2015 Group 2 Launceston Cup semi-final tips & betting preview
THREE semi-finals of the Group 2 Launceston Cup will be run and won on Monday night with first and second plus the two fastest thirds progressing through to the following week's $40,000-to-the-winner final on February 16.
1st: $3,070 2nd: $875 3rd: $435.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Semi Final One
There appears to be only two genuine winning chances in this semi and in reality Secret Spell should just gap them. Last week she had her first look at the track and after stepping well she reeled off explosive sectionals before stopping the clock in an eye popping 29.59. She is drawn on the other side of the track tonight which is a small concern but she has won from this draw previously and with an ounce of luck she should win by panels.
Breaker's Tip is the local star and he has won four of five over this track and trip. From the red he should be able to push through and go with the favourite in the early stages, however I dont think he will be able to match her mid race, he does look a moral for the quinella spot though.
Bain's Lane has a heap of talent but he is always hampered by his poor box manners. If he misses it away again tonight he should be able to find the rail early and he could push through into a prominent spot mid race.
Gemstone Jack rounds out the place hopes, he has a great record here and he will be very strong in the run home.
Top Four: 8 – 1 – 6 – 7
1st: $3,070 2nd: $875 3rd: $435.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Semi Final Two
Looks to be a fairly even race but I think the middle division will dominate the race. Waymore Blues was placed in sizzling time in his heat and on that occasion he looked a little lost at the first corner. He should be able to follow the blue across in the early stages and I expect him to then get away mid race. He has the class edge and with a clear run he should salute.
Brad Hilly Billy was enormous when placed behind Secret Spell here last week, he is normally a fair beginner but he does muster speed at a rate of knots and if he turns in a similar performance to last week he will take a power of beating. The only thing that concerns me tonight is that he is awkwardly drawn and he does take a couple of strides to wind up.
Sing The Song is suited by the wide draw and she should run a nice race at big odds, I dont think she can win but she is a must for the exotics.
One Dee rounds out the chances, she was an impressive heat winner last week and she should be in the mix for most of the journey again.
Top Four: 5 – 6 – 7 – 4
1st: $3,070 2nd: $875 3rd: $435.
No.NameFormBestTrainer
Semi Final Three
Ride The Rails is an absolute beast and with a little luck in the early stages he should win in convincing style. He was recently placed in the Hobart Thousand and Warragul Cup finals and he capped off a great stretch with a blistering 29.67 heat win last week. He is suited by the wide draw and there isn't a whole lot of speed around him, he really should get the cash easily.
Senor Slamma has the good draw and he wasn't disgraced in his heat placing, from the red he has a great chance to hold them out early and he is a different chaser when on the bunny.
Lillycette is airborne at present and her three wins at this track have all been around the 29.70 mark. I'm a little concerned about the pace on her outside but if she steps cleanly she should give the favourite something to think about.
Top Four: 6 – 1 – 7 – 2