Midweek tips from our form expert to all PlayUp subscribers, on what should be an unreal day of midweek racing. The feature is the ten race card from Launceston, including the Group 3 Launceston Cup, Mowbray and Vamos Stakes, and the 3yo classic.
Sandown R1 #2 Bellinger $2.00 at PlayUp – Third up here and coming off a very gallant second place last start, in what turned out to be an unsuitably run race. He sat back in the field and was forced to make a very wide run on the turn, hit the front only to be nailed late on the line. Third up now to 1500m should be absolutely ideal, and with a bit more speed on paper here that will also suit well. D Lane takes the reigns and this looks pretty weak maiden.
Sandown R5 #9 Vitosha $10.00 at PlayUp – Keen on an each way play here for Vitosha, in what looks to be a very competitive class one event over the 1500m. The last start 4th for this horse was extremely unlucky, blowing the start and losing a plate in running. She was forced to weave a passage through to the finish line, and although never had completely clear running she managed to finish in the fastest last 600 and 400m sectionals of the race. Fourth up now and peak fit, she will have an option to go forward or back from the widest barrier and looks as though has been missed by the market.
Sandown R6 #5 Harmony Nation $4.60 at PlayUp – This midweek BM64 might just come a bit too early for this horse, but at the price he just has to be a bet. Only with the two career starts, his last start maiden win at Donald showed the signs of what could be a very impressive stayer. He got back in the field, held up on the home turn, finally got wide and let down very well to win. He has this amazing long stride on him which should really suit the 1800m here at Sandown, and with obvious natural progression he looks the horse that is on the up. He will be back and wide again here, and if he has improved mentally since last start could be a big threat.
Sandown R7 #4 Dynamic Duo $4.60 at PlayUp – Massive fan of the way that this horse returned last start, with a 4th at Ballarat over 1000m in equal grade. He settled last in running, in a race where the first three horses in running finished in that order, but Dynamic Duo worked home in the fastest last 600, 400 and 200m sectionals of the entire meeting. Second up and fitter, sticks to 1000m and finds a race here with more expected tempo which will really help. He seems to have returned this prep in very good order, and has an ability or fitness edge over key rivals here.
Gosford R6 #9 Stunning To Win $9.00 at PlayUp – This 3yo filly is on debut here, and assuming it is coming off the back of an unfortunate injury layoff or something of the sort. She had two trials at this exact time last year, and looked to be a very smart 2yo. She then was unsighted until only a few weeks ago, returning to the trials again. She has had two trials leading into this debut run, and although they weren’t as sharp as her ones a year back, she still could hold some talent and at the double figure price it would be rude not to find out. Barrier one a massive advantage, clearly thrives in the softer going, and is an each way hope.
