3 minute read
Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson is hoping for a big night out in Launceston on Wednesday, but he is aware that sometimes high expectations can lead to lean pickings.
In Brief
- Ubriaco his standout winning chance says Stevenson.
- Overplay expected to hold new found form.
- Tavisplash ready to step in distance.
Stevenson saddles up Ubriaco in the class one handicap over 1420m and he regards the lightly raced four-year-old the best winning chance of his team of six.
Ubriaco resumed from a spell with a seventh of 13 in a class one over 1200m in Launceston early last month and two weeks later he presented for a game third to Geegeeluckystar in a strong class one over the same distance.
"I'm stepping Ubriaco up to 1400m on Wednesday night and I reckon he will be more comfortable with that trip and the horse is in very god order," Stevenson said.
"I've got good chances in a few races but sometimes when you think you can walk away with a few wins you end up with an empty basket.
"But most of my runners are in their right races and I'm banking on that to give us a bit of joy."
Stevenson didn't mention Wood's Point in the same race as Ubriaco, but the seven-year-old former King Islander delivered a much-improved effort last start when fourth in a class one to Need to be Unique over 1400m two weeks ago.
Stevenson was delighted with Overplay's last start win over Arty Lucas in a BM76 over 1600m in Launceston two weeks ago and he had no hesitation in stepping him up to 2150m in the Buckby Motors BM68.
"Overplay is a classy galloper when he's right and I think we have got in a good frame of mind, so provided he tackles this race like he did last start he will be very competitive.
"We've opted to put Taylor Johnstone on to claim 4kg and that gets him in with 59kg which won't bother him."
Tavisplash has been a costly conveyance for punters this preparation, finishing seventh at both starts when sent out favourite for both runs in Launceston over 1400m.
Stepping up to 2150m might be a test but Stevenson says the mare should be suited by the trip.
"I think it's fair to say she was victim of circumstances first-up and nothing much went her way last start but they way she raced suggested to me that she is looking for more ground, so we get to find out."
Stevenson also is expecting Queen's the Word to figure prominently in the maiden over 1420m and his consistent six-year-old gelding Rising Hsiang lands in a very winnable race, the benchmark 68 over 1220m.
