Tasmanian thoroughbred punters have lost three fan favourites with recent retirements of multiple feature race winners.

Just like the Hobart Cup was, I’m expecting the Ladbrokes Launceston Cup to be truly run, particularly given the near capacity field. Rising Light, Skyway Star, Spirit Ridge and Brew Horse drawn the outer half can inject some early pressure.

Talented middle-distance galloper Swoop Dog is Devonport Cup bound following an emphatic win in the Cressy Chaff Cutters Longford Cup over 1800 metres in Longford on Sunday.

Latrobe trainer Adam Trinder looks set to play a major role in some of the feature races over the summer carnival if the results from Wednesday night’s meeting in Launceston are any indication.

Tasmanian thoroughbred racing’s night of nights, the Horse of the Year and Hall of Fame Inductions, will be held on 1 October at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Hobart.