3 minute read
Night racing returns to Launceston after a month off in the coveted Friday night timeslot.
The rail is +9m 1200m-WP 6m remainder circuit, and a forecast of 30 degrees during the day points towards a firm track.
R1 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup 22nd February Class 3 Hcp, 1420m
Zewinna (3) had good market support in Hobart and had the best of a narrow finish over Imagine Howe who franked the form on Wednesday. She can make it a winning hat-trick with even luck from the widest gate. Ashmania (1) was solid on Longford Cup Day which came on the back of a good second two starts ago. She seems to be back somewhere near her best form. Maarkle (2) hasn't raced for seven weeks but was in good form here prior to that.Zeva Royale (5) raced three wide without cover in Hobart in a slowly run affair controlled by the leaders so it isn't hard to excuse that performance. Diamond Bay (6) has led and folded up in two runs back but has a favourable map given the rail is in the +9m.
R2 Galloping Gourmet Tour Maiden, 1220m
Alotrhonn (5) was a drifter on debut to finish midfield after racing in the front half. He should benefit from that race experience and be suited by the extra 120m of this race. Egao (7) was poor in Devonport but draws for similar runs that saw her place in Launceston at the prior two starts. Miss Private (11) didn't beat one home at her last Victorian start but finds a very weak race to commence her career across Bass Strait. Starcadia (13) seemed to have her chance at Longford and the strength of that form looks limited. Squazeemoto (4) has good gate speed but struggles to finish off his races. Lion Academy (3) has had a stable change since he last raced. Recent trials point towards improvement, and he gets blinkers on. Miss Nic Nat (9) has run some okay races at times but tends to settle well back in the field.
R3 Kevin Sharkie Launceston Guineas 27th January Maiden, 1620m
BERSERKER (7) was slow out in Hobart which essentially ended his winning chances, but he was still clearly best of the rest behind Just A Needs. He looks the best horse in the race but will need luck from a wide gate. Conversely LONDIANI (5) draws the pole and comes via the same Hobart race where he was just touched off for third. A little further down the track was stablemate STAR IN THE MIST (9) who enjoyed a good run just behind the speed. JACKJACK (4) settled out the back last time, as he often does, and hit the line strongly. There does appear good pace in this race which could suit his powerful finish. RISIST CAPTURE (14) was narrowly beaten at short odds at Longford where she appeared to have her chance. She was good here on debut pinching inside runs from back in the field. ESPUR (11) had strong market support in the same Longford race but I think settled further back than most speed maps had her. Winkers go on. BLONDE SUSPECT (2) and PINANDI (13) also bring Longford maiden form that looks weak on paper. BAVARIAN FLYER (1) has been racing consistently but his race may be decided by whether Hayley McCarthy can cross or at least slot in from 19/19.
R4 Ladbroke It! Class 1 Hcp, 1620m
DID YOU DECIDE (1) went under at odds on last time where he appeared to have his chance racing outside the leader and rank outsider. He may be ridden a touch colder given he didn't exactly savage the line there. WOUNDED MISS (6) and BAHEERA (7) come via the same Hobart race where they settled back in the field and one batted to the line. FANCIFUL FLYING (5) found the front in Devonport and ran a good race, albeit clearly no match for the winner. She may be forced to work to find the top here with blinkers going on both LAUNNIE NIGHTS (4) and ELUSIVE PRINCESS (9) who draw inside her. Launnie Nights mixes his form but his only career win came when he was fired to the front on a night where that pattern was favoured. WHEELKNOT (2) and LAGO APPROACH (3) come off Longford maiden wins where the form can be pushed earlier in the card.
R5 Mudbar Cocktail Enclosure Cup Day Bm68 Hcp, 2150m
PERUN (1) was a big run in defeat in the Longford Cup and obviously that form held up well with Swoop Dog subsequently winning in Devonport. He should settle in the first few and be there a long way. He finished a spot ahead of SUPER SWOOP (2) last time who has since run well from an impossible position in the Brighton Cup. They both rise sharply in weight but are the proven stayers in the field. ARGYLE BEACH (3) went as good as he could go on Wednesday and respect the quick back-up if here. KING ISLAND (4) led in track record time in the Brighton Cup so should be better for his first run at that distance. STEEL SKIES (6) was scratched at the barriers from that race and tuned up at the trials earlier in the week. BREW HORSE (5) gets out to the staying trip for the first time this campaign and if getting a good time on speed will keep plugging away. CAPTAIN MORGAN (8) was poor last time he was at this distance but good in the two runs since. RUSTIC CHARM (7) comes through lesser races but that form did receive a push on Wednesday.
R6 Fashions For Fillies Bm62 Hcp, 1220m
GEE GEE LANETT (1) hasn't won since December 2020 and as such an 11-time race winner finds herself in 62 grade. She'd be suited if this is a track playing to the front. LADY JOKER (2) settled out the back last time in a race controlled by the on pacers. She generally settles back but could kick up from the draw if she jumps well. SALLY SUNSHINE (6) went back from a bad barrier in Hobart and hit the line well. She was scratched Wednesday to run here and shapes as a likely improver. Most of the form for WOLF REIN (5) is on soft and heavy tracks but look for a market lead on her. UNDER HIS EYE (4) is honest and wasn't far away in a similar race two starts ago.
R7 Examiner Fashions On The Field Cup Day Bm72 Hcp, 1120m
MISS TUPPENCE (2) never really fired last campaign and was tipped out after three runs. She resumes here over arguably her pet trip off a Longford trial where she closed strongly under riding. That trial was slower than the one PEACE BE UPON HIM (3) comes through on the same day. The form from his last win has held strongly and that pair will likely be giving a start and hope they can finish over the top. AND BEYOND (1) led at a strong gallop and nearly ended his winning drought in Hobart. 1120m is short of his best distance but his task of trying to lead again has been helped by HEZREDHOT (5) coming out. GEE GEE PLANE (4) hasn't been the same grass horse as he has on the carpet in his career. He draws to advantage here and finished ahead of WARICA (6) last time who conversely looks suited back on the grass. He covered ground in Devonport and was flying here prior to that run.
R8 Cup Barrier Draw & Millinery Parade @ Sporties Bm62 Hcp, 1420m
GEE GEE ENUF SPEED (1) resumed over an unsuitable 1100m and caught the eye running home for fourth. She looks suited up in distance with a soft barrier draw. MILITARY LAW (5) comes out of the same race where he settled well back and ran better than market expectation. MARIPOSA (6) was snagged to the tail at Longford and couldn't really get into the race from there. Expect her to settle much closer from the pole draw. WANE'S QUEST (2) was scratched Wednesday for this and along with MALEVOLENT (4) they could inject some pace into the race.
