One of Tasmania’s biggest race days of the year has arrived with the 2026 Launceston Cup Day on Wednesday afternoon.

It’s a packed 10-race card, including the Group 3 Vamos Stakes and Listed Hellova Street Stakes on the support card.

The rail moves out to +3m after being at the true position on Friday night, and a good track is expected with fine weather forecast.

See the best bets from Matt Reid, courtesy of Tasracing.com.au.

Best bet

Race 5 – 3. Perspiration

It took a few Tasmanian starts, but we saw the real Perspiration last time out in Hobart. A 2024 NSW Listed winner with Ciaron Maher, Perspiration dashed past a strong field in Hobart last time, aided by a gun ride by Jake Noonan. That form is expected to stack up with Mazzini, a short favourite later in the day. Magnaprime is a false favourite in this race for mine, and there has to be some query on whether he even takes his place after running over 1400m on Friday night.

Next best

Race 7 – 7. Durazzo

Durazzo will relish a return to Launceston, where he’s won seven of eight, including this race last year. He was brave in defeat in the Thomas Lyons; little went right, and he still gave Steparty all he could handle. I agree with the market sentiment that those two are the clear top two, and I think with even luck, Durazzo will turn the tables.

Best Value

Race 1 – 6. In Your Dreams

Happy to side with the debutants in the opening race, with the exposed brigade having had plenty of chances. In Your Dreams has run into a couple of handy horses in both of her trials but has been given a very soft time of it on each occasion. She’s drawn low with stable apprentice Jabez Johnstone aboard, and I think she’s worth an each-way play.

Selections

Race 1: 6-8-3-11
Race 2: 14-7-8-13
Race 3: 2-4-5-7
Race 4: 6-8-12-2
Race 5: 3-5-1-4
Race 6: 1-6-10-8
Race 7: 3-1-4-5
Race 8: 12-3-7-13
Race 9: 2-1-6-9
Race 10: 2-5-1-11

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