Master trainer's three-pronged Launceston attack

Master trainer Barry Campbell will take a three-pronged attack into the two feature races in Launceston on Friday night and could return home to his Devonport base with the lion’s share of the prize money.

Campbell will saddle up star sprinter Durazzo in the $150,000 Newmarket Handicap and unbeaten youngsters Mazzini and Sanniya in the $125,000 3YO Cup, both over 1200 metres.

“They are all good,” Campbell said.

“Durazzo drops a kilo and a half (from his Goodwood run), drawn nicely in gate seven, he worked really well on Tuesday morning.”

Durazzo, the nominal favourite for the event, has won eight of his 12 race starts and five from six in Launceston. He will tackle the Newmarket second-up after suffering a shock defeat in Hobart in the 1100m Goodwood Hcp on 8 November.

“His run was good, it was just completely out of character. He came from last, three wide up the hill; he was pulling good ground off the winner on the line.”

Kelvin Sanderson will again ride Durazzo. Widely travelled sprinter Cannonball, now trained by Patrick Kearney at Ballarat, is topweight for the race and will be ridden by Craig Newitt.

Only a small field of six will contest the 3yo Cup, but it’s an elite field.

“You wouldn’t mind owning any of them,” Campbell said.

“It’s not a gimme, but I’m happy with both of mine.”

Sanniya has drawn barrier five and Mazzini six.

“She (Sanniya) will probably whiz across; she will probably cart him across with her.

While he refuses to split the pair, Campbell did hint that Sanniya might have a slight edge.

“She will run 1 minute 10, can they go quicker than that?” Campbell queried.

“She is going there at her top while Mazzini will improve when he gets out in trip.”

Hobby trainer Kelvin Hamilton will have his first Newmarket runner with the lightly raced Just Cruisin’ tackling the Listed feature.

“I’m really excited, actually. The horse is going good; he had a bit of work this morning (Tuesday) down the beach. I’m probably throwing him in at the deep end, but I think he will be up there with them,” Hamilton said.

“He’s really hard to get fit because he has a few issues so I will have to race him into fitness.”

Just Cruisin’ has drawn barrier 13 in the field of 14 and will be ridden by Jett Stanley after regular jockey Codi Jordan elected to ride 2023 winner First Accused.

It’s an early start to what promises to be a super night of racing with the first event at 17:28. Matt Reid will be trackside for Tasracing Live and Sky Thoroughbred Central.

What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au