Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson is hopeful that his two runners will rise to the occasion when they take on a formidable Victorian lineup in Wednesday’s Launceston Cup. Stevenson’s duo, Asva and Devonport Cup winner Ashy Boy, are both set to contest the prestigious $250,000 Group 3 event.
Asva secured his place in the Launceston Cup after a strong performance in the Sydeston Cup, while Ashy Boy looks to bounce back following a few recent setbacks.
Despite stiff competition from Ciaron Maher’s Hobart Cup stars Strawberry Rock and Promises Kept, last year’s runner-up Alhambra Lad, and Ken and Kasey Keys’ Pure Grunt, Stevenson is upbeat about his stable’s chances.
“As we know, it’s going to be hard against the mainlanders, but both my horses are going well,” Stevenson said.
“Asva, he’s had that nice little gap between runs and I think the 2400 won’t be an issue.
“Ashy Boy, the target for him was the Devonport Cup and we got that done, but then we hit the fence in the Hobart Cup and we’ve had a few little issues, but I think we’ve got him back on track.”
“If we can run in the top four or five I’ll be rapt.”
Currently priced at $13, Asva is the best-fancied among the local contenders. While his sire Capitalist is not typically known for stayers, Stevenson believes the horse’s strong finish over 2100m in the Sydeston Cup justifies their decision to run.
“I want to see if he can get the distance, I said to the owners I thought he would, and after he won the Sydeston Cup he pulled up really good from it, so we thought we’d have a shot,” Stevenson said.
Craig Newitt will remain aboard Asva, while Codi Jordan takes the reins on Ashy Boy, who is listed at $19.
Meanwhile, top Victorian jockeys Mark Zahra and Damian Lane will be making the trip, with Zahra set to ride Promises Kept in the Launceston Cup. Stevenson has also secured Lane for another key ride on the day.
Lane will partner First Accused in the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes (1600m), featuring top contenders such as Munhamek, The Inevitable, and Durazzo.
“First Accused is First Accused, if he wants to put in, he’s a chance,” Stevenson said.
“The Inevitable has won a heap of money, he’s been all around Australia, Munhamek, you look at its record and shake your head, and we’ve got to overcome Durazzo, so I reckon it’s a good race.”
Stevenson will also be represented by Stone Cold Stunner in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m), where he will face off against talented filly Geegees Mistruth.
