Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Rangiora Harness on Thursday, January 1.
Ignoring the duck egg in the form line from the last start, Longview Tui (4) brings some strong form to this race today. Drops back in grade considerably from some of the recent efforts and with Blair in the bike, should be in all the right spots to chase success here.
Selections: 4-8-10-1-2
| 4. Longview Tui (4) J: Blair Orange 74730T: Ken Barron |
It’s somewhat surprising that Nobilo (9) hasn’t picked up a win yet given some of the good races run in the career. Handy enough in both runs back from a spell and should be ready to rock and roll here. Just needs to make a good beginning and be handy.
Selections: 9-10-5-1-11
| 9. Nobilo (9) J: John Dunn 23×66T: Geoff Dunn |
A couple of very nice trials recently behind nice types from American Tos (7) who is on debut here today. Hails from a strike-rate barn and looks well enough schooled to be a major player here. Wide draw might not actually work out all bad and can get a major slice.
Selections: 7-2-10-5-6
| 7. American Tos (7) J: Sam Thornley T: Anne-Marie & Jack Best |
After finding the going a bit too tough last time out, Macho Man (4) lobs back into a very winnable race here today and would only have to run up to the fourth he produced first run out of maidens to be winning this race with a bit of comfort.
Selections: 4-11-10-8-1
| 4. Macho Man (4) J: Tim Williams 32149T: Kevin Townley |
A string of trial seconds, in behind some good types including the black-type winner Cath, suggest that Cee Whata Mickee (8) is well above average and can make a strong play here on debut. Widish draw means there is some work to do but looks good enough to overcome it.
Selections: 8-1-7-6-2
| 8. Cee Whata Mickee (8) J: Sam Thornley T: Ken Barron |
The win of Molly Maeve Estelle (5) here on the grass last month suggested there’s plenty more in store for this well bred mare. Has a high ceiling and a high turn of foot and while stepping up in grade here is getting better and better and can grab back-to-back wins.
Selections: 5-11-6-10-4
| 5. Molly Maeve Estelle (5) J: Wilson House 93821T: Brent & Tim White |
Race experience and fitness might just tip the scales in favour of Son Of Doc (1) here today. Hasn’t had it all his own way in his last two runs but has been brave in both and if he can hold up and perhaps follow the right one here today then he’s a chance up the lane.
Selections: 1-7-9-4-11
| 1. Son Of Doc (1) J: Samantha Ottley 0x245T: Rodger Austin |
A really sharp trial victory here a couple of weeks ago from Warrior Chief (9) and he looks set to make up for a bit of lost time. Quality pacer when at his best and while he’ll improve out of sight off this run, if things were to pan out he’d be more than competitive in this line up.
Selections: 9-7-10-13-14
| 9. Warrior Chief (9) J: Seth Hill x840xT: Jamie Gameson |
A promising juvenile early on his career, Ukraine (9) has been a long time away from the track but a steady diet of workouts and trials will have him pretty ready here first up and if he brings anything close to his best he’ll be winning this.
Selections: 9-5-6-7-4
| 9. Ukraine (9) J: Seth Hill 25x4xT: Bob Butt |
He’s enigmatic, but he’s got a motor and if Tyron’s Strapping Lad puts it all together here today he should really be going close to winning. Big win two starts back and got it wrong the next start. Big field to contend with, but on song he’s the one to catch.
Selections: 11-8-14-6-9
| 11. Tyrons Strapping Lad (3) J: John Dunn 51710T: Robert & Jenna Dunn |
Back from a spell and ready to pick up where things were left off, a sharp recent trial indicated that Desert Dancer (5) is one to follow this campaign. Excellent in that public run and dashed some nice sectionals too. Big field here, but it’s an even one and can certainly win.
Selections: 5-4-15-2-11
| 5. Desert Dancer (5) J: Blair Orange 14xT: Ken Barron |