Fast Future Wins Launceston Cup

Wednesday, 23 February 2011 07:15

Melbourne gelding Fast Future denied a pair of local stayers to claim the Group Three Launceston Cup in a thrilling finish on Wednesday.

The Russell Cameron-trained eight-year-old raced midfield in the $225,000 feature over 2400m and after striking interference coming to the home turn, got into the clear and was able to overrun White Yard and Geegees Blackflash.

The gelding's owners were jumping for joy in the mounting yard as Fast Future had a neck advantage on the line over White Yard with just a head back to Geegees Blackflash.

Jockey Jamie Mott had Fast Future well positioned in running but then thought his winning chances were over as he was approaching the turn.

"That was a fantastic win," Mott said.

"Had a great run in transit but then pretty much got put sideways at the 400-metre mark.

"I thought his chances were over but to his credit he dug deep in the straight and was able to get up."

Cameron pinpointed the Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 14 as a possible next major target for Fast Future who claimed his eighth career win at his 52nd start.

"He's been a good old horse, he's had a few injury problems and this is pretty rewarding," Cameron said.

"It's a great result, these owners have been very patient."

Fast Future headed into the Launceston Cup on the back of a last-start ninth in the Group Three Hobart Cup (2200m) on February 13.

"He didn't have much luck at Hobart," Cameron said.

"He got shuffled back and ran into a dead end.

"He's been a good old horse, whether he heads to Adelaide Cup now we'll just wait and see.

"He's paid for his way. We're not going to be retiring him just yet, he's still racing well and we're having a lot of fun with him still."

White Yard was the first home from the Tasmanian contingent and her co-trainer David Brunton was thrilled with her effort under Melbourne hoop Dwayne Dunn.

"This was what she was set for and we nearly got there," Brunton said.

An interstate trip for the Adelaide Cup could also be awaiting White Yard.

"That's probably not out of the question," Brunton said.

"We'll see how she pulls up but there's still a bit in the tank."

Hobart Cup winner Bid Spotter started favourite on track but finished 14th.

Picture: Greg Irvine