Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - STRATOJACK (5) drifted back from a poor draw last start but wasn't beaten far. The fifth run in a debut prep may suggest there isn't a lot of improvement to come, but this is a winnable race. 1400m looks more suitable for BUEL (1) who worked home solidly over 1100m first up in Hobart. AGNETE (6) had market support at her first start for Glenn Stevenson and may be worth another chance with visiting hoop Liam Riordan taking the ride. TENESSINE (11) will strip fitter for a first up run over 1200m where she wasn't beaten far. Craig Newitt didn't have a lot of success at the meeting here last Wednesday when favourite for the jockey challenge. ROCKIERRO (3) is limited but has run his best races over this distance.
RACE 2 - ADA WAY (1) has his hoof on the till, now placing in six of nine career starts, including last time out, where he was beaten by one who had a softer run. Wide draw, but expect him to work across and settle on the speed. OXY BOLT (5) did just that last time but was wide without cover for the trip. Up to 1400m will suit him from a much softer barrier. GIE IT LALDY (7) gave plenty of cheek in front on debut, with the trifecta spacing the rest. She's up to 1400m with a month between runs which may be some query. HILARITY (11) was no match for the winner when she returned, given a great ride there by Darmanin. She draws to do little work again. RAFAEL'S RAID (3) has a senior rider for the first time and will be up on speed with the benefit of the inside draw.
RACE 3 - HYPERCUBE (9) had little go right at her first run in the state and can have her last start second franked in the previous race. She will push forward along with MISS KEEDS (10) who draws the other side of the track. She comes via a Hobart race run in track record time with enormous margins back through the field. WHAT'S NEW PUSSYCAT (11) went into black books after her debut run here and was subsequently tested in better company at her second start. She's still learning what it's about and has the blinkers coming off. NOXIOUS (5) resuming following a winning trial and looks a fair chance.
RACE 4 - HAPPY CLAN (3) overcame a pretty tough run and a big market drift resuming, finishing just behind subsequent winner Londiani. The stable is in form, and he looks well-placed. Forgive the run of GEEGEES DOWN SOUTH (7) here last week, who was spat out the back after receiving a check near the home turn. PRINCESS TINA (10) has had market support from big prices recently and the runs have been solid. BATTLE AWARD (13) is likely to be giving a big start away despite the blinkers going on but does look better suited at this distance than the 1200m of last start. BELLANIVE (14) did enough resuming in a race where the winner demolished the field and she draws well with Anthony Darmanin taking the ride.
RACE 5 - THESPIAN WATERS (3) has always carried a spruik and displayed what the hype is about when breaking his maiden status last start. He'll land in a good spot but is having his first start on the Launceston track where most of his main dangers have raced here previously. Punters nailed the market on BINE (12) last time who was favourite in a deep class 1, defeating D'ORO STAR (6) who covered far more ground in the run. Barrier draws this time around suggest their runs may be reversed. Last season's 2YO of the year NEEDS SUGAR (2) disappointed as favourite behind Thespian Waters in Hobart, but the tongue tie going on alludes to an issue that day.
RACE 6 - FURNEAUX (2) resumes here for a stable that had particular success with runners off a break in Hobart last Sunday. He's yet to race away from home and does have an awkward barrier to contend with. CHEROKEE DANCER (5) interestingly lines up here instead of the 3YO Cup, despite making quite the impression as a late season 2YO. SISTINE (7) was a bit plain last time as a well-supported favourite and has the blinkers going on to try and spark her. She was good at this track in defeat first-up. EASTCOAST MISS (9) was given a chance by the market last time to defeat some of the key hopes in the $125,000 3YO feature. She could never get into the race from near the rear, and it may be worth forgiving that performance. CHAMPAGNE CINDERS (8) draws wide but is a speedy type who is suited over 1100m.
RACE 7 - The feature of the night sees a new wave of sprinters getting a chance to win a big race, given The Inevitable didn't accept. REBEL FACTOR (4) won a Longford trial in good time last week and has always shown the promise to win a race like the Newmarket. He'll be giving a start away from the draw and will need a good Newitt ride. ALPINE WOLF (5) trialled behind him last week and finished third in this race last year. He has a good trailing draw and broke the 1009m Devonport track record when he resumed in winter. TURK WARRIOR (3) didn't trial as quickly as key rivals last week, trainer Glenn Stevenson alluding to the potential for improvement. As a result, the market may provide a good lead. FIRST ACCUSED (6) was favourite in this race last year and has seemingly lost his way since then. It's challenging to assess the Goodwood form from Hobart, given a bunched finish and long-priced winner. JAGUAR STONE (13) maps to circle the field but does have a turn of foot and could be a knockout.
RACE 8 - SHARMA'S LAST (1) was scratched here a couple of weeks ago, where he had some support after opening $2.50 in another 1400m contest. He looks like a real talent and Byrne Burke being able to claim 2kg on this program is particularly useful. CONUNDRUM (9) is going through the grades; this is his biggest test after two impressive wins. He's been smashed in betting in both, so it will be interesting to see if that trend continues. GEEGEELUCKYSTAR (2) was a winner at the track and distance last time in easier grade, but some form has come from those behind that night. GEE GEE CAN WIN (7) has been settling back off slow tempos and finishing well. McCoull has a good record on him. ETHICAL DILEMMA (6) has had a mixed campaign but gives the impression a win isn't far away.
RACE 9 - VINTAGE DIESEL (3) won back-to-back Launceston staying races before having his win streak snapped by METAVERSE (1) in Hobart. There repeatedly hasn't been much between them throughout the campaign. I'M SO COOL (4) had market support in the same race and didn't have a lot of peace in front despite the small field. He has a significant weight swing with Taylor Johnstone claiming 3kg on the program. MONTE FLEUR (5) was well-supported up in class here last week and didn't have a lot of luck at key stages. REWARD FOR ROSIE (7) led that race and was only grabbed in the shadows of the post.
