After a thrilling night of competition, six quality heats for the Group 2 Launceston Cup have set the stage for an eagerly awaited final this Saturday night.

The stakes are high, with the final boasting a total prize pool of $90,000, with $60,000 for the victor.

The 'road to the final' held at Mowbray on Monday night saw standout performances from pre-post favourites Raider's Guide and Fast Minardi, who secured their places with victories in the initial two heats.

Notably, both greyhounds are also finalists for the 2023 Greyhound of the Year.  

Raider's Guide, coming off a recent triumph in the Group 3 Devonport Chase, stands to potentially claim a $25,000 bonus through the Triple Treat Connections Bonus if successful in the Launceston Cup.

This bonus program covers victories in the Hobart Thousand, Ladbrokes Chase and Launceston Cup. 

Trainer Paul Hili adds an intriguing element to the final with two littermates, Fast Minardi and Nitro Harvey, both securing spots.  

All eyes will now be on the Launceston Cup Final on Saturday night. 

Drawing the coveted inside two boxes, the Loira trainer will be confident on Saturday night in Launceston, where boxes 1 and 2 have triumphed in 37% of cup races (515 metres) since 2015.  

Saturday will also include the annual awards night dinner, which will celebrate Tasmania's leading trainer, owner and breeders (male and female).  

The awards night will also crown the 2023 Greyhound of the Year with finalists Fast Minardi, Raider's Guide and Rojo Diamond all vying for the accolade.  

Tasracing chief executive officer Andrew Jenkins said Saturday evening would be a wonderful celebration of racing in Tasmania both on and off the track.  

"The LGRC Ladbrokes Launceston Cup holds a special place in Tasmania's greyhound racing calendar and Tasracing commends all participants for their dedication with the stakes higher than ever," he said. 

"The Ladbrokes Triple Treat Connections Bonus adds an exciting dimension to the Launceston Cup, providing an opportunity for greyhound owners and trainers to reap additional rewards for their achievements across key racing events.  

"The LGRC Awards Night is a special occasion that honors the remarkable achievements of individuals and their greyhounds within our racing community. 

"It's a testament to the dedication and passion that participants bring to the sport and we look forward to celebrating their successes in the various categories."