Launceston Friday Night Tips: Steve Christie’s full preview & best bets

LIGHT WORK (8) might be the way to go here in an even race and she should be good odds. She found the line well at Devonport and the rise in trip looks beneficial. GENUINE LADY (6) was well beaten into second place at her latest but she did beat the rest of the runners easily which is always a good sign. Blinkers go on for the first time. KION’S KINGDOM (1) failed to run up to market expectations on debut but had trialled well in the lead-up and might be worth another chance. RAIDER’S OWN (2) first up run was encouraging and the rise in distance will suit. BIG OLIVE (4) returns from a break and showed some ability in her first preparation. Her run here in November behind Tassie Power beaten under 2 lengths reads well.

CALIFORNIA FLYER (6) looks the hardest to beat on her most recent mainland run, beaten only 1.4 lengths in a 55k Maiden at Caulfield. Ideally drawn in barrier one, she should be able to find the lead. DUBAI AFFAIR (7) was first-up off a long break at Hobart and was quickly beaten straightening up. Has turned in several good runs at this track and will be much fitter now, six-weeks between runs. UNFILTERED (5) had the right run last start and although not far away, he didn’t let down like he did the run prior. Winkers now go on for the first time. MCVEIGH (4) has been freshened since his unplaced run on debut. He struck trouble at the start in that race so it was a bit of a forgive run. AWESOME ORPHAN (8) next best.

FLYING CONCELLO (2) won well resuming coming off a break of 285 days and with the benefit of extra fitness will be hard to beat again. MASTRETTA (4) chased Flying Concello home and was beaten under a length, now meets her 2kg better. LADY GALADRIEL (5) was outclassed behind Sanniya last start but back to her right grade comes under notice and can improve sharply. GEE GEES ME BOY (1) has been around the mark in similar races all preparation and continues to hold his form.

MERLIN BEACH (5) ran well in one of these races last start and is ready to win fourth run in. LORD HEAR US (4) is a month between runs and gets blinkers on for the first time. Has been scratched twice in recent weeks from bad gates, draws perfectly here. SIR JAG (3) finished only a length behind Merlin Beach at Launceston. Hard to see him turning the tables but is a top-4 contender. PIPING WILLOW (2) gets out to his right trip fifth run back. Was safely held at Devonport but his last 600 was respectable.

DESIGNER DREAMER (2) was ridden cold and bounced back to winning form last start. He rises 5kg but did win in good style and is down in grade. WHO CAN IT BE NOW (11) will settle handy and has a case. Was keen on him at Devonport but he had little luck. GODDESS OF ROCK (8) the other key player. Has had a 33 day freshen on the back of a below-par effort last start. Previous form good enough including a win here over Daytona Diva 3 runs back. THONATUS (10) was successful at big odds last start, a race that has already produced a couple of winners. MONTEZULU (3) and HIGH TAIL EAGLE (9) next best.

Good Class 2 race and the manner in which ARTILLERY FIRE (5) won here last start suggests she can take the next step. AZONTO (2) has the wide draw to overcome but she’s come back in good order. Hit the front a touch too soon last time. ROYAL INFANTRY (1) wasn’t suited dropping back in trip on Cup Day but he still ran well. Both of his wins have been at 1400m. BAYSIDE (3) was 43 days between runs at Devonport and looked to peak late. Was a big run in defeat at his only start at this track. TRIBAL COUNCIL (4) is coming off back‑to‑back wins, continues to improve, draws to get the right run.

MAGNAPRIME (1) keeps racing well and was only narrowly denied last start when chasing a third straight win. SH’BOURNE MIDNIGHT (2) meets Magnaprime 3kg better off for a narrow defeat last start. EARENDEL (3) resumes and is very capable fresh. Stormed home from last to score impressively first‑up last prep. STONE COLD STUNNER (4) returned a career‑best figure last start, finishing third in the Vamos behind Sanniya. PEROLA (7) wasn’t sharp enough over the 1100m last week but warmed up nicely late.

SPRING BEAN (1) is rock-hard fit, brings winning form and is always tough to beat at this level. MANHATTAN NIGHTS (6) almost reeled in Spring Bean at Devonport and gets his chance to turn the tables with a slight weight advantage. LINDRUM (7) finished out of the placings in the same race but wasn’t able to build momentum at a key stage of the race and his beaten margin was unfair. IFFYCOULD (2) was outclassed in the St Leger but far from disgraced and will tough to beat back in his right grade. MOORLANDS MISS (5) gets blinkers on again after a poor run in the St Leger. TIDEFORD (4) is getting better with age. Has won 2 of his past 3 and was quite dominant from the front last start in a handy race.