Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Cambridge Harness on Sunday, January 4.
Cops a wide barrier draw to work from but Mandala (8) has been very good in the amateur grade over the past 12 months and with any luck and a nice drag into it then look for a strong finishing burst to get over the top of them all.
Selections: 8-7-9-5-6
| 8. Mandala (8) J: Frank Phelan 24715 T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
It’s a little hit or miss, but when Patricia Ruby catches it right from the stand she can be quite devastating. Easily good enough to trot onto the speed here from the 20m handicap and just bury them into submission. Risky though.
Selections: 8-10-4-6-7
| 8. Patricia Ruby (0) Scratched: | |||
On debut here today from the Arna Donnelly barn, Tahi (2) brings some strong trial form to the race including a recent hit out where he was second behind the talented Buddy Good. He’d be $1.10 in this field so that should stack up pretty well, especially from the good draw.
Selections: 2-12-10-6-5
| 2. Tahi (2) J: David Butcher T: Arna Donnelly |
A brave effort from Rushkinoff (9) last time out and he looks set to make a pretty strong fist of racing in the north on what we’ve seen so far. Inside of the second row draw might work out perfectly and with a sweet trip can sneak up the lane late and go close.
Selections: 9-1-5-10-4
| 9. Rushkinoff (9) J: Crystal Hackett 10435 T: Sheryl Wigg |
After getting the start wrong here in Xmas Eve and letting his fans down, Son Of Patrick (6) will be out for redemption here. More ability than most in this field, just needs to do everything right and he should be able to assert his dominance.
Selections: 6-1-2-8-5
| 6. Son Of Patrick (3) J: Harrison Orange 41120 T: Derek & Neita Balle |
After a string of very good performances up the road in Auckland, Ragnar Lothbrok (1) looks a prime chance here today with the aid of the inside draw. A lot easier than things have been recently and with a sweet trip can have the final say.
Selections: 1-6-8-5-7
| 1. Ragnar Lothbrok (1) J: Crystal Hackett 73246 T: Arna Donnelly |
Doesn’t win them out of turn but Shezabettorgirl (5) will relish this opportunity today after some really good efforts in handy fields of late. No superstar, but she’s got quite the turn of foot when saved up for one run and expect a strong finish here.
Selections: 5-2-4-3-7
| 5. Shezabettorgirl (5) J: Kate Coppins 35536 T: Michael House |
Looks a nice opportunity for Brienne (4) here tonight and wouldn’t have to go much better than the effort here last week when running second to be saluting in what is a small but even field. Good manners will play a big part in that.
Selections: 4-3-5-8-2
| 4. Brienne (1) J: Andre Poutama 11992 T: Ival Brownlee |
Into the David Butcher barn after an online purchase, Enzo (6) could repay the new connections first time around here. Not a strong field to contend with and with plenty of options early, expect a strong performance in the last of the day.
Selections: 6-7-4-3-8
| 6. Enzo (6) J: David Butcher x2410 T: David Butcher |