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Fly-in jockey Anthony Darmanin opened the night racing season with a gem of a ride aboard Winning Witness ($6.50 – $11), who was having just her second start in Launceston on Friday night.

Anthony Darmanin gave the 3YO filly the run of the race behind the leaders, and once they straightened, Winning Witness did the rest, scoring by a length from Bao Bun ($15 – $8), who was solid at her first run in Tasmania with the early leader Lovin' Bev ($6.50) holding on for third.

"It just worked out really good, the horse was a bit hot on the way to the start, and I thought she might give me a hard time, but she was very professional, landed in the box seat and quickened really nicely.

"I think she can improve as she still doesn't know what it's all about, but she did a good job," Darmanin said in a post-race interview.

Well-supported favourite Stone Cold Stunner ($2.90 – $2.00) was badly held up for a run in the final 250m, and the run is best forgotten.

Monte Fleur ($5.50) broke through for an overdue win in the Ladbrokes Maiden (1400m).

After three minor placings at her past three runs, Monte Fleur finished powerfully to grab Gee Gees Run Out ($12) with roughie Mindful ($51) making late ground for third.

From a wide draw, jockey Troy Baker angled the filly into a lovely trailing spot just off the speed and she pounced late.

"She's an Alpine Eagle, she's beautifully bred, a beautiful mare, my team does a great job which makes it easy to bring them to the races, and my wife owns half of it, so it makes it easier to go home," trainer Stuart Gandy said with a laugh.

Gandy made it a double for the night when his promising 4YO Geegees Gemstone ($1.70) scored a narrow first-up win in the last on the card.

Smart mare Azara ($2.30 – $1.95) gave punters a scare but lasted to score by a nose in the Ladbrokes BM68 (1400m).

After an impressive trial at this track last week, Azara ran to the lead upon straightening but had to hold off a strong challenge from Gee Gee Miss Quita ($4.20), who would have won in another bound.

"She loves it here. She's been well managed, well looked after, and she's sound, so that's good," trainer Barry Campbell said.

Azara's record at the Launceston track is 13 starts for seven wins and five minor placings.

Racing returns to Launceston next Wednesday night.