3 minute read
The penultimate meeting of the night racing season is in Launceston on Wednesday night with eight races scheduled.
The rail returns to the true position, and fine weather is forecast.
R1 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme Maiden, 1200m
Geegeehailstorm (6) didn't see out the 1400m last time after having every chance. Back to this trip will suit and she strikes a very winnable race. LONTANO (3) ran much better last start after a complete forgive on debut and the extra 100m can only help his cause. PIPING WILLOW (4) lost all hope at the start on debut when slow out before striking interference and settling a mile back. This isn't strong, and he could improve sharply; winkers go on. FREDDY'SAJETSTAR (1) could sneak into first-four's. GEEGEE STRAWBERRY (5) hasn't been sighted since finishing down the track on debut in October last year when totally unwanted in the betting. Won a recent trial in Hobart in slow time.
R2 Final Night Race Meeting For The Season April 17 0 - 60, 1200m
Prior to his last start placing in Benchmark 60 grade Sunshine Moshe (2) had been badly out of form and not surprisingly he went around at big odds. If he can be trusted to reproduce that effort he'll be terribly hard to beat. GEEGEES MISTY (3) was a shade disappointing in Hobart in the apprentices' race, but not everything went right. Could improve sharply with a senior rider booked and the winkers get re-applied. EGAO's (7) both wins have been around here over this distance. Her last win was around this time last year in a race where she could lead on her own terms. MR FREEZE (4) is seldom far away but hasn't been in the winners' stalls for 24 starts.
R3 Ladbroke It! Maiden/class 1, 2100m
Bounty Bay (5) is on the quick turnaround from Sunday. She's been racing consistently in slightly better company but is on trial at this trip, having never been tested beyond a mile. HEWIE (2) ran well first-up and now leaps quickly to the 2100m. On his only try at this journey last year, he failed to fire. MIGHTYMAXI (8) was racing consistently without winning before failing badly last time. He has a fitness edge over many of his rivals and should be there. The 2100m could be a positive for both AUSSIE WARRIOR (1) and BUEL (6), but they're also untried over the distance.
R4 Ladbrokes Sports Bar Class 1 Handicap, 1400m
Tricky Mikki (6) makes strong appeal dropping down in grade to class 1 level and gets in well after the claim. SURELY SPECIAL (1) looks hardest to beat. He chased strongly around here last time in the same grade behind a dominant all-the-way winner. DAIQUIRI DIVA (5) wasn't far way in the same race after conceding too much start. BLONDE STAR (3) won her maiden with authority in Hobart against moderate opposition but she's lightly raced and does have upside. OZTURK (4) resumes as a last-start winner over this trip and draws to get every chance. BANKROLLBENNY (2) got his maiden out of the way last start, albeit narrowly. This is tougher.
R5 Members Jackpot Draw Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1400m
Head'Em (2) was an impressive winner at his first local start after getting well back early. He looks suited out to the 1400m. His stablemate FIGHTING FLOYD (1) will be hardest to beat, charging home at his latest and got very close on the line. KEEPER'S TOUCH (11) finished near the rear 12 days ago but had no luck in straight and should've finished much closer with a clearer path. CHOSEN EAGLE (4) has been competitive in similar company of late but does need to find a length or two. Blinkers going on for the first time at start no.23 may be the answer. SUGOI LEGEND (3) hasn't been sighted for around six months. He showed some ability in his first local prep, has drawn ideally and is capable of figuring in the finish.
R6 Salter's Hire Class 4 Handicap, 1100m
A small but very competitive field. Bold Instinct (4) is having a good prep and the form around him is excellent, particularly his last start effort around the in-form Seydoux. THESPIAN WATERS (1) had an easy kill here 19 days ago in class 1 grade after taking on the better 3yo's across the Summer Carnival. BETTER THAN BANKSY (2) had the pattern on his side last time, winning in Benchmark 60 grade, but did carve out some slick sectionals late to get over the top of them. GREY WHISPER (6) showed a nice turn of foot, winning over this trip last outing. TITLE SHOT (3) can't be taken lightly. She's a nice mare on her day, races well fresh and likes this venue. On face value, the form around the Victorian visitor ZIPITUP (5) doesn't look good enough but market the best guide.
R7 Little Giant Homes Open Handicap, 1400m
Bello Beau (2) meets GALENUS (3) significantly better at the weights for a narrow defeat last start and now getting out to this trip would expect him to turn the tables. JUST A TRIBUTE (1) had a big Summer Carnival hitting new heights after successful throat surgery last year. Returns off a six-week let-up and will be hard to hold out. Not everything has gone right for AND BEYOND (5) this prep, and he'll relish the 1400m. KALIUWAA FALLS (4) had a crack at this level two starts back over an unsuitable sprinting trip and is worth another chance.
R8 Steve's Liquor Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1600m
General Assembly (1) returns from a successful interstate trip winning two starts back at Sandown when leading all the way in Benchmark 64 grade. He shouldn't have any trouble crossing and leading these and will take a power of beating. LORDOSIS (7) looks the main danger. The form around him is strong and will make his presence felt. MYWORDIS's (2) last win was in this grade around 12 months ago. He didn't quite measure up in tougher company across the summer and will find this more to his liking. NAVY STREET (4) never runs poorly. The 1600m for the first time is a query though. RIGOLETTO (8) was a shade disappointing last time but is capable of better. ALWAYS A WINNER (5) ran well on resumption over an unsuitable trip and can only be improved.
