Stars Collide For Group 2 Launceston Cup

The Group 2 Ladbrokes Launceston Cup (515m) kicks off on Monday night with six thrilling heats ensuring a terrific night of racing at the Mowbray Racing Centre.

The iconic $40,000-to-the-winner series has a long and proud history, first conducted way back in 1936, and to this very day continues to produce outstanding winners including Caishen last year for Anthony Azzopardi.

Some very smart greyhounds have assembled for Monday's heats, including young Tassie sensation Wynburn Sheean which was freakish in his efforts to take out the Buckle Up Wes Rising Stars recently.

LAUNCESTON CUP FIELDS & FORM

Among the small interstate line-up set to take on the locals for the $40,000 prize is Tasmanian bred Eagles Nest Egg, making his Launceston debut following a recent campaign in Sydney for the Group 1 National Derby.

The Rodney Campbell-owned son of Superior Product and Princess Roman is prepared in Victoria by Brendan Pursell.

From 19 starts the fawn flyer has won nine races with five minor placings and $42,625 in prizemoney.

Overseeing his preparations for the series is Brighton trainer Blake Pursell who he reports the dog looks in fantastic order for his cup assault.

“Dad (Brendan Pursell) has sent the dog over ready to compete and he looks outstanding,” said Blake.

“We were pretty confident Eagles Nest Egg would handle Launceston well and the trial last week certainly proved that running 29.47, his sectionals showed he has the speed to lead which is crucial on a tight track like Launceston.

“He definitely has the motor to match its ability and with a clear beginning he should run extremely well.”

Classed as the hardest of the six heats, Eagles Nest Egg will take on rival Victorian Bees And Honey in the fifth qualifier.

The Cooper Hayes-trained Bees And Honey embarks on his first interstate assignment and following a 29.75 exhibition trial will take a power of beating.

Handed the yellow rug for the fifth heat, Blake his hopeful Eagles Nest Egg has the speed to overcome the awkward draw, while Bees And Honey comes off the rails in box one which makes for a great contest.

The six heat winners plus the two fastest second placegetters will go through to the Group 2 decider on February 15.