Launceston Cup – 2024

There are 10 runners for the Ladbroke’s Launceston Cup with 9 geldings and one mare. There is one 4YO, two 5YOs, four 6YOs and three 7YOs. Seven runners had their last start in the Group 3 Hobart Cup over 2400m at Hobart on 11th February (won by Aurora’s Symphony) and two in an Open Handicap over 2100m at Launceston on 4th February (won by I’m So Cool), while the other raced over 1950m at Great Western.

The early favourite is Excelleration who put in a strong finishing effort to win by over 4 lengths last start over 1950m at Great Western. Second favourite is  Aurora’s Symphony who has won this race for the past 2 years and comes off a win in the Hobart Cup. Third favouritism is currently shared between Alhambra Lad who was a disappointing 8th in the Hobart Cup after winning by 3.5 lengths over 2200m at Hobart the start before and Grand Pierro who was 3rd in the Hobart Cup. Wyclif was runner-up in the Hobart Cup. All other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Aurora’s Symphony (2)

He has won this race for the past 2 years and comes off a win in the Hobart Cup. The last horse to win this race was St Andrews who won in 2000, 2003 and 2004). I think he can do it.

2. Alhambra Lad (6)

Was a disappointing 8th in the Hobart Cup , where he raced wide without cover, after winning by 3.5 lengths over 2200m at Hobart the start before. Has strong form at this distance and can bounce back.

3. Wyclif (9)

Runner-up in the Hobart Cup, 2.8 lengths behind the winner. Chance.

4. Grand Pierro (5)

This 4YO is the youngest runner in the race this year. Finished 3rd in the Hobart Cup. Respect.

5. Ashy Boy (3)

Finished 4th in the Hobart Cup and has 3 wins from  starts this preparation. Not the worst.

6. Excelleration (4)

Put in a strong finishing effort to win by over 4 lengths last start over 1950m at Great Western. Right in this.

7. Assaranca (10)

The only mare in the race this year. Finished 6.8 lengths 7th in the Hobart Cup and hasn’t made the trifecta in 5 runs this preparation. Prefer others.

8. Rising Light (1)

Finished 2nd in this race last year but has yet to place in 8 runs this preparation. Not keen.

9. I’m So Cool (8)

Last-start winner over 2100m at Launceston on 4th February and drops in weight. Rough place chance.

10. Vintage Diesel (7)

Finished 3rd behind I’m So Cool at Launceston last start. Unlikely.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
1 Aurora’s Symphony
2 Alhambra Lad
3 Wyclif
6 Excelleration

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Excelleration
2nd	2 Alhambra Lad	1.3 lengths
3rd	4 Grand Pierro	1.4 lengths
4th	5 Ashy Boy	4.4 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.