Although Bondeiger took all the Launceston Cup honours after a super ride by Regan Bayliss, there were some big performances from the beaten brigade.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
None more so than runner-up Fastnet Dragon who had a wide run from barrier 12 and battled on strongly to be beaten only a half length.
The former Singapore stayer, now raced and trained in Tasmania, loomed as the likely winner rounding the home turn.
Bondeiger saved ground by cutting to his inside and dashing to the front but Fastnet Dragon was coming again on the line.
Adelaide mare Pretty Punk came from well back to finish third after tracking Bondeiger into the race from about the 400m.
Fourth placegetter Andrea Mantegna also raced a bit wide before looming to second on the turn. He was beaten less than two lengths and was just in front of Eastender who finished better than any other runner.
Bondeiger’s time of 2:29.56 just eclipsed Genuine Lad’s record set in the 2015 Cup.
