The Launceston Discretionary was first run as the Ministers Discretionary when Launceston hosted the second round of heats of the 2006 Inter Dominion series.
It was renamed the Launceston Discretionary the following year and quickly became an intense lead-up to the Easter and Tasmania Cups.
The race was already run this year in March when the James Rattray-trained Star Major overcame a 10m handicap to record a 14.3m win. Todd Rattray drove the gelding to that victory, and he gets an opportunity to win the race for the second time in the same year when the second edition of the $20,000 2200m Standing Start feature for the year is held in Launceston on Sunday night.
Todd trains and drives Magician. He is one of three horses that will be trying to overcome a 20-metre handicap.
Magician, the reigning Tasmanian Horse Of The Year, has been a force to be reckoned with in recent times. He has triumphed in the Launceston Mile and the Devonport Quality (held in Launceston) at his last two outings.
The gelded son of Sweet Lou has been runner-up in his three standing start races to date.
Joining him on the 20m line is this year’s Easter Cup winner, The Shallows, who was runner-up in the March edition of the race. The 2200m Standing Start track record holder, Blitzern, also shares the 20m back mark.
There are many nice progressive types starting in front of the trio, including recent Sheffield Cup winner Major Davin, Scottsdale Cup winner Miss Papenhuyzen, Whattabout Spangher, Rockandahardplace, and Cool Water Paddy. These are some of the names that could pinch the race with a good beginning and luck on their side of the short-standing start trip of 2200m.
Interstate trainers Clayton Tonkin, Allan McDonough and Aaron Bain all have strong chances on the card, preparing many of the pre-post favourites across the 10-race program that commences at 16:55 and will be televised on Sky Racing 1 and TasracingTV.
