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The Tasmanian Turf Club in Launceston hosts an eight-race card on Friday night, featuring the $50,000 Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian St Leger.
The rail moves to the +2m position after being in true for the program seven days ago.
Fine weather and a good-rated surface is expected.
R1 Off The Track Tasmania Maiden, 1400m
Miss Tanzanite (11) chased soundly behind Van Scotia on Launceston Cup Day and finds a very winnable race. PEPPARONI (14) wasn't far away last week this track/distance after getting too far back. Draws to be in the finish again. SIENA WOLF (12) finished a couple of lengths behind Miss Tanzanite on Cup Day. Sure to be improved off that run but can't draw a gate. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (13) toughed it out well last outing after covering ground, rise in trip a positive. BUEL (15) resumes for a new stable. He's had plenty of chances but this isn't strong and commands respect. MONTEZULU (4) gets winkers again second-up and will appreciate stepping out to the 1400m.
R2 Ladbrokes Odds Surge Class 1 Handicap, 1200m
Thespian Waters (1) had excuses last start in much tougher grade than this, clearly the one to beat. DAYAN STAR's (3) both local runs have had plenty of merit but draws awkwardly again. There was a bit to like about the last effort of MIRA FLORES (13), albeit at her 20th career start. She can race handy and is a must include. MISS KEEDS (12) probably spears across from the wide gate to lead these but does need to get the race on her own terms to figure in the finish, the last 100m always the worry with her. BATCHY BULLET (11) broke through last start after having every possible but may go on with it.
R3 Tasracing Maiden, 1100m
The well-supported Durazzo (1) was always going to be vulnerable on debut from a nightmare alley on Cup Day and that's exactly how it played out, a complete forgive run. GLORY MISSION (2) looks a nice prospect, thumping his rivals by 8 lengths in a recent trial win on the synthetic in slick time. The outside gate from the 1100m start is the concern. BLOOMTIME (7) was a good thing beaten this time last week, this is tougher though. TIGERS ON TOP (9) showed promise at her first prep back in early Spring, returns without any public trials.
R4 Good Friday Easter Family Fun Day Maiden, 1100m
Didn't mind the effort of Shall We Play (4) behind smart winner In The Ocean at this venue 16-days ago. Much better drawn here and can settle handier than last time. RIDE THE MOON (7) ran on solidly in Hobart and with a better run in transit would've finished a touch closer. This is no harder and the extra 100m suits. TOUGH IMPACT (2) performed well for his new stable last week coming off a long layoff and on paper looks to get a soft lead, must respect. CLOVER HILL (3) resumes, can pull out a run occasionally but tends to save her best for the synthetic. GEE GEE TYCOON (6) next best.
R5 It's Why We Race Open Handicap, 1200m
Jaguar Stone (5) had little luck in the Vamos last start when buried and only seeing daylight late. Like her getting back to the 1200m, she ran a huge race in the Newmarket 4- starts ago. GALENUS (3) won this race last year and presents in good form. MUSCLE UP (6) didn't quite handle the 1400m last time, looks far better placed here and with no weight on his back. KALIUWAA FALLS (4) has an unblemished local record notching up 3-wins in the past 6-weeks. This is much tougher and dropping back to 1200m has to be a query but he's simply going too well to ignore. BELLO BEAU (1) and AND BEYOND (2) wouldn't totally shock but prefer place claims.
R6 Tasbred Race Night 5th April Benchmark 68 Handicap, 1200m
Bold Instinct (7) found a weak race last time and had it won a long way out, good hope again but this is tougher. RUBBLEONTHEDOUBLE (6) is having a great prep and the form around him is strong. The race set up beautifully for SEYDOUX (4) last start and he got the job done albeit in slightly easier grade. Drawn to get the right run once more. PHOENIX GLOBAL (5) ran below market expectations on Cup Day in a race dominated up on the speed, capable of sharp improvement. NO ACCESS (11) a must include in exotics but does find it hard winning around here, zip from 13 tries.
R7 Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian St Leger, 2400m
Assaranca (3) has been winless since saluting in this race last year. Not convinced she's going as well this time around but she'll find this much more to her liking than the last couple. As will TRAVELLING GIGOLO (2) who found the line okay in the Hobart Cup in track record time. PENNINE (5) is a progressive stayer working through the grades winning 3 of his last 4. Toughest test to date and gets good weight relief to compensate. There was the barest of margins between GEEGEES HISWORD (4) and CLIFTON DANSEUR (9) when they clashed here just over a fortnight ago over a slightly lesser trip. The 2400m looks more of a plus for Clifton Danseur. AFRICAN THUNDER (6) found the late soundly behind those 2 after suffering interference near the turn.
R8 Ladbrokes Sport Bar Benchmark 72 Handicap Fillies & Mares, 1400m
Tough race to round off the evening. Was a bit disappointed in the last run of Swoop There It Is (4) off a 6-week break and although not far away she didn't show her customary turn of foot. Nonetheless, the form out of the race has held up particularly well, she's a key player. VIVILICI (1) and STONE COLD STUNNER (2) both drop in grade significantly but look to be fully tested with the weight they have to carry , even after the claims. ZEWINNA (7) last run was rock-solid in good company and with only 51.5kg on his back he will make his presence felt. MONTE BIANCO (5) had tempo against resuming and is a likely improver second-up.
