The countdown to next weekend’s $80,000 Beautide continues in Launceston on Sunday night for trainer-driver Charlie Castles with four-year-old Betterthancheddar gelding Bettablack Tiger in a National Rating 70 to 79 Pace over 1680m.
Bettablack Tiger has won five of his 10 starts with a further four placings to his credit.
“The only time he has missed a place was the Tasmanian Derby, and he did a bit wrong in that race. He has had a bit more experience since then, and I think he is up to those better ones if he keeps putting it together,” said Castles.
“He is not Tasbred (meaning he couldn’t contest the Raider Stakes), but he gets in to the Beautide being 100% Tasmanian-owned and trained.
“It has always been his main target. His first-up run was okay, and we are hoping he can improve on that on Sunday.”
The winner of the Beautide will secure Tasracing’s slot in the $2.1 Eureka at Menangle on 6 September.
The gelding has drawn barrier six, at a distance he is yet to win at, with his wins coming over 2090m or 2200m.
“It’s a tough draw and there are a few quick ones drawn inside of him, so we will sum it up as it happens,” said the trainer-driver.
Castles has four other runners on the card, including Tullah Girl, who has drawn the pole in race two.
“She has been pretty consistent and has the draw again, and we will look to utilise it, and it’s a similar race to her last couple (when second).”
Gordons Bay will make his return to the track after a spell in the 2698m Discretionary later in the night.
“It’s a pretty even race and a few have similar racing styles, so we will just worry about getting him away first, then try and give him a good run to try and come with one run,” said Castles.
Sunday’s eight-race card is set to commence at 17:14.
