3 minute read
Night racing back in Launnie.
Hot on the heels of a hugely successful Devonport Cup Day, racing switches to under lights in Launceston on Friday night.
And while it might just be a 2YO maiden, the first race will hold plenty of interest.
Geegees Legacy, who has been runner-up in the Alfa Bowl (1100m) and Alexandra Plate (1000m) at his past two starts, looks the horse to beat but could face some stiff opposition from Ms Tasmania, who hasn't been seen since finishing third on debut in the first 2YO race of the season on 26 November.
Geegees Legacy, trained by Stuart Gandy, with in-form rider Anthony Darmanin in the saddle, has come in for solid support, firming from as much as $5.50 into $2.40, while Ms Tasmania also has had her share of support of $3 into $2.70.
Siggy Carr trains MsTasmania and will also have the ride.
"She came through nicely from her first start; we gave her a little freshen up as we want to target the Magic Millions 2YO ($85,000, 1200m 4 February) being a ladies-only syndicate," Carr said.
The Magic Millions carries a $10,000 Tasracing Racing Women's Bonus for the first horse to finish owned by an all-female syndicate.
Corsa Veloce from the Adam Trinder stable is the only other horse in the field to have race experience, finishing fourth at her only start, beaten nine lengths in the Alfa Bowl.
Trainer Gary White will take a small team of three to the meeting but all look to have winning chances.
In the 1200m BM60, White will saddle up Better Than Banksy, who flashed home in Hobart on 29 December. In that race, Better Than Banksy was near the tail of the field around the home turn but hit the line well to finish second to Starnote.
Better Than Banksy has been in solid form recently with a win and his last start second in his past three starts. He's drawn a little wide (barrier 10), but that shouldn't affect his get-back run-on style.
White's other runners are Opalson in the 1600m maiden, a placegetter at his first start for the stable, while Just A Tribute, a last start winner, will tackle the BM68 (1400m), which rounds out the meeting.
Just A Tribute has a good track and distance record and won in stronger grade last time. He's been handicapped to carry 63.5kg, but that will be offset slightly with the claim (1.5kg) for apprentice Lizzie Annells.
My best bet for the card comes from the in-form Glenn Stevenson stable, which is fresh from a treble, including the Cup in Devonport on Wednesday.
Philosophers Stone (race 7 no.1) has hardly put a foot wrong since joining the Stevenson camp with an unlucky first-up second followed by a dominant Devonport win.
Full hosted coverage of the meeting will be on TasracingTV by Duncan Dornauf. The first race is scheduled for 18.23.
