Glenn Stevenson is optimistic about his chances in Wednesday’s Launceston Cup despite the strong Victorian competition.

His runner, Asva, earned a spot in the $250,000 Group 3 with a victory in the Sydeston Cup, while Devonport Cup winner Ashy Boy is set to return to top form.

Stevenson’s horses face a tough field, including Ciaron Maher’s Hobart Cup quinella of Strawberry Rock and Promises Kept, last year’s runner-up Alhambra Lad, and Pure Grunt from Ken and Kasey Keys.

Stevenson is confident in his pair’s condition. “As we know, it’s going to be hard against the mainlanders, but both my horses are going well,” he said. “Asva, he’s had that nice little gap between runs and I think the 2400 won’t be an issue.”

“Ashy Boy, the target for him was the Devonport Cup and we got that done, but then we hit the fence in the Hobart Cup. I think we’ve got him back on track now.”

“If we can run in the top four or five, I’ll be rapt.”

Asva, the shortest-priced local at $13, will be ridden by Craig Newitt. Stevenson is hopeful the horse can handle the distance despite his sire Capitalist’s lack of staying talent.

“We thought we’d have a shot after his good run in the Sydeston Cup,” said Stevenson.

Ashy Boy, a $19 chance, will have Codi Jordan aboard.

Top Victorian jockeys Mark Zahra and Damian Lane will also be in town. Zahra partners Promises Kept, while Lane will ride First Accused in the $125,000 Listed Hellova Street Stakes (1600m).

Stevenson also has Stone Cold Stunner in the $150,000 Group 3 Vamos Stakes (1400m), where he faces off against the talented filly Geegees Mistruth.