The feature race at Launceston on Wednesday is the Launceston Cup (2400m), where the market suggests it is a wide open affair.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Launceston Cup.
2026 Launceston Cup Runner Preview:
1.Major Beel: Major Beel has been freshened up since the MM Subzero when on speed and he tried hard but just couldn’t quite see it through. Tick over trial was quite good, lands on speed and only runs well.
2.Taramansour: Reckon he has eyes on the Adelaide Cup vs this, even though this race is important. Reckon he was there to win at Hobart but just couldn’t quite finish it off. He can win, but I couldn’t back.
3.Bank Maur: Tongue tie on suggests that was why he dropped out at Hobart…but I couldn’t back him.
4.Blonde Star: Got the great ride/run and fell in to win the Hobart Cup. I think that form is very suspect and while she is genuine, I think she is gross unders.
5.Strawberry Rock: Strawberry Rock comes through the Hobart Cup. He got a fair way out of his ground and did make up headway but couldn’t quite sustain the run. Think with a more positive steer, he’s dangerous at odds.
6.Distrustful Award: Peter Luttrell said the barrier start and distance cost his horse the win…I’d argue his rider choice cost him more so. The horse is flying…just find a rider.
7.Asva: Wide no cover at Hobart and tired late. Maps better this time around but he’s going to struggle.
8.Wineglass Bay: Safely held at Hobart and should be safely held here.
9.Ziryab: Looked the winner at Hobart but just couldn’t quite see it through. Maps to get a sweet sit in transit and the trip is no issue…but I can’t have him as favourite.
10.Fast Thinker: Dominant win in the Sydeston, tick over trial was sharp, but I think he has the task ahead at this level.
11.General Assembly: Gave a decent sight in the Sydeston but this is much harder.
12.Ashfall: Trip is no issue but the class is.
13.Zulu Angel: Far from disgraced at Hobart but is not up to these.
14.Golden Prophet: Sneaky good late in the Sydeston…I doubt he wins but can run first four.
15.No Rumours: No Rumours each way for me. He steps up to 2400m after a win over 2000m at Hobart, giving them a start and a beating in an impressive effort. Much harder here, but do like the rise to 2400m for him and maps to do no work.
2026 Launceston Cup $100 Betting Strategy:
$20 Win/$80 Place No Rumours Tote/SP
Launceston Cup Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MAJOR BEEL (NZ) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Ms Winona Costin | 9 | 60kg |
| 2 | TARAMANSOUR (IRE) | Phillip Stokes | Luke Currie | 1 | 56.5kg |
| 3 | BANK MAUR | Richard Laming | Craig Newitt | 11 | 55.5kg |
| 4 | BLONDE STAR | Imogen Miller | Ms Erica Byrne Burke | 5 | 54kg |
| 5 | STRAWBERRY ROCK (IRE) | Ciaron Maher | Teo Nugent | 6 | 54kg |
| 6 | DISTRUSTFUL AWARD | Peter Luttrell | Ms Chloe Wells (a) | 12 | 54kg |
| 7 | ASVA (NZ) | Glenn Stevenson | Jett Stanley | 4 | 54kg |
| 8 | WINEGLASS BAY (IRE) | John Blacker | Jabez Johnstone (a) | 14 | 54kg |
| 9 | ZIRYAB (GB) | Ciaron Maher | Beau Mertens | 2 | 54kg |
| 10 | FAST THINKER | Kelvin Hamilton | Ms Sam Kennedy (a) | 8 | 54kg |
| 11 | GENERAL ASSEMBLY | Angela Brakey | Ms Lauryn Bingley (a) | 15 | 54kg |
| 12 | ASHFALL | Ashley Meaburn | Liam Riordan | 7 | 54kg |
| 13 | ZULU ANGEL | John Blacker | Jackson Radley (a) | 13 | 54kg |
| 14 | GOLDEN PROPHET | Adam Trinder | Christopher Pang (a) | 10 | 54kg |
| 15 | NO RUMOURS | Paul Preusker | Harry Grace | 3 | 54kg |
Launceston Cup Odds
2026 Launceston Cup Speed Map
Major Beel should press forward and I doubt will want to take cover, so I suspect the tempo will be genuine. Fast Thinker and General Assembly will want to settle handy, likewise Ziryab and Bamk Maur, which should ensure every horse gets their chance.
