It’s the biggest night meeting of the 26/27 season to date, with 10 races programmed, on Friday in Launceston.
Steve Christie is back from holiday with his analysis of the card.
The rail is back in the true position with a fine weather forecast.
SOUNDS OF PEACE (7) has only been beaten narrowly at both starts and was in front until the final bound here last week. The winner of that race looks to have a bright future. WOUNDED EAGLE (2) was only fair resuming but is capable of better and gets blinkers on for the first time. SH’BOURNE TOP GUN (9) hasn’t been far away at both starts. He closed off well last time from a long way back and looks suited stepping up in trip. NINE CHOIRS (5) has been hitting the line strongly and also looks suited getting out to the 1400m. JOEJOE (1) resumes with an outside gate to overcome but showed enough in his first preparation in some handy maidens.
HALEN (4) was the best of the beaten brigade behind a smart winner here 14 days ago. SKY EAGLE (7) has been racing in stronger races of late and is a chance back in this grade. RAPIDS AHEAD (8) has a poor strike-rate but last couple have been sound and carries no weight. HOLD THE DOOR (2) was only plain first up but was solid in the market and might be worth another chance. Visors go on. SNOWDONIA (5) wasn’t good enough last start in a harder race but has claims on the run prior when only narrowly beaten this trip and grade.
BEWICKED (8) was brave in defeat second-up. She led at a genuine pace and gave a good kick in the straight but was collared last stride. ANNIE’S PRIDE (7) finished just out of the placings at Hobart coming from a long way back and was immediately spelled. Has drawn in this time and rates highly. ZHAVRAFROST (10) was too bad to be true on debut. Has been given time and arrives here off 2 quiet trials. SPIRIT OF COCO (9) loomed to win on debut but was found wanting over the concluding stages and is bound to be improved. JAGGERS EDGE (5) concedes race-day experience but the Longford trial was good. ALPINEFURTHER (1) and DREAM RIOT (4) are two other debutants worth considering for exotics.
KING CANDY (11) showed some promise as a 2 year-old and strikes a winnable maiden returning from a spell. MISS STRAT (10) hasn’t been far away all prep and was a beaten favourite last start, although hard to find an excuse. Blinkers now get added for the first time and has a fitness edge over most. KION’S KINGDOM (4) didn’t have a lot go right first up and will derive benefit from the run. MR TOD (5) is first up since April and gets all the favours from the inside barrier. GEEGEES AVALANCHE (3) another one resuming with claims but will need luck from a tricky gate.
NOVALARGO (3) comes here after a strong showing resuming. She’s 2 from 2 second up and from the inside barrier gets every chance to keep the record intact. FIERCE ’N FABULOUS (5) has had five weeks since last run and may benefit from a freshen and back to the 1200m.NOBLE (1) jumps straight from a win in maiden grade into a class 2. There was plenty of merit in the maiden win despite the race lacking depth. GENUINE LADY (6) led and dug deep to prevail over this journey last start but harder here. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (9) goes well at track and trip but usually takes a run or two to come to hand. DUBAI AFFAIR (4) has trialled well for her return but the wide draw a negative.
FIGHTING FOR GOLD (6) is arguably in the best form of her career and comes into this off back-to-back wins. A big winner from the rear first up then showed her versatility last time, parking outside the speed. GO JEANIE (4) was runner-up to Fighting for Gold at latest beaten 1.5 lengths and ready now after two sound runs back this preparation. FLYING BILLIE (3) was good last time over an unsuitable trip and gets in well after the 4kg claim. SH’BOURNE POWER (7) faces his toughest test but on recent form has to be rated amongst the chances. NIGHT INVADER (5) resumes and will be winding up strongly late.
GEEGEES DOWNPOUR (3) was good winning first up and the margin could have been greater with a better run in transit. He looks set for a good preparation. THE WIZARD KING (6) has finished just out of the placings both runs this prep but both efforts have been sound. ZUNI (10) will need luck from an awkward gate but is ready to win third-up from a spell. FLUFFY’S GIRL (9) always competes well at this level and will give them something to chase. Last effort was a complete forgive in a harder race. MATERIAL MADAM (8) gets a good run again from barrier one but was given every chance last outing behind Geegees Downpour. Needs to lift. BAYBOUGG (4) a blow-out chance if the race sets up for a backmarker.
BENEFICIARY (4) won five of seven starts in his first and only preparation. He takes time to wind up. The 1600m looks an ideal assignment first-up. EARENDEL (5) is also back from a break. He has plenty of ability on his day day but can mix his form. COAL RIVER (2) was sent out a warm favourite at Devonport but failed to deliver. He has had a let-up since and is capable of bouncing back if he returns to his best. THICKSKINNED (8) jumps sharply in grade but has returned in good form and is still on the improve. STONE COLD STUNNER (6) can’t be discounted bringing winning form and race-day fitness but there’s more depth to this race than last time. TUSKEGEE (7) will find this tough but could sneak into the top 4 – down in the weights and with the right run.
DA SILVER FLASH (5) got to the line okay in one of these races last start and this is easier. SHINES DISCREETLY (3) only won a moderate maiden but this isn’t significantly harder and can be competitive again. OPENSEA (2) would be vying for favouritism if able to produce his best but was very plain here 3 weeks ago. Take on trust. LYCO RECO (7) won at a similar trip 3 runs back but was subsequently disqualified. NICALBI (1) was poor in a harder race last start after having every chance in the run but there may have been an issue, with a tongue tie now being added.
AGADOO (2) could not have been any more impressive winning here two weeks ago. The one to beat. LITTLE EL (4) is rock hard fit dropping back in trip and looks the main danger. She was far too good over the 2000m and has had a 3 week freshen since. STOLLAWAY NED (3) is going well and bursting to win another race but this is tough. WOLF JUNIOR (1) brings winning form but needs to find a length or two to trouble the top pair.
