A strong field including a bunch of horses hoping to qualify for the Launceston Cup will line up in the Sydeston Cup (2150m) in Launceston, Friday night.

The $50,000 race carries a golden ticket for the winner into the $250,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup to be run over 2400m on February 25.

With the rail out 8 metres for Friday night’s meeting, the field maximum is 11 and one of those lucky enough to sneak into the race could be a major player.

With a benchmark of 71, Johnnie Pinch is the lowest rated horse outside the emergencies, but the 5yo has found form at recent runs and is lining up for a hat-trick of wins.

At his most recent run, Johnnie Pinch lumped 59.5kg to win over 2100m in BM60 company, which followed a win over 1600m in a BM68.

Johnnie Pinch has always shaped as a stayer, and his five career wins sit between 1600m and 2200m. He tends to race best when able to lead and should get that chance on Friday night.

Although he has drawn barrier nine, if the emergencies don’t get a start, he will jump from barrier six, which should allow him to comfortably take up a forward position.

“Erica (Byrne Burke) will ride him. On his last run, I think it was a lot better than people think. He was pressured up front all the way and carried a fair bit of weight, and most of it was led,” trainer John Keys said.

Byrne Burke was aboard Johnnie Pinch when he won two starts back. At his last run, connections opted for 3kg apprentice Sam Kennedy.

If Byrne Burke can be successful, she will be the first jockey to win two races on Johnnie Pinch; He has had a different rider in each of his five wins.

Byrne Burke, who is leading the race for the jockeys’ premiership, has a strong book with rides in seven of the eight races.

Last year’s Launceston Cup winner Distrustful Award heads the weights with 59kg. He will be having his third start this campaign after finishing unplaced in the Longford Cup (1800m) and WFA Summer Cup (2200m).

Kaliuwaa Falls, Ashy Boy, Fast Thinker and Night Invader all look to be strong contenders in what should be an interesting race.

Racing gets underway at 18:08. The Sydeston Cup is race six at 20:38. Watch all the action on Tasracing Live and Sky Thoroughbred Central with Colin McNiff hosting the coverage.