Blazing Blacker set for feature double

A well-known racing adage is “that stable is on fire”, referring to a successful run. Well, that almost became reality for the state’s leading trainer, John Blacker, when a blaze threatened his Longford property on Tuesday afternoon.

John Blacker said the quick response from the Tasmanian Fire Service prevented what could have been a catastrophe.

"They definitely saved our place. I made the triple-zero call at 15:23, and they were there within 10 minutes. It was scary; the fire took off quickly," Blacker said.

"There were probably 20 horses up there; all we could do was put them higher up away from the fire."

Fire crews were still at the scene on Wednesday, wary of smouldering bushland, but for Blacker, it was business as usual. He has two of the top chances in the two feature races in Launceston on Friday night.

Exciting unbeaten colt Aristopolos will be a hot favourite in the $150,000 Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m).

"He's done really well; he had a nice gallop on Tuesday, like we normally do when he races on a Friday night.

"He's handled his work 100%, and he looks magnificent. We've drawn a good barrier, four out of eight, and no doubt we will go forward, and if all goes well, you think we would be winning."

Aristopolos led at his most recent run in the Magic Millions Classic and scored by 8 1/2 lengths, making it four wins from four starts.

Blacker will also saddle up Daytona Diva,who will be one of the top chances in the $150,000 Tasmanian Oaks over 2100m. Daytona Diva returned to her best with an impressive win in the Strutt Stakes (2020m) in Hobart on 8 February.

"That race in Hobart has really made her, and she looks magnificent in herself, condition-wise. Her gallop on Tuesday was first class; she should land in the first three or four and be hard to beat."

Byrne Burke soldiers on

The states leading rider will be back in action on Friday night after having to forego her last four rides in Hobart last Sunday.

Erica Byrne Burke was stood down by medical staff after her mount reared and jammed her up against the barrier but fortunately her injuries were not too serious.

"It was pretty sore but it's getting better each day, I rode a few horses on Tuesday and again at the Longford trials," Byrne Burke said.

"Just a bit of bruising and a bit of stiffness the day after, I was a bit worried after the accident but I'm looking forward to Friday now."

Byrne Burke who is enjoying a stellar season winning the Hobart Cup and having a massive lead on the jockey's premiership, will partner up with Blacker on Aristopolos. Byrne Burke has been aboard for each of the 2yo's four wins.