Racing
Midnight strikes in Flinders Island Cup
Trainer Shaun Nichols thinks lightly raced six-year-old Sh’bourne Midnight is ready to take on the state’s best after victory in the Interstate Hotel Flinders Island Cup Class 6 (1420m) in Launceston on Friday night.
The victory by the son of Alpine Eagle and Sh'bourne Kahlua was the sixth of his career, to go with seven minor placings from just 14 starts.
"He's got ability, and I like to space his runs," said Nichols.
"That seems to work so far, every three or four weeks give him a run, and so far so good."
Dual premiership-winning rider Anthony Darmanin had Sh'Bourne Midnight settled midfield with cover, with a genuine tempo set in front by race favourite Lovin' Bev ($2.35).
Turning for home, it became apparent that the chasing pack would pick up the leader, with Sh'bourne Midnight forced to hold off a gallant challenge from Adachi ($9.50), and Lovin' Bev stuck on for third.
Sh'bourne Midnight has now won five times over the 1400m distance, providing his trainer with a guide as to which races he might target over the Ladbrokes Summer Racing Festival.
"I've started looking at better races," Nichols said with a wry grin.
"I've got to talk to my mentor Bill Ryan (Hall of Fame trainer) and just see where we're at, but without talking to Bill, maybe the Conquering (1400m WFA)."
Ladies dominate under the Launceston lights
Premiership leading jockey Erica Byrne Burke continued her outstanding form with a winning treble and was joined by Codi Jordan and apprentice Sam Kennedy as riding multiple winners on the eight-race card.
Byrne Burke bookended the program with wins aboard Celtic Rose ($2.10) and Skelmorlie ($2.25) for trainer Adam Trinder, along with a win for Rowan Hamer on Quicken Up ($5.50) in a BM64 (1120m).
Trainer Glenn Stevenson and Codi Jordan had a race-to-race double, securing wins in the front half of the card with Henley Extreme ($3.80) and Blameitontheboogie ($2.25).
Blameitontheboogie was particularly impressive, winning a class 1 (1220m), and is now unbeaten from two starts.
"I still think of him as a big baby, but he's got plenty of ability," said Codi Jordan on the four-year-old who won his maiden in Devonport back in June.
Sam Kennedy was aboard for the blowout result of the evening, scoring on The Pirate Queen ($26) for Terry Evans in a 3yo maiden (1220m). Kennedy later added another win with Original Glaze ($4.80) for Kelvin Hamilton, to move ahead of Jabez Johnstone in the lead on the Tasmanian Apprentice Premiership table.
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