Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Westport Harness on Friday, 26 December.
Strong first run for the Robertson barn at Methven by Heaven (2) and that alone should be enough to see him salute at some stage on the circuit. Finds a nice race for Day One and from the good draw should be handy throughout and hard to stop.
Selections: 2-7-9-3-4
| 2. Heaven (2) J: Riley Harrison 39692T: Peter & Mitchell Robertson |
A few less convictions than the majority of rivals means an automatic gravitation to Speakeasy (4) here today. Hasn’t done a bad job in the career to date and will definitely win a maiden. This race looks a good chance for it to happen too.
Selections: 4-1-2-7-3
| 4. Speakeasy (4) J: Brent Borcoskie 52555T: Brent Borcoskie |
Nice effort for fifth last time out from The Gangster (10) and he’s another who is going to win a maiden at short notice. Not a deep field either so should be able to follow them through and then look to wind up inside the final 800m and wear them down.
Selections: 10-7-12-1-9
| 10. The Gangster (10) J: Samantha Ottley 05T: Margo Nyhan |
Not a bad effort in the Harness 5000 at Ashburton from Call Dudley (2) and this is a world away from that. Small field, no standouts and should land on the speed early and be there throughout. Perhaps a little down on his best form but hard to beat here.
Selections: 2-5-6-1-3
| 2. Call Dudley (2) J: Bob Butt 07006T: Paul Nairn |
Smart mare Queen Of Swords (10) drops out of a nice race at Addington where she was fourth behind Nothing But You. Amaretto Franco and Tosana were second and third that night and they’ve both won since. Has high speed and if she gets a chance to use it, can finish over the top of this field.
Selections: 10-9-2-1-4
| 10. Queen Of Swords (10) J: Carter Dalgety x2854T: Andrew Fitzgerald |
He’s had a few goes in the maiden grade has Captain Publisher (7) but his last two efforts have been super and if he can replicate them here, he’s the one to beat. Good manners and pretty tough which he might need to be. His race to lose.
Selections: 7-9-3-5-10
| 7. Captain Publisher (7) J: Sam Thornley 38022T: Sam Thornley |
Big win at Methven last week from Jasprit Trouble (1) and it was overdue too. Has been racing in great heart and there is no reason why he won’t do that again here either. Should be close to the speed throughout and with room at the right time can win again.
Selections: 1-7-4-6-9
| 1. Jasprit Trouble (1) J: Riley Harrison 62221T: Michael Heenan |
Noted grass track performer Rapid Response (15) was excellent at Oamaru two weeks ago behind Seaside Pond and is building a nice record on the green tops. Will have to get around a few here at some point but has a bit of speed and can sit back and let it all unfold before winding right up.
Selections: 15-12-14-13-3
| 15. Rapid Response (3) J: Robbie Close x5103T: Andrew Stuart |
Have a look at some of the horses Smoke On The Water (10) has been racing lately and it’s easy to see this is a huge step back in grade for him. Third in the Junior FFA on Cup Day and loves the grass. Big handicap but the small field helps negate that. Best wins nine times out of 10.
Selections: 10-5-6-7-9
| 10. Smoke On The Water (1) J: Samantha Ottley 37300T: Matt Purvis |
A strong returning to winning form last time out from Wilma’s Boy (6) and he just smashed them too. Importantly the manners have been good in both runs back this time in, so he might be finally putting it all together. Look for him to jump and run here and if in front turning for home, should win again.
Selections: 6-4-7-5-3
| 6. Wilma’s Boy (0) J: Bob Butt 10×61T: Paul Nairn |
Looked off the bit at the 400m mark at Ashburton on Sunday, but Troubleshooter (4) was very brave all the way to the line in a strong field. This is easier and if she was to stroll across and find the front, they might be chasing her throughout – a good bet to end the day.
Selections: 4-7-5-9-8
| 4. Troubleshooter (4) J: Sarah O’Reilly 71805T: Michael Heenan |