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Launceston Betting Tips for March 20, 2026 - Breakthrough Looms for Merlin Beach

Martin Pennington

Editor

Last updated: Thu 19 Mar 2026 05:35

Martin Pennington 19 Mar 2026

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Launceston hosts eight competitive races, featuring maidens & benchmark handicaps
'Genuine Lady' is a strong contender in Race 1 with blinkers added
Top picks include 'It’s Jagger Time' (Race 3) and 'Merlin Beach' (Race 4)

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Friday night racing at Launceston heats up with a competitive eight-race card. (Getty)

Launceston hosts a competitive Friday night program with eight races on the card, featuring a mix of maidens and benchmark handicaps alongside a strong local presence.

Launceston Tips March 20
Good Friday Free Entertainment For The Kids Maiden Tips (Race 1)
Easter Bunny Visit On Good Friday Class 4 Handicap Tips (Race 3)
Good Friday Easter Egg Giveaways Maiden/Class 1 Tips (Race 4)
Free Kids Movie On The Big Screen Good Friday Class 2 Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Punters can also catch up on the latest feature race insights through the Group 1 Previews, with key autumn targets continuing to take shape across the country.

Launceston Tips March 20

Good Friday Free Entertainment For The Kids Maiden Tips (Race 1)

Launceston Next Best Bet - Race 1 No. 6 Genuine Lady

The four-year-old has recorded some solid efforts in defeat this preparation, finishing sixth in each of her first three starts.

The most recent of those came over this course and distance last month, where the mare was beaten less than three lengths in a 13-runner maiden on a Good 4 surface.

The form from that race has since been boosted, with the runner-up going on to win here the following week.

She produced her best performance to date when stepping to the synthetic at Devonport, finishing a clear second over 1350m behind a newcomer, with a significant margin back to third.

Blinkers go on for the first time, and with Erica Byrne Burke booked, Genuine Lady looks well placed to break through.

Easter Bunny Visit On Good Friday Class 4 Handicap Tips (Race 3)

Launceston Value Bet - Race 3 No. 3 It’s Jagger Time

The son of Holler showed strong form at this track last preparation, winning twice over 1400m, including an impressive Class 2 success in November.

He was dominant in that victory, settling well from an inside draw before putting a margin on his rivals late on a sound surface.

His final two runs of that campaign were below his best, although one of those races at Devonport has since produced solid form.

While yet to win first-up, he has run well fresh previously, including a close third over 1100m here earlier in the season.

A recent Longford trial win suggests he is ready to go, and with Kelvin Sanderson retaining the ride, he looks value to resume strongly.

Good Friday Easter Egg Giveaways Maiden/Class 1 Tips (Race 4)

Launceston Best Bet - Race 4 No. 5 Merlin Beach

The New Zealand-bred has been consistent without winning at this venue, including a runner-up finish over 2150m here earlier this month.

He was beaten two lengths on that occasion after jumping from barrier nine in a similar race, producing his best effort of the preparation.

While that form is yet to be fully tested, subsequent runs from others in the race at Devonport have been encouraging.

The gelding was ridden conservatively stepping up in distance last time, having previously settled closer when finishing midfield over 1600m at Hobart.

With Codi Jordan retaining the ride, an inside draw, and conditions to suit, Merlin Beach looks well placed to break through.

Free Kids Movie On The Big Screen Good Friday Class 2 Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Launceston Roughie - Race 6 No. 8 Coastal Strike

The gelding has been racing consistently this campaign without winning, including a solid fourth over 1420m here last time.

He was beaten just one-and-a-half lengths in that Class 3 event on a wet surface after jumping from near the rail.

That run followed a respectable fifth in a small-field Class 4 contest at the same track.

He has been racing on speed in recent outings, and the drop in grade to Class 2 company is a positive here.

With a favourable map, a 3kg claim, and conditions to suit, Coastal Strike can run a big race at odds.

Verdict

Launceston - March 20

Our Launceston selections for Friday, March 20 are:

Merlin Beach

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Genuine Lady

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$4.60 - 2 Units

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It's Jagger Time

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Coastal Strike

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$17.00 - 1 Unit

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