fence is holding up late in the night.
Into The Wind resumed in good style last month over 1200m with a 3rd behind Naadam and has been kept fresh to stay at this trip. Races best on wet ground but showed there he is capable on dry and was able to race near the lead at this sprint trip. Should get a good run and may give Stephanie Thornton her first winner in the state.
Sentinel is a nice type of horse who didn’t really come up last time when only fair fresh at Devonport before finishing at the tail 2nd up at Launceston. Starts again here and has won a trial leading into this. Drawn ideally to get a cheap run behind the speed but failed only go on turf and has to prove himself away from Devonport. Sure to have supporters and can figure on his best form but the jury is out just a tad here.
They look to be the only four winning chances with Western Front, Haakon and Before All minor place chances at best.
Verdict: Brightness can improve sharply from her 3yo Cup failure and will appreciate this grade. Madame George should be respected if leaders are still racing well late in the night, while Into The Wind and Sentinel both have plenty of ability and can win without surprising.
Recommended Bet: 5 units to win on Brightness and 2 units to win on Madame George.
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