Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Ashburton Harness on Thursday, November 13.
4 Star On The Rocks: After a couple of very good efforts of late in better fields than this, Star On The Rocks (4) looks really well placed here today. Has gate speed and a good draw to use and looks likely to roll forward and take up a forward position. Not the full package yet, but good enough to beat this field.
Selections: 4-3-1-11-16
| 4. Star On The Rocks (4) J: Sam Thornley 00632T: Chris McDowell |
Manners have been the main issue for Paramount Picture (4) of late and they could well play a role in the chances here today too. Small field on the big track should suit and has raced well here in the past. Might look to trot onto the lead early and from there, they’ll be chasing.
Selections: 4-9-10-8-5
| 4. Paramount Picture (4) J: John Dunn 2×379T: Bob Butt |
Scratched from Addington last Friday night, fans of Transonic (12) have had to wait a little longer than they thought they would to see him step out. Looks a sharp horse with plenty of ability although racing experience will be key going forward. Might just have a little too much class for this field though.
Selections: 12-14-13-1-16
| 12. Transonic (12) J: Tim Williams T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
A really sharp trial win from Larissa Beaudiene (4) at Addington last week ticked all the boxes for a horse capable of winning on debut. Finds a nice race to try and make it happen too. Would expect her to roll forward and look to take control of this and with her own terms should take some catching.
Selections: 4-2-7-3-5
| 4. Larissa Beaudiene (4) J: Seth Hill T: Brendon Hill |
The model of ultimate consistency, Macho Man (2) is a maiden trotter who deserves a victory. Good manners should have him on the speed from the handy draw and with a nice trip on the markers throughout will look to have the final say in what is a big, wide open maiden trot.
Selections: 2-6-10-17-14
| 2. Macho Man (2) J: Tim Williams 42323T: Kevin Townley |
The aid of the inside barrier gives Treasure Cove (1) a great chance here today. Is a capable pacer on the right day but does have a few tricks up the sleeve. Looks likely to roll forward here and try and hold a forward position and around safely should be fighting out the finish.
Selections: 1-17-10-8-14
| 1. Treasure Cove (1) J: Tim Williams x3047T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
A strong penalty free win last week at Addington has Always A Menace (4) full of confidence. Gets a chance at another here in an even field with an in form driver in the bike in Carter Dalgety. Doesn’t mind doing a bit of work and will have too but going well enough to win again.
Selections: 4-6-5-1-8
| 4. Always A Menace (4) J: Carter Dalgety x8p21T: Matt Brinsdon |
On a path toward next week’s NZ Trotting Oaks, Rangitata (7) looks a trotter of the future on what we’ve seen so far from her in the career. Won’t be completely screwed down for this assignment but has the class to roll forward at some point and out-point her rivals.
Selections: 7-8-3-13-11
| 7. Rangitata (7) J: Nathan Williamson 123T: Phil Williamson |
A huge run at Kaikoura after an early gallop from Jesse Owens (15) he really had no right to finish second given how far off them he settled. Out of the early rush here which should help and he’s won on a rain affected track here previously so ticks another box. Look for him late.
Selections: 15-8-2-4-6
| 15. Jesse Owens (15) J: John Morrison 1922T: John Morrison |
Worked to the front at Addington last week and was simply too good for his rivals and Elton J (6) will be out to do the same again here today. Gets a good front line draw and has the early speed to cross them. In front, out of trouble and with own terms is going to be hard to contain.
Selections: 6-3-14-4-9
| 6. Elton J (6) J: Blair Orange 10151T: Tony Thomas |
10 Tribbiani: Nothing wrong in either of the two starts to the races from Tribbiani (10) and chased home a pretty smart one at Addington last week. Manners look really good and in a big field that could be key here today. Ability wise ticks all the boxes to win this race.
Selections: 10-19-20-3-1
| 10. Tribbiani (10) J: Tim Williams 12T: Kevin Townley |
A really steady diet of trials and workouts ahead of today’s debut for Giorgio Denario (4). He’s looked pretty sharp too with a couple of impressive wins and a really nice effort last week at the Addington trials. Will be ready to run a race here and looks hard to beat.
Selections: 4-8-3-2-7
| 4. Giorgio Denario (4) J: John Morrison T: John Morrison |
Dropping out of a strong race at Addington last time out where sixth, Artful Bromac (1) might finally be able to get another win on the board here. Often his own worst enemy at times but with the inside draw he just needs a nice trip on the fence and a clean shot at them at the top of the straight.
Selections: 1-2-13-15-16
| 1. Artful Bromac (1) J: Samantha Ottley 8×226T: Michael House |