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Matt Reid’s best bets for Launceston Cup Day (26/02)
Matt Reid • February 26th, 2025 11:50 am
The 24/25 Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival draws to a close on Wednesday with the running of Ladbrokes Launceston Cup Day.
It’s the best thoroughbred card for the year, with the Group 3 Cup, joined by the Vamos Stakes at Group 3 level, and the Listed Gold Sovereign and Hellova Street Stakes.
The rail moves to +3m after being in true on Friday night for the Oaks, and fine weather is forecast.
Best bet
Race 1 – 5. Hartfelt
A $15 chance on debut, Hartfelt ran third to Snowdonia and Geegeehailstorm, who have both franked that form. He was much shorter at his second start, when the speed horses were knocked off by one that peeled off their back. Damian Lane takes the ride here, and I’d expect him to be up on the pace and get favourite punters off on the right note.
Next best
Race 2 – 12. Dubai Affair
Damian Lane has a very strong book in Launceston, and I think he’ll be winning the first two races, both for Adam Trinder. Dubai Affair hasn’t raced for six weeks where she was smashed in betting, led at a very fast clip and was beaten by Gems Eagle, who has since won a class 1. Blinkers go on for the drop back to 1200m, and this Cup Day Tasbred bonus race looks like a target for the Trinder stable, who could have a big day.
Best value
Race 5 – 3. Mastretta
It looks a tough program to pot many favourites, but the 3YO Classic is one where I’m looking past those at the head of the market. Mastretta was slow out in the 3YO Cup when fourth behind Ms Tasmania and Magnaprime, two horses she meets again here. Connections have since been patient with her, taking her to the 3YO Trophy before a let-up and a soft kill at class 1 level. Most of the opposition has been up a while, and I think patience can be rewarded with a good Newitt steer from an awkward alley.
Selections
Race 1: 5-13-4-14Race 2: 12-11-8-15Race 3: 5-6-4-3Race 4: 4-1-2-7Race 5: 3-2-7-1Race 6: 7-4-6-2Race 7: 13-6-10-2Race 8: 1-3-2-8Race 9: 6-2-1-3Race 10: 5-2-7-6
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