Methven Harness Tips & Preview | Sunday 22 March

A nice draw and a nice set up here today for Magical Max (1) and expect him to use it too. A dour pacer who has more toughness than he does speed, wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rolling forward from the good marble and looking to hold a forward position. Marker run will be key and can win the opener.  
Selections: 1-12-15-10-9 

Bested only by a pretty smart one at The Mot last Sunday, Wot Up Tyron (3) can certainly go one better here this afternoon. Experience is growing and the manners seem better so wouldn’t be a shock to see them jump to the front again here and not look back. The one to beat.  
Selections: 3-8-7-4-9 

It’s been a little hit and miss so far from Kotare Rata (6) but there was plenty to like about the closing stages of last week’s effort at The Mot. Really worked through the line well. This race is no harder, so therefore should be able to produce something similar and looks hard to catch.  
Selections: 6-2-1-4-7 

An encouraging first up effort to the races from There He Goes (8) off the back of a strong build up of workouts and trials. Gets onto the front line which helps today and looks set to be driven a little more confidently early to get closer to the speed. Should be right there fighting out the finish.  
Selections: 8-2-10-5-1 

Joany Baby (5) finds herself on top of the selections once again after another handy effort at Motukarara last Sunday. A win is coming and when things fall into place perfectly it’ll come quickly. This is a nice option here and with good manners should land in a very positive spot to launch from.  
Selections: 5-10-9-4-11 

A nice filly back on track here in Lizzie Borden (6). She took on some pretty sharp fields last campaign and showed good ability. A recent Ashburton trial win was very good and signalled she’s ready to hit the ground running. Should enjoy the grass and can turn this into a bit of stayer’s test over the last 800m.  
Selections: 6-4-5-3-2 

Jumping out of a very rich maiden field at Addington last time out where she was victorious, Elegant Delight (2) finds the perfect race to try and chase a penalty free win here in her first go in the new grade. Lands Carter Dalgety too so that’s a plus, good away from the stand too and looks hard to beat.  
Selections: 2-7-6-11-12 

Turned a few heads when winning on debut did Blue Collar (6) and then he stepped out at the workouts on this track last weekend and looked really at home too. Might be one who rushes through the grades pretty quickly and no surprise to see him grab another here in a wide open field.  
Selections: 6-14-4-2-15 

Not much luck in the returning run to the races for the talented Riptide (4) but he can make amends here. A good barrier draw is a huge plus and if they choose to press forward there shouldn’t be too many issues in finding the front. Hard to beat on ability alone.  
Selections: 4-5-3-14-13 

A sharp workout win on the Methven track last weekend suggested Audacity (13) is ready to rock and roll this week and he finds a really winnable country cups race too. Loves the grass and is quite adaptable so won’t have to rely on too much luck in running to make a very strong case for winning this. 
Selections: 13-9-8-4-6 

In a great vein of form at the moment is Jasprit Trouble (4) and the fourth last week at The Mot was even better than it probably looked. Off the front tape today so should land into a really nice position early and with a quiet run can have the final say.  
Selections: 4-6-7-10-12 

Two big wins over on the West Coast from Prosperity (5) and he finally looks ready to live up to his early career form. Not a huge jump up in grade here either and if he rolls to the front and gets his own way then it’s hard to see them running him down over the final stages.  
Selections: 5-2-11-13-7