Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Methven Harness on Sunday 8 February.
A wee throw at the stumps here given he’s well out of form but an inside draw for Hes Santas Excuse (1) here could make all the difference. Might look to jump and run and control this and he’s shown previously he’s dangerous when afforded that opportunity.
Selections: 1-6-14-7-9
| 1. Hes Santas Excuse (1) J: Sam Thornley 76660 T: John McDermott |
Inexperience has been costly so far for Gimme Three Steps (6) but no doubting the motor. Would have won 2 starts back if they could have driven her out in the finish. Getting better with racing and with good manners today, can salute.
Selections: 6-10-8-15-13
| 6. Gimme Three Steps (6) J: Harrison Orange 0x20 T: Barry Ward |
Doing everything but win at the moment is Scotlyn Fortress (16) but a return to the grass might be the ideal factor in getting her over the line first. Ability is there, just needs a little luck from the niggly draw in a big field.
Selections: 16-12-8-9-7
| 16. Scotlynn Fortress (16) J: John Morrison 24332 T: Dean Taylor |
Nice progression through the last handful of starts for Ceewhatabet (5) and it seems about time to break through for the maiden win. Nice set up here and only need a little more luck in the running than some of the recent runs and can deliver.
Selections: 5-4-16-3-2
| 5. Cee Whatabet (5) J: John Hay 27962 T: John Hay |
Big effort to run second at Oamaru last time out in the first run out of maidens by Bristall Babe (11). Beaten by a pretty good one too so form should stack up. Manners seem good and stable usually has no issues with the grass so expecting a big performance.
Selections: 11-7-5-12-3
| 11. Birstall Babe (11) J: Ben Hope 12 T: Greg & Ben Hope |
This race maps beautifully for Logan Rock (3) to jump onto the speed and not look back today. Has had excuses in the past couple of runs, but it’ll be hard to find them here and in a race that looks well within range victory would come as no surprise.
Selections: 3-8-9-10-4
| 3. Logan Rock (3) J: Robbie Close 32006 T: Andrew Stuart |
Some really good efforts of late from Foliejon Star (4) and it appears only a matter of when and not if another win comes. Could argue that right now seems the most likely given the recent efforts. Small field suits and hard to stop.
Selections: 4-9-1-8-6
| 4. Foliejon Star (4) J: Seth Hill 23422 T: Bruce Negus |
One of the more exciting pacers in Cantebrury is J T Boe (12) and he kicks off a new campaign here in a very winnable race. Has to get the stand start right and handle the 30m handicap but in terms of class he has all their measure here.
Selections: 12-10-8-1-6
| 12. J T Boe (0) J: Tim Williams 21411 T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Has been landing on the speed of late from good draws but Farewell Spit (13) will need to come from off the speed this week and that might just suit. Quite quick off a helmet and with good pace up front will be charging at them late at a nice price.
Selections: 13-1-11-5-2
| 13. Farewell Spit (13) J: Robbie Close 22324 T: Andrew Stuart |
Bettered only by the most in form trotter in the country last week in Racey Krusa was Jasprit Trouble (16) and can carry that form on here. Needs a good beginning from the marble but with one of those, on this track, looks the one they need to beat.
Selections: 16-10-7-15-1
| 16. Jasprit Trouble (3) J: Riley Harrison 21152 T: Michael Heenan |
Some really strong runs from Jazzys Upstart (3) following her Ashburton win and last week’s one at Oamaru was the best yet. Growing in strength and confidence and from a good draw today can get onto the speed and be the one they need to beat.
Selections: 3-2-6-11-12
| 3. Jazzys Upstart (3) J: Sarah O’Reilly 03133 T: Brent & Tim White |