Night racing is on again in Launceston this Wednesday night with good field sizes and many competitive races. The rail is in the true position for the first time this season, and the sting may be out of the track a little more than usual with a little rain forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. Vital to watch the track pattern if they have some rain although they are racing on predominantly fresh ground so hopefully the fence will hold up.
Race 1 6:25pm Race on in for your Christmas Party Class 1 Handicap (1200m)
A very strong C1 and expecting a fast tempo to match. Gee Gees Vicki, Nielson, Meteor Strike and possibly Black Hills from out wide look likely to take up the running with plenty of runners angling for a position on speed behind them. Many with some chance here but think there are 3 major hopes.
Meteor Strike has his first run on the turf but his 3 runs on Tapeta have all been excellent. Ran very well in a good C2 last time which should measure up well back to C1 company. Has the pace to be on speed but capable of taking a sit if the tempo is too strong. Hard to beat.
My Paige Three resumes after 2 good runs over the Summer carnival. Tuned up with a nice trial win and draws beautifully in gate 6. Should appreciate the strong tempo and looks one of the leading chances if ready to go.
Cameo Kiss was well backed at her Tasmanian debut and did the job impressively in maiden company. Think that race will prove quite strong and she ran good time so while this is a strong C1 expect her to measure up. Drawn well for a run just behind the leaders and was scratched Saturday to be saved for this. Definite hope.
Partenza has promised a lot in her short career but couldn’t quite get the job done last prep despite racing well. Resumes here with a trial under her belt and should get a gun run from gate 1 for Brendon McCoull. Was a very impressive winner at her only start this track. Has to go in with the great draw.
Nielson has shown himself to be a horse with good ability in his 3 runs in the state and only just failed a fortnight ago in a C1 at this track and trip. Think this is harder and he might find plenty of competition for the lead but gets in well with Beau Mertens’ claim. If he can get a reasonable enough run near the lead he can be right in the finish.
Further chances in a strong, open race to Nice Knickers (winkers first time, may appreciate being ridden a little quieter), Black Hills (continues to race well however wide gate is a very large hurdle to overcome), Gee Gees Vicki (handy 3yo from good draw but prefer to see first in a race of this depth) and Morgatoche (finished off alright first up and could be the one swooping off a fast tempo).
Verdict: Meteor Strike, My Paige Three and Cameo Kiss look the major winning chances to work around with many chances for your multiples.
Recommended Bet: Try Cameo Kiss each way.
Race 2 7:00pm Newmarket on 18th November Class 2 Handicap (1400m)
Good C2 but despite the big field it looks just an average tempo on paper with most of the speed drawn inside. Miss Yearn and Before All look most likely to set the early pace with Aventador the only runner really looking to go forward from out wide. With many leading chances drawn wide or preferring to get back it looks a tricky, open race.
Shiralee was good first up when resuming after his Derby campaign. Scratched from a race on Saturday in favour of this so expecting him to be right on the mark second up. Gets a nice claim with Beau Mertens on but has a wide draw and just a steady tempo to contend with which might make it hard if he goes back – he may go forward to try and slot in? Classy type who rates highly in an open race.
Geegees Brightstar had no luck first up when he copped a bad check mid race and made contact with the running rail before failing to finish his race off. Think that can be forgiven and he has the blinkers back on and the services of Brendon McCoull from a good gate. Is capable of racing near the lead which could be a big advantage here and could get the gun run. Ran favourite first up so no reason he’s not up to this and expecting sharp improvement.
Rustical went much better second up when a fast finishing 2nd behind Don’t We Love It after being held up in the straight. Does seem to race well here at Launceston and form is very good at this trip. Should be able to find a decent spot around midfield and looks an obvious winning chance with a repeat of her last effort.
Valdez is a classy staying type who was placed in the Derby and resumes here after a disappointing mainland campaign. Has had 2 trials so the 1400m looks pretty suitable fresh. Wide draw and only average tempo looks against as expect he will have to go back but if he can get cover and something to track into the race he has the ability to charge home into the finish.
Eternal Speed continues to race consistently and wasn’t far away last time in this grade. Blinkers are back on and gets in light with Kyle Maskiell’s claim. Think he looks really well suited from gate 7 to get a soft run back on the inside which gives him his chance if he can get clear running when required. Looks a good value chance.
Other hopes in an open race are Aventador (hard from outside gate but gets weight relief and continues to race well), Stella Etoile (very good on Saturday, quick back up, 1400m form only fair?), Mikayla’s Raider (finds this harder again after 2 wins in succession but in light and gets great run from inside gate) and Reann’s Diamond (improved at this track last time, mainland form was alright and gets gun run).
Verdict: Many chances in a tricky race so look for value among the top hopes.
Recommended Bet: Give Geegees Brightstar another chance with a win bet and have a saver on Eternal Speed at longer odds.
Race 3 7:37pm www.autobarn.com.au Maiden Plate (1400m)
Just a standard tempo here with Ruby Heart and Brovski the main ones looking for the lead. Looks quite a plain maiden with just a few major chances.
Ruby Heart improved with the blinkers on last time and ran a good race when 2nd behind runaway winner Zemiro when not in best ground down on the inside. Backs up here and should find a spot near the lead comfortably from the good draw. Gets in under the minimum weight with claim for Beau Mertens and looks a really good chance again.
Becerikli was a tad disappointing last time when running 3rd as favourite behind Claiborne King. Looks ready to try 1400m at his 5th run this prep, draws beautifully in 3 and well weighted after Victor Wong’s claim. Can race close to the speed which is a likely advantage in this and if he runs the trip strongly he looks certain to be right in the finish again.
Dropaclanger was very good when back to 1200m 2nd up, running on well to be just behind the placegetters. This distance is much more suitable and this race no harder. Will give them a start so if the on pacers get cheap runs it can be hard to run them down but expect him to be running on into the money somewhere.
Poacher’s Son wasn’t bad last time behind runaway winner Helera. Now up to 1400m for the first time and drawn wide but may be able to come over and sit closer to the speed with a slower tempo than he has encountered at his past couple. Has a hope if he gets a good run but in trouble if he gets caught wide.
Scarlet Vixen and Big Pegg both come through the Cameo Kiss maiden which looks to be stronger than the races the main hopes have been contesting but both were well beaten. They need to improve but both have run ok at the slightly longer trips so 1400m is probably ideal and they can be improvers at longer odds.
Verdict: Think Ruby Heart and Becerikli get the right runs near the lead to be the leading chances.
Recommended Bet: Ruby Heart – each way if odds allow.
Race 4 8:12pm Tasmania Chinese Medicine Maiden Plate (1200m)
Another plain maiden with not many recent placings among most of these. Tempo could be decent with Mel Loves Vodka, Flame Of Hope and Chelsarli all capable of running along. Doubt a big effort will be required to win this so most of them probably have some hope.
Hirvonen ran very well last time at this track after being slow to begin and finding some trouble in the run. Ran home hard in his first sign of form this prep and may go on with the job now. Should be suited by a genuine tempo and daresay he is the one to beat with a bit more luck in running.
Mel Loves Vodka has run well both times this prep on her home track and gets in light here with Shiralee Maher’s claim. Has plenty of early speed so can go forward and make her own luck, and is probably drawn to lead with the other speed drawn outside her. Back up to 1200m might not suit her as well as the 1000m did last time but gets her chance with a good run near the lead.
Flame Of Hope ran alright at his only start when relatively unfancied back in February. Showed good speed at the trials to nose out Teriki who was a very good winner on Saturday in C1 company. Can work across to find a good spot here, maybe outside the lead, and could be a big improver. Watch the market with him.
Kompressor resumes with a trial under his belt and with Brendon McCoull drawn gate 1 you can expect he’ll get a gun run. Hasn’t raced at this short a distance for a long time but did place first up last prep over 1420m behind Ocean Star. Still not really sure what to make of him and probably wants further but seeing this isn’t strong and he’s got that inside draw he probably has a hope.
Foxtrots is another who looks likely to want a bit further but her effort first up was very good when a fast finishing 4th behind O’Rayo. Has been scratched since with an issue but the gap between runs probably helps to keep her fresh enough for this trip again. A repeat of that run would see her around the mark again.
Keep an eye on the first starters in this as it is not a hard race to win. Irish John has trialled alright twice but has the outside gate to contend with, while Dance To The Beat must have shown something to persist with to have her first start at 6 years of age, hasn’t trialled too bad and has Anthony Darmanin booked to ride.
Verdict: The three top picks look the main ones to work with but vital to watch the market on the first starters.
Recommended Bet: Try Flame Of Hope each way.
Race 5 8:50pm Hair B Gone 3yo Maiden Plate (1200m)
Gee Gees Blondie looks to cross to the lead from 6 here but may find some competition inside from Seggers and possibly Hoodwinked. Doesn’t look a heap of pressure to her outside though so if she finds the front she might get away with a steady tempo in front. Number of inexperienced runners here can make them tricky to line up but Gee Gees Blondie does appear clear top pick.
Gee Gees Blondie led at a fast clip last time and did well to stick on for 3rd behind Cameo Kiss. May get it a bit easier in front this time and if so will be very hard to run down. Looks clear top pick.
Seggers did a good job to run 2nd behind Claiborne King last start after getting softened up a bit down the side. Should get a great run from his inside draw and no surprise to see him improve again here at his 3rd run. Do think the fillies division was stronger than the division he ran in last time so has a bit of work to do to catch the favourite but the good run and scope for improvement brings him in with a good chance.
Hoodwinked went alright on debut and wasn’t far away from Gee Gees Blondie on the line. Draws much better this time and Anthony Darmanin takes the ride. She can improve on that 2nd up and with a nice run likely from the gate she is right in the mix.
Genuine Art is a half sister to Genuine Lad who ran a handy race on debut behind the impressive Nunivak. Finished alongside Nadaam who has won since and this looks a slightly easier assignment. The step up to 1200m looks ideal but she has to deal with the outside barrier which looks her major hurdle to overcome. If the track is suiting the swoopers or the pressure goes on up front she’s a definite chance to swamp them late.
Gee Gee Sun Valley showed a bit at her first prep with a 2nd on debut behind a smart one in Nissky before being spelled after a 4th at Devonport. Resumes here with a trial win under her belt in ok time. Expect a good run near the lead with Siggy Carr riding from gate 5. Stablemate of the favourite so the market could tell a tale but looks capable in this.
Rialto Jess was unfancied at her debut in the good Cameo Kiss maiden but finished off alright back on the inside with a solid 5th. Did benefit from a good draw behind a strong tempo there and might be very different here drawn 9 so will need a good Bulent Muhcu ride to get some cover to allow her to finish off. Has a hope with the right run.
Takhi looks best of the rest with blinkers first time, McCoull on and a trial win under his belt. Failed at his only start but that was on heavy ground. May improve sharply.
Verdict: Looks like Gee Gees Blondie’s race but if we’re looking for ones down the middle like last week’s meeting Genuine Art could be the one.
Recommended Bet: Gee Gees Blondie to win.
Race 6 9:25pm autObarn Launceston Benchmark 62 Handicap (1600m)
Not many going forward in this on paper so although a big field it might just be a steady tempo. It’s Flash Al and maybe Geegees Drummerboy should take up the running with Arkadashim and Ocean Star looking to come across to find a spot. Very competitive race as many of these benchmark affairs are and can make a case for most of them.
Ocean Star is a promising mare racing in great form. Beaten by a smart horse last time and may have got close if the breaks came when she needed it after enjoying a good run just behind the speed. Wide gate may be a bit awkward here but has speed to go forward and decent run to first turn gives Kyle Maskiell a chance to find a good spot. If he has success getting in she’s the top pick.
Geegees Baritone was well backed last time when forced to go back from the wide gate and didn’t get the breaks he needed from back in the field. Think he is much better suited this time from a good draw for Siggy Carr and be much closer in the run. Does have a big weight but think this looks ideal for him at this stage.
Helluce was much better last time when running home strongly in a slowly run race and looks ready now for the mile. Has 2 wins and a 2nd from 3 tries at this track and won her only start here over a mile beating Ocean Star, so that form ties in well for this. Gate 12 looks to be the major stumbling block and don’t really know where she’ll end up from there but if David Pires manages to find her a spot she is a definite winning chance.
Aslanyon and Finalargee are stablemates, come through the same BM62 last time running 1st and 3rd respectively, draw gates 1 and 2 and both look ready for the mile. Hard to split them from their last run but think Finalargee is possibly a bit better suited at 1600m so give her the nod but both can run well again.
Fund Trader went much better last time with the return to 1400m and being ridden back in the field. Comes back to 1600m here which poses the question – was his failure two starts ago at 1650m due to the distance or racing too close to the speed? If it was the latter then he has a live chance in this, but there is still that distance query until proven otherwise. Inclined to risk but this run will tell us a lot more.
Minor hopes to Arkadashim (good last time, suited now mile and drawn out), Moonless (getting to his distance range, ticking over better than his form reads), Geegee Pretty Jess (up in trip suits and very good last time in easier) and Huss Style (has ability but first go this trip and has disappointed since first up win so prefer to watch).
Verdict: Like Ocean Star and Geegees Baritone but if the fence is going off Helluce is no longer disadvantaged from the gate and is a big hope.
Recommended Bet: Geegees Baritone each way.
Race 7 10:00pm Colours Private Function Room Benchmark 72 Handicap (1200m)
Very little pressure up front for a 1200m event with Wonzzee looking to get a comfortable lead on paper. Frolicked can be handy with Hollywood Gothic and maybe Gee Gees Top Notch capable of going forward but that’s about it. Track pattern by this stage of the night will be vital as the backmarkers are going to have the job ahead with this tempo unless the fence has chopped out. Hot race and looks one for the girls!
Wonzzee was a little disappointing last time when beaten as an odds on favourite but trainer Tegan Keys did mention on the live coverage she thought she might just be a run short. Given a comfortable lead looking likely here, and combined with the drop in grade, she looks ideally placed to make amends this time around. The main concern would be if the inside ground is inferior later in the night considering she has drawn 1 and should lead, but given a fair track she will be hard to beat this time.
Ryan’s Daughter resumed in most impressive fashion with a barnstorming win over 1100m where she came from last and broke 11 seconds for her final 200m. The step up to 1200m will suit but she goes up in grade and into a race with much less pressure up front. The small field may play into her hands in that she can be closer to the leaders and they might not be able to hold off her big finish. She might struggle to catch Wonzzee if she has a picnic up front but look out if the winners are coming down the middle because she can run home as hard as anything.
Gee Gees Top Notch was the state’s leading 2yo last season, winning 5 of her 10 starts and over $150,000 in prizemoney. Resumes in this and tuned up with a very soft trial win. Finds a nice spot to kick off here but the outside gate could prove difficult to negotiate unless she can go forward to sit outside the leader. That is against her preferred pattern but she has proven capable of doing so in smaller fields and looks the key to her chances on a fair track here. That said, should the fence be off the outside gate will likely be of no concern and she’s a strong winning chance.
Frolicked returns from Victoria where she ran a very credible 4th at Moonee Valley at big odds. Her fresh runs are usually her best so hard to imagine she will improve on that effort but she can race closer to the speed than most here which should be an advantage. Think she’s run into a few smart ones here but this is her trip and she’ll be thereabouts.
Think they are the four main winning hopes but important to note Grey Gown has blinkers first time and is in the mix if the track is suiting those down the middle.
Verdict: Wonzzee looks to have things made to order but Ryan’s Daughter and Gee Gees Top Notch are on the way up and look hard to beat if the fence is off.
Recommended Bet: Wonzzee to win.
Race 8 10:30pm Premium Events Catering Benchmark 82 Handicap (2100m)
Should be a genuine tempo in the last with Spotluck and Criollo both liking to take up the running and bowl along. Don’t see too much pressure behind them though so they get their chance.
Perplexing is racing in super form and doesn’t appear to have a chink in the armour. Beau Mertens’ claim brings her in more than reasonably with 57kgs and she proved last time firm tracks are no issue. Has won at this track and the trip is suitable for this stage of her prep. Hard to see her getting beaten with half decent luck in running.
Bitter Dan handled his first try at 2100m in fine style with his win last time – even Kyle Maskiell nearly falling off couldn’t stop him. No surprise to see him come on again from that experience and he should run well – whether he can beat the favourite is probably another matter.
Accounted Four started equal favourite with Bitter Dan last time and may have beaten him had Thornton come to the inside instead of riding for luck which didn’t eventuate. Looks a genuine stayer on the up and suited by the small field as he likes room to get rolling. Strong place hope and winning chance if the favourite falls over.
Criollo was only just grabbed by Bitter Dan two starts ago before a tough effort last week to win leading all the way. No reason she won’t run well again and her form ties in well enough to give her place claims at least.
Cheryl’s Horse just failed to run down Criollo last time and while this is obviously harder he will appreciate the big weight drop. Racing well at this distance and has the winkers first time in an attempt to sharpen him up a tad. Another with an obvious place chance in a group likely to fight it out behind the favourite.
Verdict: Perplexing is the obvious and likely winner, with a very even group of 4 fighting out the minor money unless the favourite falls over. Prefer to risk the veterans Spotluck and Shipspotting.
Recommended Bet: Perplexing to win, or take a quinella with Accounted Four if short odds aren’t your thing.