3 minute read
The clash between Charlie Bucket and Lovin’ Bev in Launceston on Wednesday night looks like a case of the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object.
Both horses bring lengthy win streaks into Wednesday night's Ray Trinder Memorial (BM 72, 1600M) and are arguably from the state's two in-form stables.
Much has been made of the recent success of Wesley Vale-based Glenn Stevenson, who already has the Newmarket, Tasmanian Stakes and Devonport Cup from this summer alone in his trophy cabinet, and quietly working through the grades is 5YO gelding Charlie Bucket, who is unbeaten from four runs since finishing 10th on debut back in July 2022.
The lightly raced son of Myboycharlie and Tivoli Dancer has made a mess of his opposition in two Hobart runs this campaign, with regular jockey Anthony Darmanin noting the improvement in the horse from his early racing days.
"He's a nice horse, Stevo has done an amazing job.
"He's improved immensely and physically as well. He's putting it all together now," Darmanin said.
The betting market is well and truly aware of Charlie Bucket's ability. After starting at $1.28, $1.90, and $1.26 in his three most recent victories, he is $1.45 on race morning to extend his unbeaten run to five on Wednesday night.
His main danger is the Siggy Carr-trained Lovin' Bev ($3.30), who brings a hat-trick of victories into the contest.
Hot on the heels of four winners at the Launceston meeting last Friday night, Carr has her team firing, and she'll also be in the saddle this time around, having opted to use the 3kg claim of Taylor Johnstone when the horse was victorious over 1400m in Hobart on 5 January.
All three of Lovin' Bev's recent victories have been over 1400m, and Wednesday night's assignment will be the first time she has raced past that distance in her 10-start career.
"Whether she'll get a mile or not I'm unsure," said Siggy Carr following the victory in Hobart.
Any potential query on the 1600m distance may be offset by the recent Launceston performances of Lovin' Bev, who won her maiden and class 1 at the track by a combined 11.25 lengths.
Both Carr and Stevenson have solid chances to continue their winning run regardless of who takes out the night's sixth race, with winning hopes earlier in the program.
