Hard luck story in the Hobart Cup last time out, the Bill Ryan-trained Genuine Lad improved at Launceston Racecourse this afternoon to beat home fellow locals Banca Mo and Geegees Blackflash in the Launceston Cup 2015 earning a possible 2015 Adelaide Cup bid.

Craig Williams rode his second Launceston Cup winner in as many years this afternoon with a win on 2015 Adelaide Cup hope Genuine Lad. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell.

In a repeat of the first three over the line in the Hobart Cup over the same distance on February 9, this afternoon’s $225,000 Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m) saw the top three in betting run the trifecta in the latest Tasmanian Summer Racing Carnival showdown.

On the line the Craig Williams-ridden Genuine Lad ($3.20) had three quarters of a length to spare over the Scott Brunton-trained Tough Speed seven-year-old Banca Mo ($3.10) while brave Hobart Cup winner Geegees Blackflash ($7) held for third carrying the hefty 60.5kg top weight.

“Absolutely stoked mate, it was glorious,” winning trainer Ryan told the media after the victory.

It was the fifth straight year John Luttrell’s evergreen veteran Geegees Blackflash contested the Launceston Cup, and the fifth straight year he finished in the top three.

The now eight-year-old Clangalang gelding ran third last year, won it in 2013, crossed runner-up in 2012 and third in 2011 giving the cult galloper a gun record in the mile and a half classic.

In the Hobart Cup this year, which he also contested for the fifth time on the trot for his second win, Geegees Blackflash beat Genuine Lad by a neck with Banca Mo in third.

But with today’s Launceston Cup winner getting in on the 54kg minimum, the gallant top weight couldn’t get into the top two and was beaten three lengths.

Top Tasmanian jockey Anthony Darmanin rode Genuine Lad for his luckless Hobart Cup second, but was replaced with Group 1 winning interstate hoop Williams today who won his second Launceston Cup in as many years follow his success aboard Epingle last year.

“Craig rode him an absolute treat,” Ryan said.

“He had a plan and it came off. Absolutely fantastic.

“It’s really lovely that it’s come off.”

Williams was also thrilled to go back-to-back in the showdown.

“It’s a great thrill to come back to Tasmanian and win the Launceston Cup again,” he said.

Williams gave his mount every favour and had Genuine Lad settled in a lovely position third and then fourth in the box seat while Ollie’s Gold led them round as he did in the Hobart Cup.

Geegees Blackflash meanwhile was settled back in the field seven lengths off the leader midfield at the 1400m mark.

Genuine Lad got a glorious run on the inside throughout improving as the field approached the final turn moving up into second.

Geegees Blackflash and Banca Mo were also making their moves but it was the eventual winner who got the gun run at the top of the straight hitting the rails and racing away.

The next best two over the line in the end gave chase, with Tony McEvoy’s visitor Pelicano ($6) finishing off the first four.

Genuine Lad has now won five of his 17 career starts and after getting the thumbs-up for Williams post-win will likely head to Morphettville next month for a shot at the lucrative $400,000 Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) on March 9.

The Longford-based Ryan told Williams before the Launceston Cup to report back and see if the horse was a genuine enough stayer to go up to the two miles in South Australia. K

“I talked to Craig before the race and said ‘I want your opinion on where we go next’ and whether we go to the Adelaide Cup, so we’ll see,” he said.

Williams was quick to credit Ryan and his training before labeling Genuine Lad as a “superior stayer” and a big hope for the Adelaide Cup where he’d love to be aboard again.

“Credit to Bill Ryan and his team,” the hoop said.

“He (Genuine Lad) took a lot of riding but he outstayed them.

“Definitely (an Adelaide Cup hope).

“He delivered today.

“I’ll stay with him if I can. He’s a horse going places and a very good, superior stayer.”

To get behind Genuine Lad next start and access the best 2015 Adelaide Cup betting markets visit Ladbrokes.com.au today and open an account with the country’s premier bookie.

2015 Launceston Cup Results & Finishing Order

Launceston Race 8 – 25/02/2015