Rangiora Harness Tips & Preview | Sunday 1 March

Not a lot of luck has fallen the way of Jack’s Eyre (1) over the course of the past month but a massive upswing in barrier draws today brings him right into contention. Should be handy to the speed throughout and is good enough to get the better of this field. 
Selections: 1-13-5-10-3 

We’ve said it a few times lately, but today is the prime opportunity for Holly Highlander (6) to get back into the winners’ circle. Knocking on the door and racing well without heaps of luck and from the good draw should be on the speed throughout and hard to stop.  
Selections: 6-9-11-1-4 

A quality filly last season as a juvenile, River (10) resumes here for a new trainer in Bob Butt. Always looked capable of footing it with the best but never quite was sharp enough. A bit of luck from the inside of the second row and can win this.  
Selections: 10-2-6-11-5 

A really professional win in a fresh state at Ashburton last week from Crimson Tide (8) stepped the wheel and really knuckled down to get the job done. Looks like it won’t be the last win. Steps up in grade here, but not into a field out of reach. A nice chance. 
Selections: 8-6-7-13-4 

A few mistakes fresh up at Addington last time out but no denying that before the late gallop Brewster Baker (13) was going to be a contender. Might be a campaign of learning this one, but with a clean round would give this field plenty to chase. 
Selections: 13-11-6-4-2 

Back onto the grass for Buckskin (8) today and if he runs anywhere near to his second at Methven earlier this month behind J T Boe then he’ll be a serious winning hope today. Good beginner, so handicap no issues, just needs to find the right trip from there. 
Selections: 8-11-7-10-6 

Tidy effort last time out from a tricky barrier draw by Amici (3). Nice set up here though and with a confident drive early should be on the speed and out of trouble. A nice sit and then one crack at them and a win would be no surprise.  
Selections: 3-4-10-8-13 

Stepped out here only a few weeks ago and beat a field better than this one, so there’s no reason why grass track toff Misty Blue (9) can’t do the same here. Only off 10m handicap, so good beginning will be a big help and with a clean shot at them late can steamroll home.  
Selections: 9-8-6-10-7 

It’s been a long time in between drinks for Cormoran Strike (10) but finds a really winnable race today to try and get back into the groove. Bit to do off the handicap but with a nice drag into it at some stage shouldn’t be too far away from them.  
Selections: 10-8-5-7-1 

A superb return to the track last week from Blazing Knuckles (4) to finish third at Ashburton. Natural improvement and return to the grass on which she’s won before will only see her harder to stop this week, especially from the good draw.  
Selections: 4-5-9-11-12