3 minute read
Great mix of quality stayers to tackle Cup.
It doesn't happen often, but Wednesday's Group 3 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup over 2400 metres is clearly the best race on the 10-event program at the Ladbrokes Racing Centre.
Lining up are the first four placegetters from the Ladbrokes Hobart Cup 10 days ago and to add some intrigue to the interstate mix is last year's Launceston Cup winner Aurora's Symphony who is back to try and replicate his 2022 feat.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott -trained Military Mission blitzed his rivals to win the Ladbrokes Hobart Cup and if he wins on Wednesday, he will take out the Ladbrokes Double Cups Bonus of $100,000 that is shared equally between trainer and owner.
Military Mission's rider Winona Costin wasn't over enthused about the grey gelding drawing gate three because she is worried that he might get too cluttered up amongst horses and could have trouble relaxing if the pace is muddling.
But she managed to get the horse out from a pocket in Hobart and she will be relying on her expertise in that area to do the same on Wednesday.
Annabel Neasham's stayer Spirit Ridge was a game third in the Hobart Cup and his rider Blake Shinn pleaded with the trainer to take the eight-year-old gelding to the Launceston Cup with the hope of him making amends.
The other interstate invader Dark Dream from the Ben and JD Hayes stable was fourth in the Hobart Cup that followed a similar effort on the weight-for-age Summer Cup (2200m) in Hobart and connections are hoping the Launceston circuit will be more suitable to his racing pattern.
The Scott Brunton-trained Travelling Gigolo finished second in the Hobart Cup, and he should again make an impact as he will again carry the minimum weight of 54kg, and he has a better barrier draw than he had in Hobart.
"I can't fault Travelling Gigolo in his work since the Hobart Cup and, if anything, he has improved," Brunton said.
"The Launceston Cup has always been his main mission and picking up second in the Hobart Cup was a bonus."
Longford trainer John Blacker will saddle up 2021 Launceston Cup winner Glass Warrior and his one-paced stayer Super Swoop that will be ridden by Siggy Carr, while apprentice Chelsea Baker has the responsibility of guiding Glass Warrior to her second cup win.
Super Swoop is quoted at $15 with most of the corporates and Glass Warrior is $26 but the astute mentor suggests his former Launceston Cup winner is his best winning chance.
