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2017 Launceston Cup - Weir Stable Seeking Revenge

3 minute read

Victorian stayer Big Duke is set to turn the tables on local star Count Da Vinci when they reprise their Hobart Cup clash in the $200,000 Luxbet Launceston Cup at Mowbray on Wednesday.

Count Da Vinci wins the Hobart Cup
Count Da Vinci wins the Hobart Cup Picture: Peter Staples

The Darren Weir-trained Big Duke produced a great workout on the Mowbray course proper last Sunday that points to him being ready to make amends for his second behind Count Da Vinci in the Hobart Cup at Elwick on February 5.

Big Duke and Weir’s other Launceston Cup runner Unfurl worked together on Sunday.

After the workout Big Duke’s travelling companion and track rider Bonnie Kingsley declared the gelding was “spot on” for his Launceston Cup assignment.

A regular track watcher at Mowbray said Big Duke’s work was as good as he’s seen in recent times.

On Tuesday Weir’s pair completed their preparation with a leisurely stroll and trot and canter on the sand track at Longford where they have been stabled while in Tasmania.

Maddie Raymond, Unfurl’s track rider, is just as excited about the five-year-old mare’s chances.

“Big Duke deserves to be favourite but my mare is going just as well and it wouldn’t surprise me if they quinella the race,” Raymond said.

Unfurl has made a meteoric rise. Less than eight weeks ago she won the little-known Burrumbeet Cup and has since finished second at Sandown and won at Caulfield.

Weir has won four Hobart Cups in the past 11 years but has had little joy in the Launceston Cup despite numerous attempts.

His 2013 Hobart Cup winner suffered a bleeding attack in that year’s Launceston Cup and.

Before that his 2009 and 2006 Hobart Cup winners Gotta Keep Cool and True Courser were big failures when they backed up in the Launceston Cup.

Former New Zealander Count Da Vinci’s Hobart Cup win was a great result for leading Tasmanian trainer Scott Brunton and owner Wayne Notman.

Former Tasmanian businessman Wayne Notman, who now lives in Perth, bought Count Da Vinci for $30,000 last year and the horse has since won six of his seven starts in Tasmania including the Brighton and Hobart Cups.

David Brunton, Scott Brunton’s father, won the Hobart and Launceston Cups double last year with Up Cups.
Racing and Sports

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