Launch-eston Nights: Race-by-race preview in Tasmania
Launceston - Rail +9m / Soft 5
Racing returns to Launceston, and the rail moves out further to the +9m position. Tempo related but I wouldn’t want to be too involved with horses who will be getting too far back, particularly over the shorter trips. Expecting a fairly firm surface, wet weather is expected on the day but hoping it misses the meeting for the third week in a row.
Race 1 - 1220m Maiden
Sneaky little race to start us off.
SHOOTING NORTH was well fancied on debut, where it ran poorly with excuses and was tipped out. He’s trialled up nicely and should be thereabouts on speed – looks the one to beat. Early price was knocked in pretty quick, so looks to be the one to save on currently.
SAKURA HIME is a horse I found on debut at a big price that ran super – despite the saddle slipping late in the straight. She’s an honest on pacer and if she can control the race from the front, she might be able to pinch this. Has been given a tick over trial since her debut a couple of months ago, an unfashionable stable/jockey should get us a price late.
ROYAL AND TOUGH also looks a chance here. He went massive on debut behind a smart one from Team Trinder. Has been given some time off, and will appreciate a firm surface.
Back SAKURA HIME for 0.7 units WIN at Best Tote / SP
Back ROYAL AND TOUGH for 0.3 units WIN at $6.50
Back SHOOTING NORTH for 0.5 units WIN at $3.40
Race 2 - 1220m Maiden
Tough race, could prove to be a genuine raffle.
Wanted to get a price about MISS RED to bet each-way, but I can’t come into the $5.00opening quote after taking 4x that last start in a similar race.
ROCKIERRO is 1st up for Siggy Carr (EX – Gai/Bott), and has been met with early support. Wasn’t overly enthused by the 2nd trial but is one to watch.
KAYTEE VALIENTE is some hope at a price. NIGHT MISSILE can win without me.
NO BET
Race 3 - 1620m Maiden
Another tough race to assess.
Can understand why GEEGEES SUNSHINE is the early on-topper being fit and likely getting a nice smother run on the fence behind the speed, but Christ he looks short for a 9 start maiden that’s only managed two placings, and comes into this fifth up.
Was keen to look around him and landed on CORONATION APACHE. He resumed over 1450m at Hobart in a race with a decent early tempo, off of only two trials. Gets out to the mile here, and if he can get some peace up on speed he might be hard to catch. Shut your eyes over the last 50m.
Back CORONATION APACHE for 0.5 units EACH WAY at $5.00/2.00
Race 4 - 1620m Class 1
This is probably my best of the night from a price point of view, and he owes us nothing after saluting two starts back.
KING ISLAND has been low flying since arriving in TAS, and continually underestimated by the market. He’s on the quick back up here, and gets a positive jockey switch with strong apprentice Chelsea Baker taking the reigns. Should be able to control the race from the front and give a good kick late. Thought he was a clear each-way special in a race where his main rivals map poorly and aren’t racing at their best, or at their best trip.
Back KING ISLAND for 2 units EACH WAY at $6.00/2.00
Race 5 - 1620m BM76
Thought RISING LIGHT would be pretty hard to beat.
He comes off a decent run in VIC, and is back to a more suitable trip. Clear on topper, but can’t recommend a bet at the current price.
Race 6 - 1420m Class 3
Thought POWER MAGNUM and HERO OF ROMANI were the two hardest runners to get past.
My lean is HERO OF ROMANI who gains the services of Brendon McCoull and looks to get a lovely map. I actually had him favourite and slightly shorter than the market price given he’ll likely get the back of the current favourite POWER MAGNUM and prove too good late over the 1420m.
Back HERO OF ROMANI for 1 unit WIN at $3.40
Race 7 - 1420m BM60
Scratchings have really hurt this race, and now looks quite tricky to bet into confidently.
I really think SPARKLING ONE should be winning, but if they go slow and is dictated to I think it really brings her key rivals GEE GEE ALS PRINCE and DAY PERFORMER into the mix.
I’m also slightly worried about conditions at this point in the night, if the weather turns and we see a rain affected service I’ll be proper swerving her.
NO BET (Could entertain a bet at $4.00+ providing we see a firm surface and hope they put tempo into the race.)
R8 2150m BM60
My tip in this race is to close the laptop, turn off the TV and get a good night’s rest.
Watching this will likely cause nightmares.
NO BET