Launceston G3 TAB Launceston Cup $250,000 2400 metres
Etymology (New Approach {Ire}) is in outstanding touch and has hardly been tested in each of his last three wins, culminating in a Listed victory at Warwick Farm in the Australia Day Cup.
The James Cummings-trained gelding is proven at this trip and he’s a versatile customer, having won on good tracks and on rain-affected footing. He likes to race on the pace and barrier one will give him every opportunity to post four on the bounce.
Etymology
Fabrizio (High Chaparral {Ire}) finished third behind Etymology at Warwick Farm two runs back and is better off in the weights this time. He has since had a run in Melbourne where he placed in the Listed Torney Cup so he is rock-hard fit and a major player again.
Stamina is a trump card for the Danny O’Brien-prepared Second Bullet (Encosta de Lago) and he has a win and a placing at 2400 metres and promises to be competitive. Lamborghini (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}) is another who runs his races out well and a strong place chance.
The last-start G3 Hobart Cup winner Eastender (Tickets) has enjoyed the perfect preparation for this and along with Appmat (Matsqui) looks the best chance of a local victory.
Stablemates in prime order
Launceston G3 Armidale Stud Vamos S. $150,000 1400 metres
Scott Brunton seems to hold the whip hand in this with the in-form pair of Life On The Wire (Pluck {USA}) and I Remember You (Written Tycoon) very much at the top of their games.
The former will defend her title in the race off the back of an impressive resuming win in the G3 Bow Mistress S. She came from an outside barrier to master her rivals and has a much handier gate to work with on Wednesday.
I Remember You has won her last two in good style in easier company and looks ready to handle a step up in grade while Speedanova (Tough Speed) chased home Life On The Wire last time out so has obvious place prospects again.
She dead-heated for second on that occasion with Twitchy Frank (Choisir), who was formerly with disqualified trainer Darren Weir. The 4-year-old is lightly-tried and an excellent pick-up for Adam Trinder’s stable.
An upset would seem unlikely, although improvement can be expected from Gee Gee Lanett (Wordsmith). She finished fourth off a break in the Bow Mistress and should strip fitter for the outing.
Honest Victorian hard to roll
Launceston Listed Steve’s Liquor Mowbray S. $100,000 1600 metres
Chamois Road (Choisir) is one of the most genuine gallopers going around and Patrick Payne’s 6-year-old looks well-placed here to add to his admirable record.
The chestnut has won nine races and, remarkably, has picked up a cheque in every one of his 46 appearances. He was a Flemington winner three runs back and has since placed twice at stakes level.
Hellova Street (Helike {(USA}) is also in strong form for trainer Brunton and this company will hold no fears for him while stablemate Kenjorwood (Snippetson) is into the veteran class, but a last-start win showed he still had plenty to offer.
Staying filly in her element
Hastings G2 Little Avondale Stud Lowland S. NZ$100,000 2100 metres
Imelda Mary (NZ) has proved herself a leading light among the fillies over ground by bagging the G2 Royal S. and the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic, both at 2000 metres.
In between times, she was a close eighth in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic and back to a more suitable trip she can take another winning step toward next month’s G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks.
Sir Tristram placegetters Sentimental Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) and Queen Of Diamonds (NZ) (Savabeel) will renew their rivalry with Imelda Mary and with both looking good to be in the mix again.
Miss Labasa (NZ) (Swiss Ace) has the home track advantage and she also wasn’t far away in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic. She has since trialled well and had been unbeaten in three appearances before the Ellerslie feature.
Jakkalbomb (NZ) (Jakkalberry) hasn’t had the best of luck in her last two outings and she will run this trip better than most. Queen Of Diamonds’ stablemate Vee Cee (Canford Cliffs) closed well for sixth in the Listed Oaks Prelude at New Plymouth and looks a chance for those chasing better odds.
