The 2026/27 Launceston Night Racing season begins on Wednesday night with seven races at Ladbrokes Racing Centre Mowbray.
It’s the first grass meeting in Tasmania for almost a month and the first at the track since mid-April.
The rail is at +5m for the return meeting, with the surface likely to race in the 4-5 range.
Very competitive race to kick off the program. All 6 runners are recent winners. STARDARMUS (4) has won 3 of last 4 and from barrier one will get his chance again. SIMPLY DEEP (2) could not be racing any better with 9 consecutive top 3 finishes. TUSKEGEE (1) has come back in good order proving just too good for Simply Deep second up. SH’BOURNE POWER (3) is progressive and won with authority at only start track and trip. SIR JAG (5) and HENLEY EXTREME (6) wouldn’t shock.
Staking Strategy: Only 5 remain after scratchings and there’s not a lot between them. Stardamus can win again, coming into this off back-to-back wins in similar races. 1 unit to win STARDARMUS (4).
RED WINTER (1) has trialled well and look capable of making his presence felt on debut. MACELLEROY (6) gets blinkers on for the first time. Hasn’t been far away at last couple and has drawn to advantage. Was luckless at Devonport 2 runs back and should’ve gone close. TOORAK LAD (2) kicks off for a new stable and has had a solid grounding at the trials coming off a long break. The placing behind Geegees Downpour is good form. LIN THIZZY (3) comes here second up after a solid return run at Hobart and is bound to be improved. MISS STRAT (4), ROLAND VIEW (5) and COPPER REIGN (8) wider hopes but all 3 have drawn out and will need some luck.
Staking Strategy: Red Winter has trialled well and strikes a winnable race on debut. Including Macrelloy at a price – blinkers go on, recent form is okay and the inside draw clearly a plus. 1 unit to RED WINTER (1) and MACELLEROY (6).
SYMPHONY QUEEN (8) strips fitter second up and will be hard to hold out. Drew poorly and had to concede a start at Devonport but hit the line well. UNFILTERED (7) was beaten just under a length in a bunched finish at Devonport and is ready to win. SORELL EAGLES (5) made good late ground at Hobart over 1100m after getting a long way back and will be suited rising in trip. HARRATA (2) amongst the chances but needs to find a length or two. SIR WILLIAM (3) has a case if able to lead on own terms. SO VOGUE (4) a market watch at first local run.
Staking Strategy: Symphony Queen has drawn in this time having got too far back from a wide gate last time and will take beating. 1 unit to win SYMPHONY QUEEN (8).
ROYAL DETECTIVE (6) concedes a start but has nice ability will be closing off strongly. ALPINE FURY (1) resumes and is proven at the track and trip. Draws to either lead or box seat. DENNYSON (2) and RIPPINGTON (3) are last start winners in slightly easier company but both look capable of winning more races. BRAVE JET (7) dug deep to prevail at Devonport but harder here. THEM’S THE BREAKS (5) another one that comes with winning form but dropping back sharply in trip from 1880m to 1400m the obvious query. SKY EAGLE (9) has a liking for this track and despite ordinary recent form could be one that improves at good odds.
Staking Strategy: Many are in the mix including one of the outsiders Sky Eagle who, despite ordinary recent form, does save her best for here and could be a big improver. 1 unit each-way SKY EAGLE (9).
MISS LYRA (5) met with strong support last time but went too hard in front and was entitled to drop off. She’s had a freshen since and might be worth another chance. OUR PEPMENARTIE (4) got too far back at Devonport after being crowded at the start and each-way claims on the prior Hobart run. CELESTIAL GLOW (9) has a tricky gate to overcome but the Devonport run was good. ALFARINO (1) had the race run to suit at Hobart but draws well and has scope to go on. JUST PLAIN NUTS (2) a forgive run at Hobart and has been freshened for this and now visors go on. DISSALTO (7) was okay in same grade last week but wide gate here the clear challenge.
Staking Strategy: There were excuses for Miss Lyra at Hobart and she’s had a freshen since. Celestial Glow will need tempo to suit but is a blowout chance if things fall her way. 1 unit to win MISS LYRA (5) and CELESTIAL GLOW (9)
BELLA CHINKARA (4) is ready to win. Last couple of runs have been very good and this easier than last start. VINRAAM (3) impressed winning at Hobart, picking up strongly late and getting over the top of them. He looked no chance at the 200 but let down well and the extra trip suits. BAILED (2) gets onto the grass for the first time coming off his maiden win and has plenty of upside. LITTLE EL (7) was just even resuming but is proven second up and gets blinkers on for the first time. SOUTH GEORGIA (9) has turned in several good runs of late but struggling to find another win. OUTSIDETHESQUARE (8) is a market watch at first local run.
Staking Strategy: Bella Chinkara hasn’t put in a bad run all preparation and though every chance last start behind Bellsprout, she put a good margin on the rest of the field. 2 units to win BELLA CHINKARA (4).
BENEFITSOFMINE (1) is a nice horse and the one to beat but will concede a start to key rivals having drawn the extreme outside. MEGALITA (2) in contrast has drawn perfectly and arrives 6 weeks fresh. ZUNI (9) resumes. This mare ran plenty of good races last preparation including a win and several near misses. Draws for the right run and should go close. MATERIAL MADAM (8) never got into the race first up at Devonport and can do better. BILLIE THE GREAT (4) can bounce back after clear excuses at Devonport. Prior form stacks up. THE WIZARD KING (6) arrives from Victoria with a solid first up record including a win first up last preparation.
Staking Strategy: A tricky gate for Benefitsofmine but with even luck will go close. There’s good form around Zuni last preparation and she’s drawn perfectly. 2 units to win BENEFITSOFMINE (1) and ZUNI (9).
