Friday night racing returns to Launceston for the Ladbrokes Stakes program.

The rail is in the +5m position for the eight-race card, shifted out from +3m for the program nine days ago.

Fine weather is forecast.

Best Bet

Race 6 4. Skin in the Game

This is another test for Skin in the Game on the way to a potential Thomas Lyons berth in just over a fortnight. He’s been a revelation since arriving in the state, yet to miss the quinella in eight starts that include six wins. His performances suggest he’s well above average, including a first-up win at this track over a key rival, Magnaprime, when he raced wide without cover. I think with even luck, he’ll prove too classy again.

Next best

Race 1 – 1. Stone Cold Stunner

The in-form mare chases three on the bounce, the most recent a dominant front-running win on Devonport Cup Day. Stone Cold Stunner is a quality mare on her day, which she’s shown in much better company than 68 grade. Kirra-Lee Lane knows her well, and from an ideal draw she’ll settle handy to the speed, which is often the best place to be in Launceston.

Best roughie

Race 3 – 17. Nataldi

Nataldi gains a start as an emergency, and though she doesn’t have a jockey at the time of writing, my best guess is that it’s likely to be Jabez Johnstone. Her two runs this time in have been good, working to the line well behind Jenni the Cat, who has since won again, before being badly held up in the straight last time in a race that several of the runners here will come through. This is a race I’ve marked $5 the field and I’m happy to play some value, hoping that the cards fall into place.

Selections

Race 1: 1-5-3-4
Race 2: 1-7-3-2
Race 3: 17-5-1-9
Race 4: 1-6-11-5
Race 5: 2-3-1-6
Race 6: 4-3-1-2
Race 7: 9-3-7-4
Race 8: 4-2-1-6

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