3 minute read
Thoroughbred racing in 2024 begins with the usual tradition of Longford Cup Day.
The tight confines of the circuit limit the number of runners in each race, but there are a couple of additions to the program in 2024, with an 800m and 2400m race added to the seven-event card.
Ideal weather conditions are forecast.
R1 T.a. Bricknell Maiden, 1800m
Geegees Royal Duke (1) won't get a better opportunity than this to notch up his maiden win. He is rock hard fit, will appreciate getting back onto the turf and if he doesn't lead will sit in the first couple which is always advantageous around here. THE TAZWEGIAN (7) may improve third-up away from the synthetic, she trialled okay here in November. FALCULA (4) was runner-up in this race last year. Her form this time around has been ordinary but improvement is plausible. OUR INDULGENCE (10) a chance on his home track if he secures are start. KING KURT (2) has first four claims.
R2 Incitec Pivot Maiden, 1400m
Cape Zoro (3) battled on bravely in Hobart on Friday after covering ground in the early stages. She's been racing consistently and will hard to beat on her home track. PUMA (1) is also locally trained and stands out as the other key chance. WEDNESDAY'S BOSS (8) gets blinkers first time and was scratched from the Hobart meeting for this. She was kept safe in the market on debut but never got warm after being slowly away. GODDESS OF ROCK (6) was never likely last time, but her debut effort was sound. PINANDI (5) resumes and has first four claims.
R3 Tasmanian Livestock Services Bm60 Hcp, 1400m
On paper this race looks to set up perfectly for Cheeky Word (7). She's got the right gate, can stalk the speed and pounce late. WANE'S QUEST (6) missed the start badly second up, and immediately, it was game over. He'll be suited this circuit. JEREMIAH (1) goes well fresh but will be conceding a start. The small field helps. I'M BACK (4) gets to a suitable trip third-up and worked home nicely at Hobart last time over 1200m.
R4 Ttmi & Case Ih Bm60 Hcp, 2400m
Kay Oh Ell (4) fought on solidly last start in Benchmark 70 grade behind I'm So Cool, that's good form for this. The 2400m is some query. CAPTAIN MORGAN (5) finished at the tail last start but had no chance versus the tempo. He has a good record on his home track and the trip is no problem. The further the better for INDIGO GIRLS (7), she doesn't win out of turn though. CHI MAZEL (1) loves the journey but would need to elevate sharply third-up. His two runs this time around haven't been flash. DOONICAN (3) won two-starts back and wasn't disgraced last time behind I'm So Cool.
R5 Armidale Stud Bm68 Hcp, 800m
Popilita (6) has the early toe and the right gate to find the front in this 800m scamper. She'll be tough to get past. VETLANDA (4) usually flies the gates and should find a good spot outside the speed. THUNBERG (3) and WARICA (2) map to sit just behind the pace and can challenge late.
R6 Cressy Chaff Cutters Jim Osborne Longford Cup, 1800m
Sir Simon (1) dictated terms last start in Launceston and proved too good over the mile. He may be slightly vulnerable over the 1800m but he does look to lead comfortably again. VINTAGE DIESEL (9) was in a rich vein of form before pulling up with atrial fibrillation two-starts back but now seems in good order again, working home solidly in Hobart a fortnight ago. BLONDE SUSPECT (7) did enough second-up in a good race and can only improve off that. DRAMAZING's (3) best is clearly good enough but she would have to elevate significantly off her (ordinary) return run at Devonport. ETHICAL DILEMMA (6) is racing well but has failed to fire previously this venue, and after 63-starts is still yet to win beyond 1400m.
R7 Queens Arms Hotel Bm68 Hcp, 1400m
Geegeeluckystar (1) did all the chasing last start behind Just A Tribute in Hobart and toughed it out well. He won a similar race this venue/this day last year. ROMANESCO FRESCO (6) won well over this trip two runs ago at Launceston but was a touch disappointing last start at the same venue. Gets a great run from gate two and could bounce back. RODRICK'S SECRET (7) is another that draws favourably, has the home track advantage and will be hard to hold out. ALPINE AFFAIR (3) steps out to a more suitable trip second-up and can improve.
