Launceston races preview & quaddie tips | Wednesday, February 22
| What | Launceston Cup Day |
| Where | Tasmanian Turf Club – Jellico St, Mowbray TAS 7248 |
| When | Wednesday, February 22, 2023 |
| First Race | 12:52pm AEDT |
The Group 3 Launceston Cup headlines the action at the Tasmanian Turf Club on a jam-packed 10-race program this Wednesday afternoon. Big fields and competitive racing are the theme of the day, and with a bit of luck we can help steer you into a few winners. Despite the Launceston track coming up a Soft 5 early in the week, warm days are forecast in the lead up to the meeting, so expect to start on a Good 4, with an upgrade to a Good 3 being likely. The massive day of racing commences at 12:52pm AEDT, with the rail out 3m the entire circuit.
Launceston Cup Tip: Spirit Ridge
Having had a torrid run in the Hobart Cup, we are hopeful the Annabel Neasham-trained Spirit Ridge can bounce back to form in the Group 3 Launceston Cup. The eight-year-old gelding was forced to travel three wide with no cover for the duration of the 2400m trip, which proved to be his downfall with 100m left after copping a stitch and weakening to third. Three runs back he comfortably disposed for subsequent Moonee Valley stakes winner Sword’s Drawn, and if he brings that type of form to the Cup, he should prove far too good for his rivals. Look for Blake Shinn to go forward on the son of Nathaniel and take up the running. If he gains a relatively quiet time of it out in front, we expect Spirit Ridge to prove too hard to gun down this time round.
Launceston Cup
Race 8 – 
#1 Spirit Ridge (12)
8yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Blake Shinn (59kg)
Vamos Stakes Top Tip: Queenborough Flyer
We were with the Sigrid Carr-trained Queenborough Flyer in the Bow Mistress Trophy, where she significantly weakened off a hot speed to finish close to last. Prior to that effort, she was a smart winner in the Lady Lynette at Hobart on January 22, where she settled midfield and charged home to bring up an impressive win. She returns to Launceston, a track she already has three wins at, and if Siggy Carr can have this Alpine Eagle mare settled midfield with cover, her turn of foot and her absolute best is more than capable of getting the job done in the Vamos Stakes. At $10 with online betting sites, we are happy to side with Queenborough Flyer in the last of the black-type events on Wednesday.
Vamos Stakes
Race 9 – 
#13 Queenborough Flyer (8)
4yo Mare | T: Sigrid Carr | J: Sigrid Carr (57kg)
Hellova Street Stakes Top Tip: The Inevitable
The Inevitable is the best horse going around in Tasmania and the fact we are getting $1.50 with online bookmakers is laughable. Scott Brunton’s seven-year-old gelding bought a fifth-straight win in the Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes on February 12 when deadset bolting in under a hold. This field is no harder and the rise to 1600m looks ideal at this stage in his preparation. He is on an All-Star Mile path this campaign, and another win on Wednesday would surely to gain him more votes towards the cause. From barrier six, David Pires will have this bloke settled midfield with cover, and when asked for an effort The Inevitable should be putting a gap on his rivals once again.
Hellova Street Stakes
Race 7 – 
#1 The Inevitable (6)
7yo Gelding | T: Scott Brunton | J: David Pires (59kg)
Best Bet at Launceston: Muscle Up
Adam Trinder’s Muscle Up was an impressive winner for us on February 10 at Hobart and showed us plenty to suggest he can go on with the job next time out. The three-year-old gelding settled up on speed on that day over 1200m and was doing his best work late to bring up an impressive win. He is yet to miss the quinella in his six career starts, and with Brendon McCoull sticking on board he looks a smart play once again. From barrier one, we anticipate the pair will settle on the heels of the leaders throughout, and when asked for an effort on the home turn, Muscle Up should do just that and prove too good for his rivals once again.
Best Bet
Race 5 – 
#2 Muscle Up (1)
3yo Gelding | T: Adam Trinder | J: Brendan McCoull (57.5kg)
Wednesday quaddie tips for Launceston Cup Day
Launceston quadrella selections
Wednesday, February 22, 2023
- 1
- 1-2-3-9
- 2-3-6-12-13
- 1-2-3-4
Investment: $80 for 100%