Punters are in for a big day with 10 races on the program as thoroughbred racing returns to Launceston this Sunday.
Field sizes are at capacity for most races with the rail in the +11m 1200m-W/Post; +7m remainder position.
The track looks in great order after over three months off with racing expected on a soft rated surface.
R1 Vale Dean Holland 2yo Hcp, 1220m
Thoros Of Myr (1) won well at Hobart over the summer carnival before pulling up with a slow recovery at his latest run then was tipped straight out. Has trialled particularly well in preparation for his return.GOLDEN MEADOW (3) has shown ability on the synthetic track and arguably could've been unbeaten to date after not enjoying the best of luck last start. Comes off a six week let-up and has trialled well in the interim recording the fastest time for the morning recently at Hobart. POPILITA (4) was competitive in the early season two-year-old events late last year. Her recent trial performances indicates she has come back in good order. ISLAND WARRIOR (5) didn't finish far away in the Gold Sovereign back in February and without the best of luck. That form holds her in good stead here. GEEGEEHAILSTORM (6) next best.
R2 Little Giant Homes Maiden, 1450m
Liked the recent performances of Steele My Sunshine (11) in Hobart. Drawn to advantage here and she should be right in the thick of things. One of her main dangers is the likely leader AUNTIE JAKE'S BAR (1) who is rock hard fit and racing consistently. The overall record of LOVE NEST (8) doesn't catch the eye at first glance but there are some runs of note that entitle her to plenty of respect here at her first start in Tassie. She has performed well fresh in the past and arguably was unlucky not to win first-up in January this year. The blinkers came off LOUD MOUTH (5) last outing and he finished his race off strongly behind the well supported Rue De Palais. The extra trip here will suit. I'M VERY HAPPY (7) tackled a Class 1 race last outing and acquitted herself very well. This obviously an easier assignment and has claims. Next best PASS US BY (9) and LONDIANI (4).
R3 Jkb Racing Maiden, 1450m
It was hard not to be impressed by the return run of Aussie Warrior (1). He made enormous ground behind Rue De Palais in Hobart a fortnight back on a day where it was very hard to do so. He's the one to beat. CAPTAIN CAM (2) hasn't missed the top four in all of his four starts and deserves to break through. First time away from the synthetic for him. OZTURK (10) probably would've won on debut if he'd held the lead. Can make amends here. MAY WE ALL (4) has been close up at his last couple. Small field will suit his run-on style. HATHAWAY (8) is very one-paced. May find a length or two with Newitt engaged but would need to. PUMA (5) and FALCULA (6) next best.
R4 Australian Trainers Association Class 1 Hcp, 1450m
Saxon Mist (9) was disappointing at Devonport last week but prepared to give another chance. Dropping back to the 1450m a plus and the blinkers go on. Main threat is CREATIVE LICENCE (1) who was only narrowly denied victory a fortnight back. He hasn't missed the top two since arriving from the mainland and has enough early speed to offset his wide alley. FLYING TO PARIS (4) got into an awkward spot last outing and never recovered. Was placed behind Bello Beau over this trip last year. VANITY STAR (3) backed up his maiden win with a luckless effort behind Berserker in a Class 1 at Hobart. Will need better luck this time around but can win. DUTCH ACTION (6) should've finished closer last start and has first four claims at least.
R5 Carrick Plate, 1220m
Can make a case for four or five of them. Bold Instinct (4) had excuses last start when he resumed and was definitely a forgive run. Can bounce back here. CORNELIAN BAY (1) has been impressive of late winning his last two on the synthetic. Doubt we've seen the best of him yet. JUST A NEEDS (5) best efforts have been over more ground but expecting she'll sprint well. Stablemate ALVARINHO (3) has drawn awkwardly and ideally suited further but she's too good to discount. Wouldn't be shocked if ROYAL AND TOUGH (2) gave this a shake.
R6 A1 Horse Transport Class 1 Hcp, 1220m
There's little separating Rue De Palais (3) and PRINCESS MATOAKA (4). The former was well supported when he resumed in Hobart a fortnight back and was never in any danger. He did tire a bit late so sure to have derived benefit. Leads here again and the mare PRINCESS MATOAKA (4) maps to get on his back. She finally (and deservedly) got her maiden out of the way last time in. Resumes here and she's a key player. RIGOLETTO (1) was off the track at his only run since arriving from the mainland and has trialled particularly well since. Newitt on & tongue tie on may spark improvement. PUNK PRINCESS (11) ran well in a tougher race than this last start and can run first four. GRAPHITE MIST (8) defied the market in Hobart two weeks back and finished close-up over 1100m. Was an on-pace though so a bit wary of stamping that form at this stage.
R7 Deloraine Hotel Deloraine Cup, 1450m
Tough race to kick off the quaddie. A number of these runners come through the race won by Johnny Chutzpah (10) over 1200m a fortnight ago. He was well and truly back to his best that day after a couple of sub-par performances. Can go close again. MANDELA EFFECT (2) hit the line late behind him. Sure to appreciate the 1450m. AND BEYOND (9) hasn't won for sometime but thought he did enough when he resumed behind Alpine Wolf to put him in contention. Just needs to jump cleanly with the blinkers back on. RISING LIGHT (4) went to a new level last time around. Can see him running well fresh. DARK WANDERER (5) next best.
R8 Braeside Park 0 - 62, 1450m
Hellot (7) has his foot on the till hitting the line well at his last two outings in stronger company than this. MR FREEZE (1) was well backed on resumption but couldn't get into the race at any stage. Prepared to overlook that run as the race was totally on-pace dominated. WANE'S QUEST (3) should be at peak fitness fourth-up today. Will lead and has claims. BLUSHED (9) and TERRACOTTA (10) were on face value disappointing last outing but the wind was up that day and rather be forgiving. Expecting better performances from both. RAVAGE (4) is capable of sharp improvement in this type of race .Wasn't terrible last start despite being beaten seven lengths.
R9 R.f. Fergusson Bm68 Hcp, 1620m
It's hopefully a case of third time lucky for the connections of Carneros (11). Couldn't get clear last time and prior was off the track all the way, both in good form races. Stablemate AZARA (10) likely to provide strong opposition fourth up & returns to a track where she has an outstanding record. Has only missed the top three once in 11 starts at this venue. GEEGEES HISWORD (8) is right in the mix. He's fit and in form. KING ISLAND (9) was a bit of a headscratcher last outing on the back of a very good win prior. Right in contention if he can rebound. UBRIACO (4) has some claims but prefer the others. One to keep safe for exotics is METAVERSE (12). Beaten a long way last outing but the saddle shifted, possible improver.
R10 Blair Sawmill / Guy Newitt Memorial Bm60 Hcp, 1120m
Fairy Magic (3) top pick in a tough race to end the day. If she's right she's the one to beat despite gate 1 possibly not being ideal this late in the program. MCSWEYN (6) was beaten by the barest possible margin on resumption. Freshened up for this and does perform well at this venue. ETOSHA (11) is very fit and is in the mix. Not much went right for OUR SHINKANSEN (8) last start. Prior efforts were good and measure up to this. TILTHEREWARSYOU (9) was an easy winner in good time last start but did have the right run. COPPER CHARM (2) has a task from a wide draw and 61kg. TITLE SHOT (7) on his best form would be in contention but that was a while back.
