Friday night thoroughbred racing is in Launceston for the fifth consecutive week, with eight races programmed.
Warm weather in Launceston should result in a good-rated surface unless the forecast Saturday rain arrives early.
The rail moves out to +9m 1200m-W/Post; +7m Remainder.
ALPINE WHISKEY (1) made a sustained run early in the race, first-up, and was only just grabbed late. He stays down in the weights with another 4kg claimer aboard. VABUIAGI (9) had to cover ground when she resumed, and that winner looks set for a big campaign. She’s back in trip second-up with a soft draw. RED WINTER (3) was plain on the quick back-up but did race without cover. THERMAL MISS (8) has changed stables and has won a couple of recent trials for Andrew Roach. She won a maiden but was subsequently disqualified. THE RED SHE DEVIL (7) was softened up on speed last time, and her form prior was solid. Codi Jordan has her first ride back on EFFRONTERY (5), who needs to improve on her two runs this prep.
SOUNDS OF PEACE (6) was heavily supported on debut and was unlucky not to get the prize, eventually losing in the stewards’ room. This isn’t any harder. SH’BOURNE HIFLYER (5) was a big run from last over 1200m at a big price. That run suggests the ride to 1400m should suit. RAMIRO (10) has trialled like a horse looking for ground, so it’s no surprise to see him resume at this distance. AWESOME ORPHAN (2) is holding form but had plenty of chances. SORELL EAGLES (1) gets a rider change and has shown glimpses in his eight career starts.
TOORAK LAD (1) won impressively at the end of September and looked like a horse that could go on with it. Tricky draw, but the penny may have dropped. SUMMIT (6) is an ex- Star Thoroughbreds galloper who joins Barry Campbell from Chris Waller. He was at the head of the market at the end of his Queensland career and trialled up well last week in Devonport. UNFILTERED (4) had the race run to suit when winning his maiden, but third is a subsequent winner. OUT OF THE SPHERE (3) may appreciate a softer time on speed at this distance. I’M A MACHINE (8) made full use of the low draw in a decent Class 1 last time, but draws wide here. SOUTH GEORGIA (13), BELLA CHINKARA (10) and CELESTIAL GLOW (14) are hopes with the right run, and I thought recent efforts of DIESEL’S SUNSHINE (11) and TROTSKY (15) are better than the form guide suggests.
MASTRETTA (2) rolled forward and controlled a moderately run Open Hcp last week. She’s up in weight but down in grade and looks well set up. GEEGEES MISSILE (3) has been costly for punters and is now approaching 12 months since her last win. She has the ability, but the end of 1200m has proven challenging. OBVIOUSLY GOOD (4) has had a couple of trials and may lead in a race that looks to lack pace on paper. GARCON D’ESPOIR (1) is another horse that’s disappointed to market expectations. He’s sharply back in trip since the Golden Mile and would likely need a track where they’re running on away from the inside.
HENLEY EXTREME (5) gets out to 2100m for the first time with the grounding of four straight mile runs. She beat REGAL HUNTER (4) last time they met, and meets him better at the weights here. HAPPY CLAN (1), JOHNNIE PINCH (2), NATIVE CLAN (3) and SUGOI LEGEND (8) have been racing each other in very slowly run races over this distance with varied outcomes. Hard to single one out of the quartet. RIPPINGTON (6) has always given the impression he’s looking for a staying trip, and DA SILVER FLASH (7) was a big run last time, but that was in a much lower class.
JENNI THE CAT (4) ran up to the market support first-up in a race where the trifecta spaced the rest. She’s 1100-1400m here, which is a query, but she looks to be set for a big prep. WITHIN SIGHT (9) chased a Group 3 placed winner last time with a good margin back to third. BELLSPROUT (3) is a lightly raced 8yo but is holding form very well. Despite limited numbers, it was strong opposition last start. ARTILLERY FIRE (2) has had excuses for two unplaced runs this campaign. WILD DANCER (1) has won 2/3 with Jordan aboard, so may welcome her return. He led at a very slow pace last time, which resulted in a blanket finish. WHO’S IN DEV (7) has been a beaten favourite in two starts to open her campaign but is always around the mark.
OLINDAH (6) was backed as if her number was already in the frame first-up, and punters were on the money. She came from well back in that race, so it’s interesting she stays at 1100m, but she’s very well in with the 4kg claim for Robyn Lynch. GILLY’s BOY (1) won impressively on debut, but the form didn’t receive a big push last week. MISS LYRA (5) has runs on the board with a pair of recent placings at the track and distance. WALTZING MATILDA (3) beat MCVEIGH (2) when they met here back in April. They draw the inside two gates, which is generally advantageous at this starting point. KLIMENKO (4) resumes after 527 days, so the market may provide a guide to how ready she is first-up.
EAGLEFURTHER (2) chases four wins on the bounce, all over a mile. She’s been exceptionally well placed in small fields, in similar company to what she faces again here. KIRIENA MARUBRAH (6) arguably should’ve beaten her last time they met but raced up the track on the home turn. Blinkers replace visors this time around. FIORENTE DE LEGEND (4) made a solid return after trialling earlier in the week. She doesn’t know how to run a bad race. A lack of tempo in the small field may work against THE SPIRIT OF ZERO (3) and AL MAXIMUS (5), but they’re not without hope if the race is run to suit.
