3 minute read
For the first time since Australia Day, the lights will be on for a thoroughbred night meeting in Launceston.
Fresh off last week's Launceston Cup, the fields are strong for a quality nine-race card.
The rail is +8m 1200m-W/Post; +6m Remainder with fine weather forecast.
R1 Ladbroke It! 2yo Maiden, 1120m
GEMS EAGLE (2) has trialled like a really nice horse and is the one to beat. SKY LAND (10) held on well last start in the Gold Sovereign and will find this much easier. SAY IT WITH WORDS (3) gets blinkers on for his debut, showed good speed at the trials, can lead these and give a sight. GARCON D'ESPOIR (1) and GEEGEES WAROFWORDS (6) have first four claims. OUR FAIRY TALE (9) has been disappointing on race day and needs to improve sharply.
R2 Events & Functions @ The Ladbrokes Racing Centre Class 1 Handicap, 1220m
Rue De Palais (2) had clear excuses last start, a complete forgive run. The run prior when narrowly defeated behind Princess Matoaka is good form for this. LOYALTY BLUES (4) got his maiden out of the way just over 5 weeks ago, lifting late and overhauling the leader right on the line. There's likely to be improvement on the back of that performance, and the extra 100m is a plus. SPINHOF's (15) form has gone up a notch or two since the blinkers went on two starts ago and must be rated highly. ROHZHAE (5) is seldom far away and finally broke through last outing, maps to be in the finish again. TRICKY MIKKI (14) only has one win to her name, which was sometime back, but her last two efforts have been encouraging. HYPERCUBE (10) was up against it when drawing 14/14 last start but still managed to get over the top of them late in Hobart and has claims again.
R3 Thank You For Your Support Tasmania Class 2 Handicap, 1420m
Did You Decide (1) returned in good style on Hobart Cup Day behind an impressive winner. That was off a long break and can only be improved. NAVY STREET (4) was runner-up in the same race and has strong claims again. RIGOLETTO (3) drew poorly last start and had to concede too much start before closing off strongly; maps better here. BRAZEN IMPACT (7) gave a big sight at his first local start when only narrowly denied behind Belluna, who had to pull out all stops to get past him. EASTCOAST MISS (8) was a winner two starts back before striking traffic on the turn last time and was arguably unlucky not to go back-to-back.
R4 Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Maiden, 1120m
Would have preferred In The Ocean (5) stepping out over more ground third-up but stays at the same trip as last time, winkers go on for the first time. BLONDE STAR (9) was kept safe in the market and was rock-solid on debut, draws much better here and is sure to be thereabouts. SHALL WE PLAY (7) trialled okay and strikes a winnable race at his first local start. ROLLING IN IT (6) did too much work in the early stages when leading and fading in Hobart over the 1000m. Has claims if they leave her alone.
R5 Good Friday Family Fun Day 29th March Maiden/class 1, 2150m
Mightymaxi (4) showed nothing early in his career but has improved leaps and bounds since getting out in trip, and the form around him is strong. THE TAZWEGIAN (10) is another showing good staying promise. NAVAJO WARRIOR (11) has been hitting the line nicely since arriving in the state and looks well placed stepping up in distance from the mile. SHAKEEDA (9) tries hard but does need to find a length or two. Newitt gets the ride this time. ELLA DULCIE (7) didn't measure up in the Strutt Stakes and obviously will find this is easier. GOOD LUCK BOB (1) is rarely far away but has a poor winning strike rate.
R6 Ladbrokes Communities Benchmark 60 Handicap, 1620m
Dantes (1) was a good thing beaten two starts ago then bumped into a smart one in tougher grade last time. Back to this level, he's the one to beat. Last start winner LI'L HAIL MARY (5) looms as the main threat. She finished too well for both LORD WHITEGATE (3) and CHOSEN EAGLE (2) in same grade 10 days ago and there's still plenty of upside with her. STEEL MIST (6) is usually thereabouts but struggles to win. MARIPOSA (7) will relish getting out to her right trip.
R7 Ladbrokes Hub Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1420m
There's fpur solid winning chances in a very competitive race. Ole Ola (3) has had a number of near misses for her new stable; the form around her is strong and is a huge chance. NICCO THE GREEK (2) was thrown in the deep end last time at WFA and more than held his own. GALLANT WARRIORS (5) rattled home to score in Hobart in easier grade but deserves respect. PRINCESS MATOAKA (6) is finally living up to the promise she showed in earlier days and can't be taken lightly.
R8 Sip & Graze Is Back Friday Night 15th March Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1220m
No Access (5) almost came down last start and did well to finish as close as he did, expecting him to run very well. One more chance for CHEROKEE DANCER (6). She had tempo against in Hobart and the start prior not sure she found the best ground. THELMA (3) is racing well and looks to get an easy lead. PEACE BE UPON HIM (1) best form is good enough but does need to improve. GEE GEE ALS PRINCE (4) next best.
R9 Ladbrokes Sports Bar Benchmark 76 Handicap, 2150m
Geegees Hisword (2) is racing well, he's on trial at this trip but gives every indication it will suit. I'M SO COOL (1) didn't measure up in the Launceston Cup as expected, this is more to his liking and he's a winner two starts back at this venue and trip. AFRICAN THUNDER (3) had the tempo to suit last start and finished a bit too well for them in slightly easier grade, some hope again. Next best PAGE (5) but she doesn't win out of turn. AFRIDI (8) has had plenty of market support of late but isn't delivering.
