Clark Hopeful Of Forward Launceston Showing

BETTING markets suggest Burnie trainer Allan Clark is in for a good time of it tonight at Launceston.

But you wouldn't know it speaking to the veteran conditioner who boasts a 23 percent winning strike-rate at the Launceston circuit.

"As long as they both get around safely," said Clark.

The first of Clark's runners tonight at Launceston is in race two where Zalaya steps out from box three over the 278m scamper.

"Her record doesn't show it but she was a flying machine before she started racing," Clark offered.

"But I had troubles with a wrist injury. She had x-rays that didn't show up the problem at the time and it got worse. 

"It's taken its toll on her and she's never shown the ability she really has, always pulling up lame. She'd be a chance tonight if she begins; I didn't mind her run at Hobart on Thursday to finish second. It doesn't look like an overly strong race tonight either."

Winner at just one of her 31 starts, Zalaya is quoted a $5 chance for tonight's event behind favourite Buckle Up Nola at $2.30.

The second of Clark's chances rolls around in race five where Fairytale Youth takes her place from box one.

Last Monday, the five-time winning daughter of Allen Deed flew out of the boxes to establish an early lead before scoring in 16.21.

"I backed her up at Hobart on the Thursday and she missed the start," Clark said.

"But she's generally a very reliable beginner; maybe it was the silent lure at Hobart that brought her undone.

"If she uses the red box tonight and begins she can make a race of it but the dog to beat is the pink (Blue Lee). She missed the start last week and still ran 16.21 the same time as my bitch. I'd say she's got more ability of the two but those 278 metre races are generally won by who begins the best and leads."

Early markets see Fairytale Youth and Blue Lee joint favourites at $3.40 while Adabelle is just behind those at $3.80.

"My bitch likes to use a bit of the track so she has to lead. I'm more hopeful than confident about their chances tonight. As I said, the main thing is they get around safely."