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Swoop Dog could be the Tasmanian Derby favoutite if he wins Launceston Guineas.

Exciting three-year-old Swoop Dog will emerge as favourite for next month's Tasmanian Derby if he wins the Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas over 2100 metres in Launceston on Wednesday night.

None of the field of nine have raced beyond 1600 metres, so they are all being tested at the staying trip for the first time.

Swoop Dog impressed last start with an emphatic win in the $100,000 Tasmanian Guineas in Launceston 12 days ago and according to his trainer John Blacker the gelding has blossomed since that outing.

"I can't fault the horse since his Tasmanian Guineas win," Blacker said.

"He was very strong at the line over 1600m in the Tasmanian Guineas and I expect him to appreciate stepping up to 2100 metres.

"I identified this horse as a dead-set staying type in the early days and everything he has done since has reaffirmed that opinion.

"He has drawn a really good barrier (5) and if he gets the right run I have no doubt he will be just as strong over 2100m as he was over the mile."

After Swoop Dog won the Tasmanian Guineas Blacker predicted the gelded son of Husson would not only win the Tasmanian Derby but he would go on and win the Launceston Cup three weeks later.

Swoop Dog's main dangers are First Accused that finished second to Blacker's horse in the Tasmanian Guineas and One Lotto from the John Keys stale that has finished on the heels of the

placegetters in the Tasmanian Guineas and also gives the impression he will appreciate stepping up in distance.