Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Alexandra Park Harness on Friday, 31 October.
Nice type back from a spell tonight, 5 Carrera Hombre looks ready to run a big race. Took on some pretty smart fields last campaign and was never far away from the action. Good race to kick things off in and should prove hard to catch.
Selections: 5-6-4-1-2
| 5. Carrera Hombre (5) J: Maurice McKendry 1343xT: Brian & Gareth Hughes |
On top for everybody after an impressive trial win last week, 7 Hillbilly Blues resumes here in the perfect race to kick things off in winning fashion. Manners are generally pretty good and if able to get onto the speed then might leave them chasing.
Selections: 7-3-8-6-5
| 7. Hillbilly Blues (1) J: Crystal Hackett 2614xT: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
Some really sharp trial efforts from 6 Dolly Parton leading into tonight’s debut. All of them suggest she’s a pretty quick winner. Looks to have real high speed and while there’s some nice ones in here, she could be the one having the final say.
Selections: 6-5-3-7-1
| 6. Dolly Parton (6) J: Sailesh Abernethy T: Jeremy Young |
Manners were left at home last week by 4 Southern Diamond but the fresh up run for third was excellent and a strong pointer to this. Just needs to get it right as there’s some smart ones in here who will pounce if given the opportunity. Full round should get the job done.
Selections: 4-3-8-7-2
| 4. Southern Diamond (0) J: Zachary Butcher 82×37T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
Strong return to racing from 11 Mako and he slides in here quite nicely. Should be a strong pace on in front of him which will really suit as he can sit off it and look to finish off strongly as he’s best known for. Good field, but he’s the leading light.
Selections: 11-7-6-1-5
| 11. Mako (11) J: David Butcher 68×13T: Arna Donnelly |
Cracking field of trotters to head around here and three could have easily been top pick. There’s a bit of brilliance about 8 Higher Power that maybe just edges the scales in his favour. He’s been brilliant in two runs back from a spell and is right on track to make it three here.
Selections: 8-5-3-7-9
| 8. Higher Power (4) J: Zachary Butcher 10×11T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
Thought the runs of 7 Jolimont in some pretty strong company this time in have been with merit and they’ve also been in much stronger fields than this one too. Manners are good and he could land pretty close to the speed here and his class will carry him a very long way.
Selections: 7-6-4-5-2
| 7. Jolimont (1) J: David Butcher x4463T: Arna Donnelly |
Everyone’s anchor in the final leg of the quaddie, 3 Cyclone Rebel returns here after a strong start to the career in some very good age group fields. Has a really sharp turn of foot and while taking on some seasoned and experienced campaigners here, just needs to be close enough turning in to reel them all in.
Selections: 3-5-4-2-1
| 3. Cyclone Rebel (3) J: Matthew White 17T: Tate Hopkins |