Champion Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher secured the quinella in the first of Tasmania’s premier summer Cups, and he is optimistic about completing the double in Wednesday’s Launceston Cup.

The 2400m feature will once again showcase Maher’s star duo, Strawberry Rock and Promises Kept, who fought out the finish in the Hobart Cup on February 9. In that thrilling Group 3 contest, Strawberry Rock narrowly edged out his stablemate, but Maher believes both horses are thriving in their Tasmanian campaign.

“They’re absolutely thriving,” Maher said, as he eyes his first Launceston Cup victory. “I’ve got a girl looking after them down there, and they’re both doing incredibly well.”

Promises Kept will benefit from a 2kg weight swing against Strawberry Rock from their Hobart clash, with both runners carrying 59kg as co-topweights. Mark Zahra, a two-time Melbourne Cup-winning jockey, takes the ride on Promises Kept as he chases his maiden Launceston Cup triumph. Declan Bates, who steered Strawberry Rock to victory in the Hobart Cup, retains the ride.

After claiming the $100,000 Summer Cup (2200m) at Hobart before his narrow second in the Hobart Cup, Promises Kept is considered the leading contender to turn the tables on Strawberry Rock. The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained Alhambra Lad, last year’s Launceston Cup runner-up, is also among the top chances.

The Ken and Kasey Keys-trained Pure Grunt is another well-supported runner, while the Glenn Stevenson-trained Asva, who recently claimed the Sydeston Cup (2100m), is regarded as Tasmania’s strongest hope.

In addition to the Launceston Cup, Wednesday’s program features two other Black Type races. The $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m) will see Geegees Mistruth as the headline act, while the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes (1600m) boasts a competitive lineup, including The Inevitable and Munhamek.