Timeform Australian SmartPlays: Launceston, Wednesday February 27

Our Australian team have picked out three bets on Wednesday

Timeform Australia picks our their three bests bets on this high-level midweek card.

The Tasmanian Summer Carnival officially comes to a close tomorrow with the running of the Group 3 Launceston Cup (2400m). Mainland invaders such as Hurdy Gurdy Man and Fieldmaster look set to play leading roles in the $225,000 feature however it is the locally trained The Cleaner who can hold off all challengers on Wednesday. The Mick Burles-trained stayer has been in career best form over the summer and last start was brave in defeat behind Hobart Cup winner Hurdy Gurdy Man. The pair meets again at Launceston on Wednesday where things appear to swing back in The Cleaner's favour. A 2.5kg weight turnaround over Hurdy Gurdy Man and returning to the tight turning Launceston circuit augers well for The Cleaner's chances of making all for a career best victory.

Earlier in the 10-race Launceston program, two members of the fairer sex can continue on with their winning form. The Barry Campbell-trained Miss Middleton contests the Class 1 Handicap (1400m) which opens proceedings after breaking maiden status well upon resuming at this track on January 30. Miss Middleton finds a race lacking any real depth and despite an awkward draw should be continuing her rise through the grades based on the ease of her maiden success.

Race 4 is a 1200m Open Handicap where Black 'N' Tough can continue to build on an already solid record. The Leon Wells-trained mare relished getting back to Launceston and the addition of blinkers last start when posting a clear cut victory in similar company a fortnight ago. Expect Black 'N' Tough to bounce well from barrier four and sit outside one of her main rivals here in Punctuate before overpowering the honest gelding over the final stages as was the case last start. Boasting some excellent track and distance credentials, Black 'N' Tough profiles well in this small field and is expected to get the job done on Wednesday.

Timeform Australian SmartPlays
All at Launceston

Back Miss Middleton @ $2.40 in the 01:20 GMT
Back Black 'N' Tough @ $2.40 in the 03:05
Back The Cleaner @ $4.50 in the 05:09