Rodney Ransley rates King Richard as the best of his three chances in tonight’s high-quality Group 2 Curtains And Blinds Launceston Cup (515m) semi-finals.
Ransley has King Richard (box one, heat two), Hattie Bee (box eight, heat three) and Next Matador (box three, heat four) competing in the four semi finals this evening.
King Richard qualified for tonight’s race after he finished fourth in his heat last week from box six. He moves to box one tonight, which should suit well as has won once and placed twice in his four previous starts from the inside draw.
King Richard can bv a risky beginner but with three wins and four minor placings in his last eight starts, is in solid form and should be right in the finish this evening.
“I would be disappointed if he didn’t win or place,” Ransley said. “I thought his run was super last week with the checks he got.
“He is desperate for the rail so this draw has given him every chance.
“Breaker’s Tip (box three) is the one to beat but I’m sure King Richard will be in this race.”
Hattie Bee has won her last four starts and was a 29.32 winner last week, but faces a tough field including multiple Group winner Fantastic Spiral (box seven).
Hattie Bee has scored two wins and two minor placings from five previous starts from box eight and her trainer said she cannot afford any mistakes tonight.
“Hattie Bee is flying at the moment but she can bungle the start sometimes,” Ransley said. “I’m hoping she doesn’t go back to her old ways tonight.
“Eight isn’t a great box on this track, but I think the greyhounds in six and seven will both go left. If she comes out well, she may get a clear run.
“She’s in good form but this is pretty tough.”
Next Matador has an impressive best of 29.54 at Launceston and qualified in second place last week, clocking 29.82.
He has only scored one win and one placing from box three, however, and will have his work cut out with the pacy Lemon Sunrise (box one) and in-form Tecoma Emily in box two inside him.
“He’s a chance but he will need a lot of luck,” Ransley said. “He is as quick as Hattie Bee but he will have to find the lead.
“Howzat Patsy in box four is a quick beginner and will likely crowd him.
“He’s run times here but I think realistically he’s my worst chance.”
The Paul Hili-trained Penny’s Roman (box four) has won her last three and looks the standout in the first semi-final jumping from box four.
The top two placegetters in tonight’s semi final will qualify for next week’s Group 2 Launceston Cup, which offers $40,000 to the winner.
For Launceston Monday fields and form, click here.
