Longford trainer John Blacker dominated Launceston’s abbreviated Thursday night meeting with five winners of the eight races run.  Poor visibility forced stewards to abandon the final two events.

Blacker trained the first three winners and Dean Holland partnered all three – Longway To The Top (Rock Of Gibraltar), Werbally (Hussonet) and Rulesto (Telesto).

John’s father George prepared Race 4 winner Ladali (Ladoni) and fellow Longford trainer Bill Ryan was successful in Race 5 with El Sunera (King Of Prussia).

John Blacker made it five of a kind when Talia Rodder piloted stablemates North Lad (Clangalang) and Tula (Lago Delight) in Races 6 & 7.

Blacker’s Savoire Vivre filly Millie’s Reward was attempting a hat-trick in Race 8- the Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes – but she didn’t fire behind Victorian visitor Golden Archer.  

Blacker will saddle up Stadacona in the G3 Hobart Cup this Saturday.  The Telesto gelding won the Tasmanian St Leger in May but has been right out of form this season.

Blacker’s younger brother Troy has short-priced favourite Dream Pedlar primed to win the Hobart Cup.  The West Quest gelding has won 4 of his last 8 starts at home and in Victoria.

The Blackers are a tight-knit family and tragedy drew them closer just over a year ago.  John’s wife Maree died during the devastating tsunami that struck Samoa while the couple were there on holidays in September 2009.