Launceston Betting Tips for October 30, 2026 - No Shortage of Power Under Lights

Martin Pennington

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Last updated: Thu. 29 Oct. 2026 06:14

Martin Pennington 1 hour ago

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Sh'bourne Power is tipped to win Race 6's Benchmark 68 Handicap
Strong recent record and consistent form support the selection
Novalargo (Race 5), Nine Choirs (Race 1), and Popilita (Race 7, each-way) are also selected

Launceston lights up for ten races on Friday night. (Getty)

Friday night racing returns to Launceston on October 30, with a ten-race program featuring several competitive handicaps and promising gallopers looking to progress through the grades.

Launceston Tips October 30
Steve Donaldson Maiden Tips (Race 1)
Adam Trinder Class 2 Handicap Tips (Race 5)
Trent Wells Benchmark 68 Handicap Tips (Race 6)
Lenny Porter Benchmark 60 Handicap Tips (Race 7)

The track is currently rated Soft 5, with the possibility of an upgrade as the meeting approaches.

For product analysis, comparisons and ratings of Australia's leading betting operators, explore our Bookmaker Reviews.

Launceston Tips October 30

Steve Donaldson Maiden Tips (Race 1)

Launceston Value Bet - Race 1 No. 5 Nine Choirs

Two encouraging performances at Launceston have provided a promising introduction to racing for Nine Choirs, with the Stuart Gandy-trained mare appearing well placed to challenge for her maiden victory at her third career appearance.

The four-year-old finished third over 1100m on October 2, beaten less than a length after settling towards the rear, with that performance coming on a Soft 5 surface and providing encouragement should similar conditions prevail on Friday evening.

A return to the same venue over 1200m a fortnight later produced another solid effort, with the daughter of Alpine Eagle again settling back after jumping from barrier eight before finishing strongly to claim fourth, beaten just one-and-a-half lengths on Good ground.

There was plenty to like about the way she worked through the closing stages on that occasion, suggesting the rise to 1400m could be particularly suitable, while the experience gained from her first two starts should also help her settle into her racing.

Chloe Wells takes the ride for the first time, and with Nine Choirs still open to considerable improvement, the mare looks capable of making her presence felt at attractive odds.

Adam Trinder Class 2 Handicap Tips (Race 5)

Launceston Next Best Bet - Race 5 No. 3 Novalargo

A perfect second-up record and proven effectiveness on rain-affected ground make Novalargo a strong contender in Friday night's Class 2 Handicap, with the Glenn Stevenson-trained mare having plenty in her favour.

The five-year-old broke her maiden on a Soft 5 surface at Launceston in October last year and has continued to produce competitive performances at the venue, including a runner-up finish in a Class 3 Handicap over this distance on wet ground in March.

There was plenty to like about her October 9 resumption over 1100m, when she raced close to the speed before finishing second, beaten just half a length behind Jenni The Cat on a Good 4 surface.

That performance provided an encouraging platform for her return to 1200m, while barrier one should allow Codi Jordan to secure an economical passage without having to expend unnecessary energy in the early stages.

With two victories from her previous two second-up appearances, proven form on Soft ground and the benefit of race fitness, Novalargo looks well placed to maintain that perfect record and register another victory at her home circuit.

Trent Wells Benchmark 68 Handicap Tips (Race 6)

Launceston Best Bet - Race 6 No. 7 Sh'bourne Power

Three wins from six starts on rain-affected turf highlight the credentials of Sh'bourne Power, who has enjoyed a productive preparation and looks well suited in Friday night's Benchmark 68 Handicap.

The Shaun Nichols-trained five-year-old broke through in Class 1 company at Hobart in July before stepping up to Class 2 level and recording another victory at the same venue the following month, with both performances confirming his ability to handle testing conditions.

Those victories came over approximately 1400m, and he has remained competitive since, finishing third at Devonport before returning to Launceston on September 16 and placing second in a Benchmark 68 Handicap, beaten just over a length by Simply Deep.

Although the form from that latest appearance could have been stronger, Sh'bourne Power has enjoyed a freshen-up since and has demonstrated tactical versatility throughout his short career, including when racing prominently to secure his maiden victory.

Barrier seven should therefore be manageable, particularly with regular rider Kirra-Lee Lane retaining the mount after partnering him in all seven previous starts, and with three wins and another three placings from those outings, Sh'bourne Power looks well placed to add to his impressive record.

Lenny Porter Benchmark 60 Handicap Tips (Race 7)

Launceston Roughie - Race 7 No. 5 Popilita

A return to her better form would make Popilita a dangerous outsider in Friday night's Benchmark 60 Handicap, with the Graeme McCulloch-trained mare having previously won at a higher level and showing signs of improvement at her recent resumption.

The six-year-old has scored on both Good and Soft ground, including a Benchmark 68 success at Hobart last December, although she subsequently struggled to reproduce that form in seven appearances.

There were nevertheless some encouraging signs when the daughter of Stratosphere returned at Launceston on October 2, finishing seventh of nine in a Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1100m but beaten just over one-and-a-half lengths despite starting at big odds.

Her fitness has since been maintained with a solid second in an October 20 barrier trial at Longford, while the removal of the tongue tie is another change ahead of Friday's assignment, and her previous record suggests she is capable of improving significantly with a run under her belt.

Indi Bowles retains the ride from barrier seven, and although Popilita will need to rediscover some of her better form, her previous success at a higher level and encouraging return suggest she could surprise at generous odds.