Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Alexandra Park Harness on Friday, 6 February.
There was an air of arrogance about the fresh up victory of Doo You Want Me (6) here a couple of weeks ago. A long time in between drinks too, so you could only imagine there is natural improvement to come from that run. A bit harder here, but might be one out of the box going forward.
Selections: 6-1-7-4-8
| 6. Doo You Want Me (6) J: Tony Herlihy 080×1 T: Tony Herlihy |
Not the most ideal of introductions to grass track racing for Higher Power (7) when he threw victory away on day two at Hawera. Trotting big and bold up until that point and hopefully back on the all weather tonight he can find his rhythm again and get the job done.
Selections: 7-3-9-10-8
| 7. Higher Power (1) J: Harrison Orange 59796 T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
Stonewall Stud product Ms Collins (6) returns here off the back of a strong introduction to racing last campaign. Finished second in behind a handy one and in what looks to be a pretty even field tonight should be primed to kick off in style.
Selections: 6-10-9-1-2
| 6. Ms Collins (6) J: Tim Williams 2x T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Life in the North Island looks good on Confessional (5) judging by his emphatic fresh up win here last week. Jogged it and looked every bit the good horse we know he is. Could go on a bit of a run here over the coming months and small field is ideal for him to go back-to-back.
Selections: 5-3-4-1-2
| 5. Confessional (1) J: Todd Mitchell 17001 T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
Couldn’t have asked for a better start to the career and based off what we’ve seen there is no reason that Lincoln Wave (6) couldn’t make it three in a row either. Has strolled to the front and left rivals chasing so far and might do the same here, even withstanding the step up in grade.
Selections: 6-3-2-10-8
| 6. Lincoln Wave (6) J: Tony Herlihy 11 T: Ray Green & Nathan Delany |
Not sure there is any doubt that it’s Two Francs (8) who likely has the highest ceiling of any of the runners in this race. It is just that the manner often left things down. Looking for a clean round here and with one of these might be too good for them.
Selections: 8-6-7-4-5
| 8. Two Francs (0) J: Lyn Neal 18×06 T: Andrew & Lyn Neal |
Happy to take a lead from the Zachary Butcher drive here in Ann Penny (2). No exposed form to speak of but a good barrier draw certainly helps the cause. Might not be the best here, but has done enough to suggest a win would be no surprise.
Selections: 2-6-5-3-4
| 2. Ann Penny (2) J: Zachary Butcher T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |