After a week off, thoroughbred racing returns to the Ladbrokes Racing Centre in Launceston on Wednesday night.
It’s an eight-race card, with the rail at +7m. The weather forecast points towards a surface in the 4-5 range.
A tricky maiden to kick off proceedings. Gave THE RED SHE DEVIL (13) a good chance last start but was a little disappointing. Winkers now go on and Craig Newitt takes over. Connections have been patient with ROYAL SCENE (12) – lining up for start 24 – but her latest effort was good enough to rate a genuine each-way chance here. KING CANDY (7) needs some luck from the draw but the first-up effort was sound. Wider chances to MR TOD (4), FROSTY RUGE (8), ROLAND VIEW (11) and ALPINE WHISKEY (2), who make their own luck on the speed. NINE CHOIRS (10) next best then PIPE DOWN ELLIE (15)
WARRIOR SMILE (2) was a touch wide last time but has the right form lines and looks hard to beat second up. NIKOLSKY (8) also comes through the Genuine Lady race and was doing her best work late. OXIDIZE (7) was rock-solid returning in Class 2 company and has performed well second up previously. GILLY’S BOY (1) won his maiden in good style before holding his own when stepping up in grade. PARIS WINDS (4) makes her local debut. She won her maiden on a heavy track at Sale. Market the best guide. WALTZING MATILDA (6) was placed first up and gets another good opportunity from a favourable draw. VABUIAGI (5) has a bit against but won her maiden comfortably.
The form around SOUTHERN AURORAS (4) looks better than her rivals and have marked her clearly on top. MCVEIGH (2) makes his own luck and won well first up but enjoyed all the favours in front. THE TRINE (1) never runs poorly but place claims preferred. BERSERKER (5) resumes. His fresh ability is better than the record suggests. PLATINUM REGGAE (6) and STAR WALKIN’ (7) are battling for form but could run top 4.
GEEGEES MISSILE (2) has been racing well this campaign without winning, stringing together 4 consecutive placings. Just died on her run last time over 1200m and looks suited coming back 120m. NOVALARGO (6) is ready to win third up. Was well backed second up but was caught in an early speed battle. POPILITA (5) bounced back to winning form 12 days ago over this track and trip. There was plenty of merit in the win, riding a hot pace all the way. Tougher test here but could take catching. OBVIOUSLY GOOD (3) resumes and has a very good record at this track but 1200m is his preferred trip. Will risk TAROONA (1) with the 60kg. Can’t line up the South Australian form of GLOBAL TURN (4) with the locals, betting the best guide. BAYBOUGG (7) was sound first up, finishing just out of the placings.
The 62.kg proved too big an impost for KAKIA (1) last time but he still ran well, beaten under a length. The 4kg claim a big plus here. TROTSKY (10) relished getting out in trip third-up and despite the narrow margin there was merit to the win. SEVILLANA (3) will also appreciate the 4kg claim. Forgive last run when finished 6 of 6 when forced to cover ground. Expecting a better run here coming off a 5 week -break. HALEN (8) dropped out last start after being used up in the early stages. The prior run when second -placed behind Agadoo is good form and can bounce back. No doubt MATERIAL MADAM (6) needs to lift on recent efforts but she has drawn well and racing like she wants the 1400m. WOLF JUNIOR (4) always goes around under the odds but maps well.
Four key chances. GARCON D’ESPOIR (9) has been knocking on the door all preparation and he deserves another win. Has been stiff a couple of times. MASTRETTA (8) is fit and firing and has run well at every start this prep. More depth here but can measure up. SH’BOURNE MIDNIGHT (5) is a good fresh performer and excels at track and distance. EARENDEL (7) another one resuming. Is well above average on his day but can mix his form.
SUMMIT (2) ran well at his first local start but just came up short and will be hard to hold out here with the benefit of extra fitness. SH’BOURNE HIFLYER (4) let down impressively winning her maiden and there’s more wins in store for this lightly-raced mare. There’s good form around TIME FOR SNOW (5) and he looks a big threat out to the 1400m and has drawn perfectly. RAPIDS AHEAD (9) continues to race well in similar company. NORTHERN CHILD (3) did enough first up and bound to be fitter. I’M A MACHINE (6) and UNFILTERED (1) next best.
LITTLE EL (7) was the best of the beaten brigade behind a smart winner last time and will be hard to hold out here. THICKSKINNED (3) got too far out of his ground last time when stepping up in grade. Was dominant the start prior. GENUINE LADY (4) has won two from three this time in and keeps improving. SKY EAGLE (5) is lining up for her third run in 12 days but she’s in good form. BELLA CHINKARA (8) is still eligible for easier races. She was luckless at Hobart.
