Methven Harness Tips & Preview | Thursday 18 December

Locally trained trotter Lauzelle (5) makes the race debut here today off the back of a steady diet of workouts and trials. Wasn’t far behind Amistozo in the qualifier and she was a big winner on debut last week. Open maiden trot and with manners can make the career kick off on the right hoof.  
Selections: 5-9-8-7-18 

A pretty remarkable effort from Bettor N Joy (10) at Rangiora to finish third given where she was at the top of the straight. Is going to win one very quickly and perhaps even today. Some luck required from the draw but if able to be close enough to them turning for home should be the one to beat.  
Selections: 10-8-1-3-5 

Was probably never going to hold off the winner last week at Addington but if he’d run straighter, Miki Brown (5) might have been closer. Getting the hang of this racing game and look ready to breakthrough and a good beginning here will have him well on the way.  
Selections: 5-9-2-1-14 

As a go forward horse, Dover Terrace (6) looks pretty well placed here today. Big run for second when leading on this track two starts back and this field isn’t as strong as that one. Can find the front, control things and dash away late.  
Selections: 6-8-9-4-1 

Getting onto the front tape is a huge result here for Granny Rose (10). He’s a noted hot stepper and over the short course distance could jump and run here. Has been knocking around in good fields lately and this is a whole lot easier. Looks a strong bet.  
Selections: 10-13-9-3-4 

Three decent efforts in the first preparation from Franco Ankara (3) and he always looked like a horse who was going to be better with time. Given some of that and trial earlier this month was excellent. Drawn to roll forward and dominate and should do just that.  
Selections: 3-10-6-5-7 

A blow out hope here today with the aid of a much better draw, Destiny’s Dream (7) looks likely to roll forward and look to control this. Has done a power of work in the last two races and hasn’t thrown the towel in so an easier time here and she’s well in play.  
Selections: 7-10-2-4-11 

A sharp workout win here a fortnight ago by Forever Miki (1) caught the eye. Had the better of the talented Giorgio Denario who has won a race on that occasion and did it easily. Ace draw here to work from and should punch out and be near the speed throughout. Good enough to win.  
Selections: 1-8-10-5-9 

She’s featured in this column a few times lately and let the side down but with the ace draw today maybe it’s the chance for Chance On Me (1) to turn things around. Very capable mare on her day and in a field where there are no standouts, she looks a strong winning prospect.  
Selections: 1-8-11-4-2 

Another strong chance from the Leo O’Reilly stable is Festus Haggen (12). Really sharp late from well back at Rangiora last week and while he’ll require a little luck from the draw today, he’s going well enough to be the horse to beat in this field if the gaps come his way at the right time.  
Selections: 12-8-18-2-11 

Unbelievable each way odds on offer for Father Mike (11) here today. He’s been in great form of late and was brave after being savaged in front at Orari last time out. Three starts back would have beaten a much stronger field than this at Mot before being checked. Can land handy and be the one to beat today.  
Selections: 11-4-10-15-2 

A bit to like about the recent runs of Jazzys Upstart (11) in good fields. Better when driven off the speed and allowed to wind up and she gets that chance today from the second row. Should get a nice enough run through early too and not be too far off them. Can win with the final say.  
Selections: 11-2-6-14-7