The second meeting of the Launceston Night Season is on Friday night, with a nine-race card broadcast on free-to-air television on Racing.com.
The rail moves to +8m for the Entire 1200-WP, and +7m for the Remainder, from the +5m position for the return meeting nine days ago. A 4-5 rated surface is expected.
WOLF JUNIOR (2) has performed well at both runs this preparation and had no luck last start. FIERCE ’N FABULOUS (3) finished just out of the placings at Devonport but was given every chance. CELESTIAL GLOW (11) gets out to the 1400m for the first time and gives the impression the extra trip will suit. KNIGHTS REIGN (4) has drawn out but looks the likely leader and with the rail being so far out will be in it for a long way. FUEL ON THE FIRE (1) has an outside gate but recent form is good and with even luck can go close.
Staking Strategy: Wolf Junior looks primed third-up and probably should’ve won last start at Devonport. Celestial Glow is over the odds. 3 units to win WOLF JUNIOR (2). 1 unit to win CELESTIAL GLOW (11)
TOORAK LAD (4) caused his own problems resuming when unable to muster in the early stages but finished full of running and the extra 120m will suit. EZYDOIT (11) debuted well at Devonport over 1009m and the third-placed horse has since won well. RED WINTER (2) raced without a lot of luck on debut when well-supported beaten just over a length and is bound to be improved. SH’BOURNE RISING (9) hit the line well resuming then a complete forgive run last time pulling up with a slow recovery and has drawn for the right run. NOBLE (1) has trialled well and looks a likely improver. SH’BOURNE HIFLYER (8) makes her debut on the back of some solid trial efforts.
Staking Strategy: Hard to stand one out. Toorak Lad hit the line strongly resuming. Will concede a start again but the extra trip helps. 1 unit each-way TOORAK LAD (4).
SYMPHONY QUEEN (8) has drawn awkwardly but hit the line better than anything else when placed behind Sir William and is ready to win. SPINNER (5) is lightly raced and has been sent around at big odds at both starts but the last run had merit. UNFILTERED (7) has been beaten under a length at his last two outings but was given every chance on both occasions. TIMELY NEEDS (6) has a case resuming but will have to come from the outside barrier. JOCK ROCK (9) failed to fire last time when dropping back sharply in trip and can improve. SHINES DISCREETLY (2) comes through a moderate maiden and needs to find a length or two. SO VOGUE (3) comes here second up and was only plain resuming but will strip fitter.
Staking Strategy: Was keen on Symphony Queen last time and there’s no reason not to stick with her. The leader had it far too easy in front in the race that she contested here 10 days ago and she hit the line well. 3 units to win SYMPHONY QUEEN (8).
WHO’S IN DEV (3) is a very reliable mare and has trialled well for her return. KAKIA (1) has been competitive of late in stronger races and gets a handy 4kg claim. KIREINA MARUBRAH (4) is fit and always a chance at this level. THISISMYTURF (8) finds it hard to win but continues to race well and deserves a change of luck. SNOWDONIA (7) comes into this chasing back-to-back wins but there’s more depth here.
Staking Strategy: The favourite is easy to like but is well found. Kakia is down in grade and gets in well after the claim and should be thereabouts. 1 unit each-way KAKIA (1).
SKY EAGLE (8) returned to something like her best last start and will be hard to beat again. THEM’S THE BREAKS (9) was never going to be suited dropping back in trip but still ran well here 10 days ago. OUTSIDETHESQUARE (7) comes off a win in easier grade but there was a bit to like about the way she finished off the race and looks capable of taking the next step. HENLEY EXTREME (2) has a good record here and on recent efforts has to be included amongst the main chances. SIR JAG (1) has been up for a long time but keeps racing well. REGAL HUNTER (4) won over 2100m at Hobart but has had a freshen since and is proven here.
Staking Strategy: Sky Eagle has a liking for Launceston as she showed last start. Only slightly harder here and she can give a sight again at good odds. 1 unit each-way SKY EAGLE (8).
JUST PLAIN NUTS (1) led and weakened behind Alfarino but was 59 days between runs so expecting improvement off that run and gets some weight relief with the 3kg claim. GEEGEES MERCEDES (6) has an outside gate but brings sound recent form and with even luck won’t be far away. MISS LYRA (7) was solid on the speed last time in same grade at track and trip. SUPER SNIPPY (10) was never in the hunt at Devonport after blowing the start and can do better. CALIFORNIA FLYER (5) resumes and has drawn out but won his maiden here in good style from a similar gate. OUT OF THE SPHERE (3) was backed as if unbeatable at Devonport and won accordingly. Not discounting, but tougher here and has drawn awkwardly.
Staking Strategy: Low confidence race. Just Plain Nuts was heavily backed last start but was found wanting late. Has drawn well again and should improve off that run. 1 unit to win JUST PLAIN NUTS (1).
PRINCE OF KHATUN (6) resumes and clearly good enough but needs luck from the outside gate. ZANY GIRL (7) and MASTRETTA (10) both go close on best form and have trialled well for their return. GLORY MISSION (9) could not have been any more impressive winning first up at Devonport and although much harder here does map well and wouldn’t shock. ALPINE THUNDER (5) is fit and firing and comes off back-to-back wins in similar races. HARTMAN (1) never runs poorly but his synthetic form is superior to grass.
Staking Strategy: The return win of Glory Mission had plenty of merit and a repeat of that effort goes close. 1 unit to win GLORY MISSION (9).
BENEFITSOFMINE (2) was simply too good here 10 days ago despite being posted wide throughout and can win again. SOUTHERN AURORAS (4) has won 2 from 3 this preparation including a win over Benefitsofmine at Hobart. This is her first time at Launceston but she’s a good mare and rates highly. OZONICA (1) was an outstanding winner first up then failed second up when $1.20 favourite with no apparent excuses. In the mix but notably all 3 wins to date have been at Devonport. ARTILLERY FIRE (5) and FIGHTING FOR GOLD (6) are both capable when fresh.
Staking Strategy: There’s a bit of depth to this race. Benefitsofmine will take a power of beating again. He was a tough and impressive winner here last time after being posted wide throughout and there’s no reason he can’t go on with it. 2 units to win BENEFITSOFMINE (2).
JOHNNIE PINCH (3) has an excellent record at track and distance and with a senior rider engaged looks the hardest to beat in an even field. NATIVE CLAN (5) is racing well in similar company including an all the way win at Hobart 2 runs back. HAPPY CLAN (1) hasn’t won for more than a year but has been frequently around the mark. MERLIN BEACH (2) form ties in with Native Clan while AL MAXIMUS (4) will appreciate dropping in weight from 58.5 to 54.5 and rates a chance on recent form.
Staking Strategy: Johnnie Pinch hasn’t won since earlier in the year but this looks a very suitable assignment for him to bounce back to winning form. 3 units to win JOHNNIE PINCH (3).
