3 minute read
A stretch of four thoroughbred meetings in 10 days starts in Launceston on Wednesday night with nine races on the card.
Field sizes are restricted for all races due to the rail being out 11 metres, a position not used since 11 November last year.
With fine weather forecast for Launceston, racing is expected on a good rated surface.
R1 Rotary Club Of Central Launceston Class 1 Hcp, 1620m
NEEDS TOASTING (2) didn't have a lot of luck last start when looking for the same run as the eventual winner. He looks ready for a mile after two 1400m runs and Brendon McCoull stays with him rather than HEZA CHARMER (1) who he finally broke through aboard last start. That win was full of merit, one of few horses to race away from the rail with any success that night. Both horses draw wide. Conversely, KAY OH ELL (3) has the inside marble and should look to hold a forward position. She was taking ground of Romary last time who came out and won again. LADY (7) was heavily supported in Hobart but bombed the start and it was a tough watch from there. She's raced without luck and gets a senior rider aboard with Tayah Stalker booked for PERKINS (4). WOOD'S POINT (9) has been going around at big prices and racing well. The draw makes it tough, particularly with the rail out 11 metres.
R2 Jacksons Security Tasmanian Newmarket 1st December Maiden, 1120m
DOLCE CASA (5) has been a big market drifter both starts this campaign. She was solid first-up and never on the track last time out. She draws ideally and Brendon McCoull takes the sit, replacing Tom Doyle. UPSET (1) has been trying a while to win a maiden but returned with a solid second placing. He maps for a good run and Siggy Carr sticks with him. Both GEE GEE RAINDROPS (7) and REAL BRAZEN (9) have had a pair of trials leading into this, racing against horses that would be short in this line-up. BAHEERA (4) finished alongside Dolce Casa two starts ago, and like her, had little luck getting in from a poor draw last time. She's again drawn out wide here. Look for any market lead on SPECIAL INTEREST (3) who has been busy at the trials in readiness for his first start.
R3 Become A Member & Reap The Rewards Maiden, 1120m
LASSETER'S GIRL (5) debuts as a 4YO with a pair of handy local trials behind her. She didn't face the starter in her time with Patrick Payne and has a host of gear changes with David Keating. TAPPA PASS (10) was far from disgraced in three runs as a 2YO, taking on the state's best. She'll find this easier and has also trialled well. BE KINDER (4) and SILENT LOVE (9) went back from poor draws last time and closed hard to hit the line together. That race rated poorly against the clock but they're in the mix if that's the right formline. HUSAVIK (8) has hung out in both of her trials so the wide draw may not be as bad as it looks, but she is likely to be giving a start. ROHZHAE (2) struck a hot 2YO race on debut where he stuck on for fourth after settling handy. He finished alongside CHINCHERO (1) at the trials in only moderate time for that session.
R4 Members Jackpot Every Week Maiden, 1620m
QUEEN'S THE WORD (11) led for 1400m of the 1420m last start but was grabbed in the last few strides. She draws wide but if Codi Jordan can cross the field, she will give a sight again. ALPINE BLAST (7) was heavily backed in the same race, but flushed out early, he could only manage a closing third. Blinkers go on and the claim for Brandon Louis may be useful. HOBART (2) drew 11 last start but finished hard up on the inside rail which was the part of the track most wanted to avoid at that meeting. This looks considerably thinner than that race. DISCLEVABOY (8) and LABBY ROCK (10) closed solidly in the maiden won by Heza Charmer which does look the key form reference, particularly if that horse performs well in the opening race.
R5 Kelvin Lucas Memorial Benchmark 62 Hcp, 1220m
AZARA (7) returns after a good debut campaign that saw her win her first two career starts. She won a recent trial which can receive a push earlier in the night. ALFIE ALL TALENT (4) has been running well from ideal draws and has another one here. He only needs to hold form to be in the finish. Blinkers go on GEEGEELUCKYSTAR (6) who trialled well with them on in Hobart. Back to Launceston and 1220m looks suitable. OUR SHINKANSEN (8) appreciated the application of blinkers and a great steer from Brendon McCoull to win at the T&D last start with MAGIC KHAN (9) second in the same race. Both draw awkwardly, particularly if the inside is the place to be. Trinder stablemate TOUGH BOY (2) was plain last time, settling on speed in a slowly run affair. He can improve and we'll know by now whether gate 1 is a positive. GEEGEE LUCKY JESS (10) has been consistently around the mark in similar races and GEE GEE QUEEN BEE (1) is a much better horse in Launceston than Hobart but hasn't won past 1100m since 2018.
R6 Members Handicap Benchmark 68 Hcp, 1420m
RISING HSIANG (1) is the logical leader in the race and any pattern where that's favoured should be established by the start of the quaddie. WARDELL (6) defeated GREGORIAN CHANT (3) last start with the latter going on to subsequently win on a rain-affected track. A month between runs appears a plan for Wardell who stays at 1400m. LUCKY LIL (8) ran on well here last time, finishing on the heels of the placegetters. Up in distance she may settle closer to the speed. STINKA (5) had no chance first-up, settling last in a race that was run to suit only one horse. Forgive the run of ALINJER (4) in Hobart who drew the wrong part of the track. He has a powerful finish on his day and BANCA NIP (2) has a poor first-up record but ran some nice races last campaign.
R7 Mcb Developments 3yo Cup 1st December 0-62, 1420m
GEE GEES JENNIA (8) was rewarded for a string of consistent runs with a win at the T&D last start. She landed in the gun spot there from a low draw, but Taylor Johnstone has barrier 10 to overcome this time around. CLIFTON DANSEUR (2) was recently scratched here when drawing off the track. He was always wide last time in a run that must be forgiven. SON OF FAITH (5) covered ground when he resumed but boxed on solidly. He'll hold a forward position from the inside gate. GEE GEE MANPOWER (1) weakened in the straight after racing outside the speed a week ago. He has an awkward alley to overcome. HAMOGANY (3) brings Sydney metro form to the stables of John Blacker. He's not an easy horse to line-up so the market may provide a guide. RAVAGE (4) closed well in Hobart but did get to the right part of the track that day.
R8 Book In For Your Christmas Function 0-62, 1420m
INCRIMINATE (3) found himself in front here last start but was a sitting shot for those finishing in the better going. Second in that race has since won again. JOHN'S LAD (2) has been racing well in Hobart and only needs to take that form to the north of the state to be competitive as this looks a bit easier than what he has been contesting. STEFANIDI (7) closed well in Hobart, but she tends to give a big start. An ability for horses to make ground from off the speed will be important for her. SILVER ROAD (4) gets out to a more suitable distance and drawing barrier 1 was the worst place to be in Hobart last start. GEE GEE SILENTNITE (1) resumes from a break but is on a hat-trick of wins. He has missed a placing in both previous runs at the track but recent trials were good. FIGHTING FAITH (8) put in her best Tassie run by a fair margin last start and warrants some thought off that effort.
R9 Young Racing Tasmania Benchmark 76 Hcp, 2450m
THE RISK FACTOR (2) enjoyed getting back to a Launceston staying trip with a win here last start. He's got a solid fitness base behind him now and 2kg off his back from the previous assignment will only help. ENCOSTA FIORENTE (4) has returned with two impressive Hobart wins, the latest by an absolute space. If she can replicate that she will obviously be hard to beat, particularly with 8.5kg off the likely favourite. ONE LOTTO (3) outstayed the opposition last time and though costly at times for punters, he hasn't done a lot wrong this campaign. PERUN (5) chased home The Risk Factor last time which gives him a chance here.
