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The Launceston Cup Carnival begins on Sunday with the running of the Tasmanian Oaks and Gold Sovereign program.
The nine-race card is loaded with deep races, and it should be a great day of racing.
The rail is in the true position on Sunday before moving to +3m for Cup Day.
R1 Kevin Sharkie Maiden, 1100m
In The Ocean (2) had plenty of market support when a fading third on debut behind Hypercube in Hobart. He's one of the leading chances in a pretty ordinary maiden. Espur (5) again found one better again last time when a heavily backed favourite here 21-days ago. Back to the 1100m is a plus. She Plays Games (7) was luckless last week in Hobart. Has a slightly tougher draw to navigate this time around but is in the mix. MAY WE ALL (1) returns from a seven-month spell and could sneak into first-4's. A stable change may spark improvement for ZECOUGAR (8) who hasn't been sighted since September last year. The un-raced runners haven't shown enough at the trials to warrant consideration.
R2 Roy & Dora Coughlan Memorial, 1400m
Myocardium (3) has trialled solidly and looks ready to go first-up after almost eight months on the sidelines. Lordosis (2) got the job done as a well-supported favourite when resuming in Hobart, good hope again. Belluna (7) was rock-solid in the betting at her first local start and attacked the line strongly late and without much luck, same can be said for RIGOLETTO (1). BRAZEN IMPACT (4) makes his first local appearance. The stable has a very good record with these tried horses, a big market watch. STARNOTE (5) was found wanting behind her stablemate second-up over 1200m, she's on trial at this trip.
R3 Winning Edge Presentations Class 1 Handicap, 1200m
La Folie Douce (11) was an easy winner here three weeks ago. The manner in which she let down was impressive, albeit in very slow time. Rohzhae (3) finally broke through last start after a number of near misses, this isn't much harder. Last start winner Loyalty Blues (2) is in the mix but has a clear task drawn 14/14. STEELE MY SUNSHINE (9) returns. She's a soft track winner here back in July last year, so there's a definite chance. Can entertain PERKINS (18) at odds if he sneaks into the field.
R4 Cup Eve Luncheon @ Cataract On Paterson 27th Feb 0 - 62, 1200m
Bold Instinct (1) goes best when he can lead and he should be able to do that from a favourable draw. He's well overdue for another win; it's been 17 months since his last, and this is his chance. Little has gone right for his stablemate SHIM (12) at both runs since resuming; she could improve sharply. Power Magnum (10) doesn't win out of turn, but the form around him at his last few runs is good enough for a race of this nature. Can make a case for the emergencies MARIPOSA (15) and PERKINS (17) if they secure a start.
R5 Little Giant Homes Gold Sovereign Stakes, 1200m
Geegees Mistruth (2) has taken all before her since winning on debut in late November. She is undefeated, all three wins have been impressive and is clearly the testing material. Flattered (3) from the Payne stable the obvious danger. At her most recent effort she ran midfield in a Blue Diamond prelude, getting back and running on evenly over the concluding stages. Notably, she has settled down towards the rear at both runs to date. Zoete's Rock (1) has been placed at all three runs so far, however, he's been no match at all for Geegees Mistruth on both occasions when they've clashed. OUR FAIRY TALE (7) had excuses on debut, from a better gate today she is capable of a much better showing.
R6 Ladbrokes Yard Comments Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1400m
Cannot remember a Benchmark 68 race with so much depth. Carneros (5) has trialled up nicely suggesting he'll be deep into the finish resuming off a five month break. The Lindsey Smith-trained Kaliuwaa Falls (1) has thrived since arriving in the state chasing his third local win in 16 days, a top hope again. Muscle Up (3) never looked to be travelling behind Philosophers Stone in a genuine run 1200m race last time and may appreciate getting out in trip now. NICCO THE GREEK (6) wasn't far away at WFA level last time, he'll need luck though in the big field. OLE OLA (10) was never in the hunt behind Tsunami Sam over a sprint trip at her latest, the 1400m clearly more to her liking. PRINCESS MATOAKA (13) came from last in Hobart to record back-to back wins and carved out some impressive sectionals in the process, deserves respect again despite drawing poorly.
R7 Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks, 2100m
Girls Girls Girls (3) found the line better than anything in the Strutt Stakes over this trip in Hobart and was only narrowly denied behind Wings Of Song (1) who is shooting for five wins straight. Very Sewreel (2) led them up in that race and was beaten under a length. That was her first attempt at the 2100m and is sure to be improved off that. The Danny O'Brien-trained ALA MOANA (5) wasn't far away in town last start in mid-week grade, and she looks the only other winning chance.
R8 Magic Millions 4yo Handicap, 1600m
Cartoon Graveyard (1) ate up the ground late to score a last stride win over D'oro Star at this track 21-days ago and those two spaced the rest, the extra 200m is no concern. Swoop There It Is (6) presents here off a 44-day let-up. The penny has finally dropped with this mare having won 3 of her past 4, she's a massive threat. Can't fault the way her stablemate Rubbleonthedouble (7) is racing, his first attempt at the mile a slight query. Last start winner GEEGEES HISWORD (5) had everything go right in an easier race when well-backed, gets good weight relief and has each-way claims. ZULU ANGEL (8) comes off a 35-day let-up with blinkers going on, has a turn-of-foot and enjoys significant weight relief. He does tend to save his best for Hobart though. ROYAL AND TOUGH (3) returned to something like his best last time around after an unusually poor effort the previous.
R9 Art Hotel Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1600m
Liked the way Co Accused (11) found the line in Hobart when resuming, she's a winner here three starts back over this trip and has more upside than the majority of these. Adachi (6) finished only a length behind Co-Accused in the same race doing her best work late after having to switch course in the straight. Saxon Mist (14) was a winner two starts ago this venue/trip leading throughout before finishing close-up in Benchmark 64 grade at her latest. HELLOT (5) has returned in great order recording back-to-back wins, this is no harder and gets in very well after the claim. LORD WHITEGATE (7) went close in Hobart third-up and gets every chance again from barrier one.
