Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Cambridge Harness on Thursday 2 April.
He’s a horse on the up Buddy Good (12) and while he was run down at Auckland last week, expect him to strip a lot fitter and ready to rock and roll tonight. Will have to be good from the draw but is capable of making his own luck and monstering this field inside the final lap.
Selections: 12-8-6-13-7
| 12. Buddy Good (4) J: Tony Herlihy 6312T: Arna Donnelly |
One of three first starts that make up the field here, Apollo Eleven (1) has looked more than handy in public runs and while nothing is certain with baby trotters, seems to have manners. A run on the markers could be worth a few lengths here and enough to get the job done.
Selections: 1-2-4
| 1. Apollo Eleven (1) J: Peter Ferguson T: Dylan & Jo Ferguson |
A sharp trial last week indicated that Francent (8) might be getting somewhere back to her best but she’ll need to be here from the draw over the mile. Has gate speed though so wouldn’t be surprised to see her try and head forward. She’s the class horse of the race and can win it.
Selections: 8-5-2-3-1
| 8. Francent (8) J: Crystal Hackett 11882T: Mark Jones |
A big watch on Save A Prayer (11) here tonight in a fresh state. A very raw two-year-old last season who always looked like time was going to be a friend. Has had some of that and might be ready to knuckle down and be a racehorse. Best would be too good for this field.
Selections: 11-1-6-10-5
| 11. Save A Prayer (3) J: Crystal Hackett 1d65xT: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
He doesn’t like something on that stable bend at Auckland, but boy Iron Mike Tyson (5) can run. A few tricks yes, but natural ability is in abundance and back to Cambridge here he gets a chance to show it once more. Can make his own luck and beat this field.
Selections: 5-3-4-11-9
| 5. Iron Mike Tyson (5) J: Matthew White 82115T: Matthew White |
Some super work of late in red hot fields by Little Spike (11) and he gets some great handicapping relief here in a lower grade. 25m handicap to deal with, but he can be quick away and settle in front of a few runners here. Hard to beat with his high speed if close enough.
Selections: 11-10-3-1-7
| 11. Little Spike (11) J: Tony Herlihy 74546T: Arna Donnelly |
The Cup Week king, Gus (7) returns to NZ shores here and will be out to keep his winning streak here in tact. Work to do from the outside of the front line but if he finds a good spot outside the leader at any stage then expect him to monster this field and win nicely.
Selections: 7-2-6-5-3
| 7. Gus (7) J: Pete McMullen 11114T: Chantal Turpin |
Fresh off a brilliant second to Leap To Fame in the Miracle Mile, The Janitor (6) gets his chance to make a winning start to this NZ campaign. Might have to make his own luck at some stage, but no issues there and with questions over some of the Kiwi stars, he’s a big hope.
Selections: 6-5-7-2-3
| 6. The Janitor (6) J: Pete McMullen 23×12T: Chantal Turpin |
Jump and run tactics seem the ideal plans for Hillbilly (1) here. Brilliant win last time out and he’s getting better and better each time he steps out. Ability to go well beyond this grade has never been in doubt and looks a big chance tonight as long as the manners come.
Selections: 1-5-6-8-4
| 1. Hillbilly (1) J: Emily Johnson 62271T: Sean McCaffrey |
He’s got a bag of tricks even Houdini would be proud of but Sammy Lincoln (2) also possesses a rather large motor too. A good draw tonight brings him right into place and as long as there’s no bad luck of misfortune then he should leave the maiden grade here.
Selections: 2-8-1-5-7
| 2. Sammy Lincoln (2) J: Harrison Orange 3d32T: Ray Green & Nathan Delany |
Talented three-year-old War Cry (3) was only ever going to be better off for the first up run last time out in rich company. Given a few weeks in between runs and finds a much easier assignment here tonight. Good draw to use so should punch forward and control this and looks hard to beat.
Selections: 3-2-4-9-1
| 3. War Cry (3) J: Zachary Butcher 239×4T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |