3 minute read

Hall of fame trainer Bill Ryan admits Sh’bourne Renegade’s main mission is the Ladbrokes Launceston Cup with hopes to go one better than last season when he was beaten in a three-way photo finish for a second to Glass Warrior.

In Brief

• Renegade tunes up for Golden Mile with a clean-up trial at Longford.
• Ryan says his stayer is well-suited to this Friday's Assignment.
• Warrior Prince is Pete Staples' best bet on eight-event card.

But as part of his program this season Ryan targeted the Ladbrokes Golden Mile in Devonport and on Friday the gelded son of Wordsmith should start one of the favourites given his form leading up to the race over 1650 metres.

The winner is ballot free into the $100,000 Ladbrokes Devonport Cup next month and while Ryan is unsure whether the gelding will progress to that race, he is adamant the Golden Mile is very winnable for the five-year-old.

Ryan sent his quality stayer to the trials at Longford on Tuesday and while second to the Brendon McShane-trained Noztrabeel, it was an eye-catching effort.

"I couldn't be happier with the horse's fitness and performances this time in," Ryan said.

"He won his first trial over 1400m and that surprised me a bit that way he hit the line, and then he won first-up over a mile two weeks ago.

"The trial on Tuesday was good and it cleaned his wind up for Friday."

Sh'Bourne Renegade has drawn barrier four and has Brendon McCoull aboard, so he has a few things in his favour.

The Barry Campbell-trained Assaranca has won her past three and she looms as one of the hardest to beat as she has progressed through her grades with her past three wins all over 1600m and over in Launceston.

She won an open trial over 1350m on her home track in Devonport last week, leading throughout to win effortlessly after which Campbell said it had "topped her off nicely for the Golden Mile."

Assaranca gets in carrying the minimum of 54kg and that will play to her advantage.

Campbell will also saddle up last start Hobart winner Balearic, but he says it is an afterthought following the gelding's impressive win last Sunday.

Last season's Launceston Cup third placegetter White Hawk also is engaged, and he too must be considered an each-way chance, along with the Scott Brunton-trained Queen La Diva, even though her recent effort when fifth to Sh'bourne Renegade over 1600m two weeks ago was below par, but she drops significantly in weight here with the minimum 54kg.

It is a strong card of eight races with the first scheduled to start at 15:13 and the last at 19:40.

The best bet on the program looks to be the Adam Trinder-trained Warrior Prince who resumes from a spell but has won both of his trials impressively and he has a great first-up record on is home track.

The main dangers are the Bill Ryan-trained Red Letter Lady and Lesnar from the Glenn Stevenson stable.