A solid field has been assembled for the Launceston Cup (2400m) on Wednesday with the Victorian raiders dominating the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Launceston Cup.
2025 Launceston Cup Runner Preview:
1. Promises Kept: Promises Kept is the map horse. Dominant win two back in the Summer Cup before going to the Hobart Cup where I thought he got every chance but was nabbed late by stablemate Strawberry Rock. Loses Foley but gets an in form Zahra and has the gate to get run of the race.
2. Strawberry Rock: Got a beaut run in transit in the Hobart Cup and finished best to win and win well. He was a few weeks between runs so has upside/improvement, C Maher polish…definite contender.
3. Alhambra Lad: Alhambra Lad has to be the bet here. He is the one I have eyes on from the Hobart Cup. He got too far back in the run, sustained a wide run from the turn and rocketed to the line late behind Promises Kept. He’s found positive form, can settle closer…only runs well I say.
4. Kaliuwaa Falls: He’s done a ripping job this time in but the Hobart Cup showed me that 2400m at this level, I think, is a bridge too far. He can go through to the keeper.
5. Ashy Boy: Pretty plain in the Hobart Cup and even if ridden with more intent, I don’t think he’s good enough.
6. Asva: Gave them a start and a beating to win the Sydeston Cup. Could have gone to the Hobart Cup but the stable have kept him on ice for this. Not sure he’s good enough to win but can run top four.
7. Travelling Gigolo: Thought he was okay late in the Summer Cup but went to the Hobart Cup and was quite plain and for mine, he’s not turning the tables.
8. Distrustful Award: Gee he caught the eye late in the Sydeston Cup, working home with real purpose from near last. He’ll likely be spotting them a start again but should be strong at the end.
9. Pure Grunt: Pure Grunt deserves a crack at this kind of race. He is flying at the moment for Team Keys. Latest win was on Feb 1 at Sandown, giving them a start and a beating to win and win well. The rise to Stakes grade is interesting but hard to knock the way he’s racing.
10. Moveforlex: Not measuring up here.
11. Zulu Angel: Okay late in the Sydeston Cup but he’s not up to this level.
2025 Launceston Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place on Alhambra Lad.
2025 Launceston Cup Speed Map
Promises Kept should hold a forward spot from the inside gate. Whether he holds up and leads, not sure. Ashy Boy has been mixed re settling position but I think if given a squeeze, he can lead this field and comfortably. Moveforlex can slide across from out wide and looks the leader if they don’t give Ashy Boy a dig in the ribs.