Paul Snowden is counting on Launay’s consistent fresh record and his soundness as key factors for the sprinter in the Group Three Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield.
Launay has never been the easiest horse to train in the Darley operation but Snowden says his days of carrying niggling injuries into his campaigns are behind him.
“Launay’s a horse that has had a lot of injuries over the years but he’s very sound (now),” Snowden, assistant trainer to his father Peter, said.
“His last preparation was probably his best prep for a long while and that’s due to the fact how sound he is.
“For a horse getting on in years and who had problems early on, it’s quite amazing that he’s getting better as he gets older.”
Launay is resuming after a 17-week spell from barrier three in the $150,000 weight-for-age race on Saturday.
His three-start autumn campaign began with a Listed placing over 1200m at Mornington and ended with a close fourth in the Victoria Handicap at Caulfield.
In between, he raced on-speed to win at Listed level over 1400m at Flemington.
Going into the Bletchingly with a win and five placings in seven first-up starts, Snowden insists Launay is resuming in a target race.
“He gets his chance off a good draw and he runs very good fresh,” said Snowden.
“It’s not a run to see how he goes – we’re there to win.”
Like he has for most of his career, Launay is expected to show his best form up to 1600m during the spring carnival.
“As far as his future goes, if he happens to win then it changes a little bit,” Snowden said.
“We just have to wait and see what happens on Saturday and assess him after that.”
Launay has attracted some support in early betting on the Bletchingly, firming from $7 to $6.50.
The result of the Monash Stakes at Caulfield a fortnight ago has shaped the Bletchingly market with the winner Pago Rock favourite at $4 ahead of placegetters Second Effort ($5) and Elite Elle ($6)
Caulfield was rated in the slow range after a late Thursday morning track inspection.
