Night racing returns to Launceston on Friday, the first meeting back at the track since 10 December.

The rail is true, and with warm weather in Launceston throughout the week, the track is likely to be in the good range.

Best Bet

Race 1 – 1. Aristopolos

Short and sweet to start the night. Aristopolos was an impressive winner of the only 2yo race in Tassie this season, a win that got better and better as the night went on, as the track bias became apparent. He meets the same field, except for a couple of first starters who bring moderate trial form. He’s a big horse that shouldn’t be slowed by the 59kg. Around $1.60 is fair.

Next best

Race 2 – 10. Redair

The second appears to be a race between Bad Alibi and Redair. I’ll side with the slightly better value in Redair. She was scratched from a Devonport Cup Day maiden to run here, and she trialled recently against Gladding, who was an impressive winner on that Wednesday card. I think she can find the front here, which I expect to be an advantage on the night.

Best value

Race 3 – 6. Favourite Deputy

Our cards will be marked early on Friday night with a play in the first three races. Favourite Deputy had excuses on debut, he jumped well but was then dragged back and had trouble finding clear racing room until it was all said and done. He’s drawn well here, and he’ll carry 2kg less with the claim for Lauren Burke. His form ties in with the favourite Vortistar and I think they should be much closer in the market.

Selections

Race 1: 1-4-7-2
Race 2: 10-9-5-3
Race 3: 6-8-7-1
Race 4: 6-5-8-9
Race 5: 3-2-4-11
Race 6: 7-9-8-10
Race 7: 6-4-1-5
Race 8: 6-5-3-2

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