The annual tradition of Good Friday racing in Launceston continues in 2026 with nine races on the card.
Just three meetings remain in Launceston for the season, and the rail comes back into the true after being at +7m for the program a week ago.
Fine weather is forecast, with the first race set for 13:07.
ZALAU (3) is one of five debutants and he won his trial in good fashion in solid time. FIERCE SPIRIT (2) went a second slower in his trial heat but his effort chasing the unbeaten Aristopolos was solid. BEWICKED (4) showed speed on debut before peaking late and should improve with the run. FARMER’S SON (1) was placed at his most recent trial 10 weeks ago but the horse that beat him has since performed poorly at both starts.
Staking Strategy: Just the four of them are lining up post-scratchings and the market’s telling us they all have a case. Zalau did everything right winning his trial and should be thereabouts. 1 unit to win ZALAU (3).
RAIDER’S OWN (5) draws for an economical run and gets visors on third run back dropping back to 1200m. CALIFORNIA FLYER (6) was sent out a warm favourite last time and although not far away she did have her chance. This is an easier maiden though and can’t be ruled out. LIGHT FORCE (2) was okay at Hobart and the extra 100m looks favourable plus blinkers gets added. ROYAL SCENE (9) minor each way claims but has had plenty of chances. LARAMANA (1) a market watch on debut.
Staking Strategy: This isn’t a deep race and Raiders Own and should get every possible chance from barrier one. 2 units each-way RAIDER’S OWN (5).
JUST BOBBY (5) appreciated stepping up in trip last start and closed off well behind a dominant winner. ALPINE WHISKEY (1) draws to enjoy a comfortable run near the speed and should’ve finished closer last time after being held up at a key stage. MERLIN BEACH (6) won’t be lacking fitness dropping back in distance. He had no excuses last start as a short-priced favourite. CALLED THROUGH (2) has been around the mark all preparation but his pattern of racing repeatedly works against him. CLIMBEVERYMOUNTAIN (9) won’t be far away on recent form.
Staking Strategy: Just Bobby went much better last outing and although beaten a long way , the winner looks destined for much bigger things. 1 unit each-way JUST BOBBY (5).
BENEFICIARY (2) is working through the grades and continues to meet every challenge. Brave win at Hobart when was clearly headed turning for home and rallied strongly. GO JEANIE (5) got flushed out a bit too soon last start and was collared late. Looks very hard to beat on that effort. With the benefit of extra fitness EARENDEL (3) will be hard to hold out second up. MASTRETTA (6) got all the favours leading all the way here 14 days ago but she’s a handy mare and could take the next step. MAGNAPRIME (1) finished a couple of lengths behind Go Jeannie and hard to see him turning the tables. STARDARMUS (4) looks outclassed.
Staking Strategy: Beneficiary is obviously the testing material again shooting for 5 straight wins but Go Jeannie ran very well last start in a deep BM76 race and shouldn’t be far away. 2 units to win GO JEANIE (5).
ZEWINNA (2) looks very hard to beat back in this grade and out to her preferred trip. DESIGNER DREAMER (7) had too much to do last start behind ELEGANTLY WRITTEN (5). He won impressively this track and distance the start prior. HAPPY CLAN (1) was 56 days between runs over an unsuitable 1400m last time. Fitter and better suited here. SCARLETTI (6) brings winning synthetic form but will find this harder. CRUZ MISSILE (3) can run top 4.
Staking Strategy: Design Dreamer won well here two runs back in this grade then had excuses last start but still ran well. Can bounce back. 2 units to win DESIGNER DREAMER (7).
BAYSIDE (1) had too much ground to make up last start and looks well suited stepping out to the 1600m.VIXEN’S MOON (5) went straight to the front at Hobart and kept running. Good chance again on that effort. The run prior here was a forgive after blowing the start badly. WHO CAN IT BE NOW (9) continues to race well and is close to another win. SOUTH GEORGIA (13) had the run of the race at Hobart and looked the one on the turn but Vixens Moon was simply too good. Gets a similar map here. QUAFFTIDE (14) won well last start but everything fell into place from barrier one. Can’t be ruled out but faces a tougher task from the outside draw. HIGH TAIL EAGLE (10) next best.
Staking Strategy: Competitive race and Who Can It Be Now represents some value again. Hasn’t been far away in similar races of late and without a lot of luck. 2 units each-way WHO CAN IT BE NOW (9).
SWINGING IT (12) is going better than her form reads and has solid claims if she can secure a start but this is a tough race. WEDNESDAY’S BOSS (10) can’t be trusted but more than capable on her day. Ruined her chances at the start last time when bounded and lost many lengths. MATERIAL MADAM (4) has been around the mark all prep in similar races and has a case again. RAPIDS AHEAD (14) is another one resuming who isn’t without a chance if able to sneak into the field. VOLKANOVSKI (11) found the front at Hobart and kept running but has ordinary form at this venue. THISISMYTURF (3) wouldn’t shock. REDAIR (9) best of the rest.
Staking Strategy: Nothing would really surprise here. Material Madam is consistent and looks one of the better chances. 1 unit to win MATERIAL MADAM (4).
CHEROKEE DANCER (2) maintained her strong fresh record with a first‑up win here 21 days ago. Has a solid second‑up profile and maps to get her chance again. GOLDEN MEADOW (6) finished within two lengths of Cherokee Dancer despite being slowly away and forced to settle last. A cleaner getaway brings her right into the mix. THESPIAN WATERS (1) ran well off a freshen for the new stable and capable of being competitive again. PEROLA (4) looked suited out to the 1400m last start but was disappointing and now gets some gear changes with visors replacing winkers.
Staking Strategy: Last start winner Cherokee Dancer gets a similar map as last time against almost identical opposition and is proven second -up. 1 unit to win CHEROKEE DANCER (2).
GEORGARONI (1) was just no match for the talented Beneficiary at Hobart but he stuck on soundly and put a big gap on the rest of the field. IT’S JAGGER TIME (2) returned with a solid placing behind Mastretta and always runs well second up. AZONTO (3) has placed all runs this preparation and draws to be in the finish again. NOVALARGO (4) has a wide draw to navigate but looks ready now for the 1400m. NATIVE CLAN (5) brings winning form but harder here.
Staking Strategy: Georgaroni brings the best recent form and is a worthy favourite. 2 units to win GEORGARONI (1).
