Racing
Staking Strategy: Launceston - Wednesday, 4th March 2026
Launceston night racing resumes with an eight-race card on Wednesday, the first meeting following the conclusion of the Tasmanian Summer Racing Festival.
The weather forecast is good, and the rail moves out to +9m 1200m-W/Post, +7m Remainder, after being at +3m for Cup Day a week ago.
R1 Ladbrokes Hosted Pots 2yo Maiden, 1120m
MOMENTSLIKETHESE (5) isn't a hard horse to find having been placed at all four starts behind the unbeaten Aristopolos. She deserves to start a very warm favourite. ZHAVRAFROST (6) is well bred and has trialled up nicely, clear second pick. TAKE THE RISK (2) and BEWICKED (4) have trialled only fairly. ALL INTRIQUE (3) couldn't get near them on debut.
Staking Strategy: Momentslikethese has run well every start and with Aristopolos out of the picture she gets her chance to break through. 6 units to win Momentslikethese (5).
R2 Ladbrokes Big Bets Copy Now Maiden, 1220m
Kion's Kingdom (3) has hardly been tested winning both his trials. He looks to have nice ability. ALPINE WHISKEY (1) maps to lead and with the rail being out a long way will be hard to run down. UNA PALOMA BLANCA (11) had a task from the outside gate at Hobart but ran well in a race that was dominated on speed. WOOLCLASSER (7) has his share of talent and has gone close to breaking through on a couple of occasions. Strips fitter for the first up run. MONCLERE (4) always goes around under the odds but has first 4 claims.
Staking Strategy: The top 4 in the market all have a case. The good odds about the first starter Kion's Kingdom have been snapped up. On his trial form he should go close. 1 unit to win KION'S KINGDOM (3).
R3 Ladbrokes Mega Multi Maiden, 1420m
Specimen (4) was doing best work late on debut and might be able to settle handier here stepping out to the 1420m. TEAM HEIST (7) found the 1100m too sharp resuming but improvement won't shock getting out to this trip and with blinkers going back on. ROYAL SCENE (6) was close‑up in similar contest last time, and the Bad Alibi race the run prior has produced multiple winners. SH'BOURNE POWER (3) and DANDIROSE (5) relished the extra ground at Hobart coming from the rear at the 600 and finishing off strongly. This is a very similar race.
Staking Strategy: Specimen was solid on debut and looks well suited stepping out in trip. 1 unit to win SPECIMEN (4).
R4 Ladbrokes Popular Srm Class 1 Hcp, 1220m
ARTILLERY FIRE (6) was only narrowly beaten in a similar race last start. Excellent record at this track and distance. Celtic Rose (3) drops sharply in grade. Recent form reads very well. Maps perfectly. BAD ALIBI (8) did a good job to finish as close she did last start after the saddle slipped and the rider lost the irons. MOONGLOW MISS (14) has trialled okay but her form is difficult to line up. The stable has had some previous success with these King Island horses so may pay to keep an eye on the betting. GEEGEES DOWNPOUR (4) concedes a start as always but has a case if the breaks fall his way. OLIVE GIRL (9) next best.
Staking Strategy: Celtic Rose gave a good account in a much tougher race last start and looks awfully hard to beat back in this grade. 2 units to win CELTIC ROSE (3).
R5 Ladbrokes Racing Extras In Multi Class 3 Hcp, 1420m
Beneficiary (1) is progressing nicely through the grades and arguably should be unbeaten. Excels this track and distance. GEORGARONI (2) has the right form to challenge Beneficiary but has drawn awkwardly and is yet to prove himself around here. BERSERKER (3) is having a good preparation. A tough watch for those that were on him last start at the big odds. CARNELIAN ROCK (6) wasn't far away in an easier race last start but wins are few and far between. LAUNNIE NIGHTS (7) next best.
Staking Strategy: Beneficiary keeps improving with racing and can measure up again in stronger company. 2 units to win BENEFICIARY (1).
R6 Ladbrokes Owners Promotion Maiden/class 1, 2150m
WOLF JUNIOR (4) drops sharply in grade and is sure to have plenty of supporters. A 2.6 length defeat in the Derby reads well for a race of this nature. Bright Night (11) has claims if she can secure a start. Has been outclassed at her past few. There was very little between CARNOTAURUS (5), ALPINE HONEY (1) and TIDEFORD (3) when they crossed the line at Hobart. They can all race on the speed which will be no disadvantage with the rail out 9m. WHOLESOME (10) should be ready now fourth run back. Was luckless here 2 runs ago. MERLIN BEACH (8) hasn't drawn well but the rise in trip looks suitable.
Staking Strategy: Wolf Junior deserves to be favourite but is short enough. Bright Night is the value runner. Has been well beaten in harder races lately but will find this more to her liking. 3 units each-way BRIGHT NIGHT (11).
R7 Ladbrokes Top 2/3/4 Betting Benchmark 68 Hcp, 1220m
Mastretta (3) got shuffled back and gave too much start here last outing. She ran on very well and the extra 120m is in her favour. Popilita (4) has options from barrier one either leading or box seating and will find this easier than her last couple. This is her right level. MAKE A DECISION (2) was held up at a key stage in the race won by GOLDEN MEADOW (6) on Cup day. This is a similar race. STREET DIVA (5) won here 2 starts ago and has a case again from the good gate. GEE GEES ME BOY (7) has a better record at Hobart but is racing well.
Staking Strategy: Mastretta the one to beat. Popolita is worth a saver at the good odds. 3 units to win MASTRETTA (3) and 1 unit to win Popilita (4).
R8 Ladbrokes Odds Surge Benchmark 68 Hcp, 1620m
Night Invader (2) had a few excuses in the Sydeston Cup and though never going to win the beaten margin was unfair. Had almost 5 weeks off since that run and can be competitive fresh. THE TRINE (3) got too far out of his ground last time after striking trouble at the start but finished off soundly. This is an easier assignment. The knock is that he's deep into the prep. MONTEZULU (5) keeps racing well in benchmark 60 grade. More depth here but enjoys some nice weight relief. ALPINE BLAST (6) gets a better map than last start when drew 14 of 14. DESIGNER DREAMER (8) is capable on his day but is battling to find form. Has been given time between runs so improvement would not shock. ROYAL DISPATCH (4) strung together a couple of good runs in January, including a win at this track & trip, but has struggled of late to recapture that form.
Staking Strategy: Several have claims. The Trine is short enough. Night Invader is a dual track‑and‑trip winner, should take holding out. 1 unit to win NIGHT INVADER (2) .
Check out the latest South African News