Ripper result in Tasmanian Newmarket

Geegees Blackflash caused a boilover when he powered home to an impressive victory in the LR Tasmanian Newmarket Hcp on Wednesday night.

Geegees Blackflash (5g Clangalang – La Quita by Grand Lodge) railed up to defeat Socks (Keep The Faith) by a half head in the 112th running of the Newmarket at Launceston.

Geegees Blackflash was ridden an inspired race by Victorian jockey Peter Mertens to score at 20/1.  “He’s an absolute ripper – the best I’ve trained,” John Luttrell claimed.  “His work has been exceptional and I was confident after he galloped last Saturday.

“If everything pans out, he will go on and contest the Launceston and Hobart Cups.”

Geegees Blackflash is raced by prominent owners Paul and Elizabeth Geard.  The couple were tempted to transfer the gelding to Gai Waterhouse after he won the 2010 G3 Tasmanian Derby but decided to keep him at Luttrell’s Brighton stables.

His sire Clangalang (Clang) stands at Rivers End Stud in South Australia and his dam La Quita is an unraced half-sister to G1 South Australian Derby winner Cheviot (Average Game).

The Geards also race the Newmarket winner’s youngster half-sister Gee Gee’s La Quita (Atlantis Prince).  She is being set for the Tasmanian One Thousand Guineas after winning at her last two starts in Hobart.