3 minute read

Launceston Cup-winning trainer John Blacker had a successful summer carnival in Tasmania and he is hoping the stable can find more winners at Wednesday night’s meeting in Launceston.

John Blacker has at least one runner in every race and while he isn't predicting eight winners, he is confident a few have genuine each-way chances.

"We start with Lago Approach in race one and while his recent form suggests he might struggle I am hoping blinkers for the first time can make a difference," Blacker said.

"There's good speed in the race and hopefully he can settle closer to the speed and then finish off."

Mariposa lines up in race two, a class one over 1420m but has a bad draw (12) and will need luck, according to Blacker.

"I've got Argyle Beach in the benchmark 66 over 1600m (race 3) and from barrier one he should get the gun run and be very hard to beat, but I've also got Phenomenal Dancer in the race and she had a bad gate and was stuck wide with no cover last start but can improve a lot from a good gate (2)."

Blacker saddles up Power Magnum and Champagne Cinders in the 2YO maiden (race 4).

"Power Magnum was good on debut in the Magic Millions Classic behind Turk Warrior and he has trained on since that run, and Champagne Cinders is in good shape after finishing just out of a place in that race and she will go forward and lead or sit outside the lead.

"Power Magnum is my preference, but it wouldn't surprise if the grey filly won because of her race experience."

Blacker will saddle up Ressy Ranger and Tennessee Too in the maiden over 1220m (race 5) and he says Ressy Ranger is an each-way chance at odds with Codi Jordan on to claim 3kg.

The trainer is upbeat about the chances of Appraise to finally deliver.

"I'll ask Siggy (Carr) to be a bit more positive on Appraise and if he responds, I expect him to run really well."

Spirit of Wiora looked as if she was looking for more ground last start over 1600m, so Blacker has accommodated by placing the four-year-old in this race over 2150m.

The stable closes with Rodessa in the benchmark 74 handicap over 2150m.

"The riders of Rodessa kept complaining that there was no speed in the race at her past few starts so I will be instructing the rider to go forward early and, if need be, make the pace."

When pressured to single out a best from his stable, Blacker said Argyle Beach was best placed to win and two-year-old Power Magnum is ready to break his maiden status.