Trainer Peter Snowden is confident that Launay can be competitive against a talented field in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Launay will need to be at his best against a strong field in the P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo by: Taron Clarke
Launay will be competing at Group 2 level for just the second time in his racing career, after finishing second behind Rothesay in the 2010 Queensland Guineas (1600m), and will take on a tough field this weekend with 2013 Melbourne Cup favourite Puissance De Lune, defending champion Second Effort and Peter Moody-trained import Kesampour all set to take part.
The son of Lonhro fought on gamely to finish a solid third first-up in the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) and Snowden told TVN that he is delighted with the form of the seven-year-old.
“Yes he’ll run in the Lawrence and he’s in very good order too,” Snowden said this morning.
“He has come through the Bletchingly Stakes very well and we’ll just wait and see what he does on Saturday before we make any more plans with him.
“The extra distance should suit him and he’s usually very competitive.”
One of the few geldings that are owned by Darley, Launay is still searching for his first victory at Group level after finishing in the placings on three occasions.
The tough gelding has achieved some success in black type racing, with victories in the 2011 Listed TAB 50th Birthday Stakes (1400m) and the Listed 2013 TAB Stakes (1400m), but a victory on Saturday would easily be the biggest win of his career.
Working in Launay’s favor is his excellent record over 1400 metres, having recorded five wins from eleven attempts at the distance, which will give him an advantage over Puissance De Lune, Kesampour and Sneak A Peek who are more suited to longer trips.
Snowden has a number of excellent winning chances at Caulfield on Saturday with talented three-year-olds Safeguard, Metastasio and Montsegur all set to compete.
