The Tasmanian Turf Club conducted its first Saturday night meeting at Launceston last weekend with the night’s feature, the $50,000 3YO Classic, going to the Scott Brunton-prepared favourite Lady Pluck
The daughter of Pluck jumped to the early lead under Siggy Carr but when challenged for the front Carr elected to take a sit and enjoy a box-seat trail.
Brought to the outside of the leading pair just prior to the home turn, Lady Pluck let down smartly, going away for a comfortable three-length victory.
Brunton has recently acquired a six-horse stall at Cranbourne and Lady Pluck will be aimed at a mainland fillies’ race in two weeks’ time.
She was stakes-placed in her only other venture across Bass Strait.
Lady Pluck will be joined in Victoria by 3 & 4YO Tasmanian Magic Millions winner Mandela Effect (already a Melbourne city winner) and All-Star Mile emergency Hellova Street.
If Hellova Street isn’t fortunate enough to gain a birth in Saturday’s $5 million feature he’ll line up in the listed $140,000 March Stakes over 1400 metres, where he has drawn poorly in gate 16.
Group 1-winning filly Mystic Journey also had no luck with the barrier draw, coming up with gate 16 in the All-Star Mile.
Punters’ confidence hasn’t been affected, however, with Adam Trinder’s filly a well backed $3.80 second favourite.
If regular hoop Anthony Darmanin is able to find some cover in running, the Australian Guineas winner is sure to acquit herself well.
Star Tasmanian stayer Eastender was a shock late scratching from Monday’s Adelaide Cup, with stewards concerned that the Barry Campbell-trained gelding had undergone raceday treatment.
An inquiry into the matter will be conducted in the near future but in the meantime the Devonport, Hobart and Launceston Cup winner will return home to be freshened up for a tilt at the Andrew Ramsden Stakes at Flemington on May 28.
The winner of that $400,000 feature gains ballot-free entry into the Melbourne Cup.