Matt Reid is a horse racing expert who delivers insight into all Tas Racing meets where he previews the entire card each week and gives you his betting strategy for every race.
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7th April
The final meeting for the season in Launceston will be run on Wednesday night, the track earning a break until October after the seven-race program.
There were originally nine races scheduled for Wednesday night, but a lack of acceptors forced the deletion of the 3YO handicap and benchmark 78.
The $30,000 Deloraine Community Tasmanian St Leger is the headline race on the program and it’s a race not lacking for any talent at the top end with two of the three placegetters from February’s Ladbrokes Launceston Cup engaged.
The rail is in the +9m 1200m-W/Post; +7m Remainder position, last used in the same spot on 3 March where it was difficult to win away from the inside.
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R2 Blair & Sons Sawmill Maiden, 1220m
NEV’S BOY (3) was three-wide for the trip on debut in a maiden that produced Essex who won on Good Friday. He should be better for the race experience. ZAHEELI (8) was forced to cover a bit of ground last start as well with that maiden also franked at the last Launceston meeting.
HEAVENS HEARTBREAK (5) was in the same race and generally improves into the campaign. TECHNO AWARDS (4) didn’t have much luck in the straight five days ago and probably runs top three if the breaks come. His two runs for Peter Luttrell have suggested he might at least have a maiden win in him down here.
Betting Strategy
I have Nev’s Boy, Zaheeli and Techno Awards as a clear top three in that order. Happy to side with the one I have on top given that early markets see things a bit differently.
BACK (WIN) – 2 units to win on Nev’s Boy (3)
R4 Jg Pest Control Class 1 Hcp, 1420m
MILITARY LAW (1) delivered trainer Peter Luttrell his first winner for the season in impressive fashion first-up. That race has produced some form, and this looks a nice progression point if he’s ready for the 1400m second-up. NEEDADOLLARBILL (2) was first home of quite a few that come via the Class 1 won by Azara.
CATCH ME PADDY (4) wasn’t far away there either and SELLICK (4) had heavy betting support in that race. GEE GEES PUNTER (5) has had some excuses at his past couple and placed from the same draw three starts ago. TERRIFIC TORRI (8) and LITTLE HOT MISSILE (6) will be running on if those from off the speed are afforded an opportunity.
Betting Strategy
I appreciate that Military Law is making the rise in class but I marked him a clear favourite in this field. He has the same queries rising in distance early in the prep that several of the other main dangers do, and he maps for a great run on the speed.
BACK (WIN) – 3 units to win on Military Law (1)
R6 Deloraine Community Tasmanian St Leger, 2150m
We would have had the Launceston Cup trifecta but Glass Warrior being scratched dashes that. SH’BOURNE RENEGADE (3) and WHITE HAWK (4) both went interstate and failed following the Cup, with connections happy to offer excuses for both performances. I thought Renegade was close to the run of the race in the Cup and the month between runs may not suit White Hawk who thrives on racing.
EXOTERIC (2) hasn’t raced since the Hobart Cup having been scratched from Launceston on Cup morning. He must be a fitness query as a result, but his best Tasmanian runs have clearly been when he’s gotten out over ground. CREATIVE HERO (5) was just a fitness run over 1400m and he warrants respect off his BM74 win over this distance where he carried 59kg. Both STORMONT (7) and SO ASTOUNDING (8) are in terribly at the weights given their ratings, but they dominated the market when they clashed in Hobart.
Betting Strategy
Pretty keen to be with Sh’bourne Renegade here who I think is one of the best bets on the program and I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts much shorter than the $3 being offered.
BACK (WIN) – 4 units to win on Sh’bourne Renegade (3)
R7 Tyson Family Benchmark 60 Hcp, 1620m
VIDEMANETTE (7) has bounced back to form and was rewarded with a dominant win in Hobart last start. She races well over the mile and broke her maiden status at this track. PHENOMENAL DANCER (5) was ridden very quietly five days ago but caught the eye hitting the line.
Back up in distance should suit her. SON OF FAITH (2) had every chance leading last start but was bloused by REANN’S DIAMOND (6) with BOGAN BILL (3) in third. Reann’s Diamond and Bogan Bill have since run again with neither suited on a day where it was impossible to win from off the speed. MAGIC KHAN (1) is tested out to the mile for the first time but is enjoying a good campaign and maps for a nice run from the draw.
Betting Strategy
I have Videmanette and Phenomenal Dancer as the two top picks and they can both be backed to finish the night.
BACK (WIN) – 3 units to win on Videmanette (7)
BACK (WIN) – 2 units to win on Phenomenal Dancer (5)
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