Julius will resume at Launceston today and looks beautifully placed to make a winning return.
The Time For War gelding stamped himself as a runner to follow when he debuted for consecutive wins at Devonport last winter, but he was sent to the paddock after failing to fire behind Galenus here in October.
He is obviously undefeated at this point of his preparation and he will take beating.
He probably just didn’t get the trip in the Hobart Cup last time out, but Mandela Effect is undoubtedly at his best over a mile and I’m expecting him to bounce back in the Mowbray Stakes this afternoon.
The Turffontein gelding has been a typically consistent performer this prep and placed at each of his four starts prior to the Hobart Cup, three of which at Listed grade.
We know how good he can be under the right conditions and I think that he’s the one to beat.
Barade came from a long way back to fill the minors in Hobart last time out and the Launceston Cup shapes as the perfect target for him.
The Havana Gold gelding has been a model of consistency this prep and has found form around some quality horses up and down the east coast.
Having won in BM80 company at Flemington in November, Barade finished second in a BM90 race at The Valley and won in Brisbane prior to his last effort.
He strips fitter for his last-start effort and will take plenty of beating under the conditions of this race.
Still A Star hasn’t been seen at the races since February last year, but she is an above-average athlete and can make a winning return in this afternoon’s Vamos Stakes.
The Toronado mare has had twelve starts for seven wins and five second placings, and won each of the Tasmanian Guineas, Launceston Guineas and Tasmanian Oaks last time in.
Given that she has been set for a hopeful appearance in the All-Star Mile, I would think she’d be quite wound up for this race and I’m happy to have her on top.