Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Addington Harness on Wednesday 8 April.
A really dour and determined victory by Kowhai Nugget (7) at Ashburton last time out and slides into the amateur grade off the back of that. Should find things a little easier once again and even from the wide draw will land on the speed at some point and look to out-tough rivals.
Selections: 7-2-5-1-6
| 7. Kowhai Nugget (7) J: Cheree Wigg 80×21T: Greg & Ben Hope |
Punters have been burned a few times now by Lap It Up (4) but today really does look the day to break maiden status. More ability than anything else in this field, just needs to bring the manners and be on the speed throughout and from there class will carry her through.
Selections: 4-3-5-7-10
| 4. Lap It Up (4) J: Kimberly Butt 4252T: Derek & Adele Jones |
Really nice work from Riley John (4) late in the piece in his most recent trial here last week. Came from well back in the field and found the line with a lot of purpose. Has always looked a horse who would win one pretty easily and finds a nice race today for the new trainer to kick things off in.
Selections: 4-3-7-1-2
| 4. Riley John (4) J: Sam Thornley 6567xT: Mitchell Scheuber |
Reliability alone brings The Royal Gamble (7) right into play here today. Perhaps hasn’t been quite as sharp of late as he can be but gets the right race under the right conditions to turn that all around here. Good enough to make his own luck too and if left to it then will make them pay.
Selections: 7-8-9-3-5
| 7. The Royal Gamble (7) J: Sam Thornley 72638T: Fred Fletcher |
No fault in any of the runs back from a spell this time by Monkee Major (6) and a winning turn looks at hand here today. Gate speed to use to try and get handy early and if able to do that then should be able to control the race and dash away from them late.
Selections: 6-3-8-10-9
| 6. Monkee Major (6) J: John Morrison x5622T: Tony Barron |
He hasn’t quite set the world on fire like a few thought he might since joining the Dalgety barn, but The Merc (5) has been going good enough to justify the short-priced quote here today, Better with each run to the races, he only needs to trot here today to be the horse they all need to beat.
Selections: 5-7-9-3-6
| 5. The Merc (5) J: Carter Dalgety x0934T: Cran & Chrissie Dalgety |
A quick glance at the form of Heaven Forbid (13) of late isn’t all that encouraging but break down the performances and there’s been plenty to like about the runs leading into an assignment like this. Going well and finds a pretty winnable race here will just need some luck from the second row draw.
Selections: 13-4-10-11-12
| 13. Heaven Forbid (4) J: Ross Cameron p5054T: Ross Cameron |