Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Rangiora on Sunday 26 April.
Lovely run first up from a spell by Belmont Valor (7) last week and should be a quick winner this time in given the grade. This is a step up from midweek to Sunday racing but in terms of depth it’s not much different so should be able to find a nice spot and be a major player.
Selections: 7-9-10-5-8
| 7. Belmont Valor (7) J: Gemma Thornley 598×2T: Donna Williamson |
Some really nice public runs to ready for today’s assignment give Ellegator Al (11) some strong hopes here on debut. Has been well schooled and looks a trotter who will go a wee way. Big field here, but would have most if not all on manners and is a leading hope.
Selections: 11-2-8-16-14
| 11. Ellagator Al (11) J: Seth Hill T: Bob Butt |
Beautifully bred debutant here who is a half to champion American mare Shartin in Hokie Pokie (8). Has looked every bit a first up winner in all of his public trial and workout runs and without any bad luck should really be delivering here on debut.
Selections: 8-7-1-5-13
| 8. Hokie Pokie (8) J: Anthony Butt T: Grant Crabbe |
More bad then good of late from Ar Gee Rulz (8) and finds a pretty winnable race here today. Just needs that little bit of the rub of the green in his races to bring him into play but anything like the runs two, three and four back here would be good enough to win.
Selections: 8-2-12-3-7
| 8. Ar Gee Rulz (8) J: Ben Hope 74128T: Greg & Ben Hope |
He took the step up from maidens to the next grade really well last time out and Johnny Trotter (7) can really build on that here and rack up another quick win. Manners seem good and if he was to trot to the front then he’d give them all plenty to chase.
Selections: 7-10-2-3-6
| 7. Johnny Trotter (7) J: Riley Harrison 3×012T: Robert & Jenna Dunn |
Left a little flat-footed on the home bend last week, Bettor Dreams (1) picked up the bit really well and charged through the line to finish second. Is going to win a maiden soon and from the ace draw here today gets a really strong chance.
Selections: 1-12-10-8-7
| 1. Bettor Dreams (1) J: Sarah O’Reilly 52×52T: Brent & Tim White |
He’s been one of the finds of 2026 so far and Bruntwood Brigade (8) should be really to carry that on here today. Will have to do some work from the 20m handicap, but he’s shown he’s thriving on that aspect of racing this time in and looks awfully hard to beat.
Selections: 8-3-5-6-1
| 8. Bruntwood Brigade (8) J: Riley Harrison 10111T: Robert & Jenna Dunn |
Super effort last time out at The Mot from Jay Jay Denario (5) and looks primed to grab another win at short notice. Nice chance here from a good draw and if able to find the right kind of trip and be saved up for the one run at them then can deliver.
Selections: 5-2-11-10-3
| 5. Jay Jay Denario (5) J: Olivia Thornley 3×162T: Regan Todd |
Got it wrong at Methven last time out but hard to find fault in the two previous wins of Blue Collar (9). Still a little green but racing and experience will help with that. Manners on display here today and expect a pretty strong performance in a wide open field.
Selections: 9-7-4-1-11
| 9. Blue Collar (9) J: Ricky May 110T: Tom Bagrie |
A scratching to the inside makes things a little more difficult but the first up win of Justa Rippa (11) last time out was too good to ignore. Will need to find a way off the pegs at some point but with clear air has more ability then most in this and looks hard to stop.
Selections: 11-8-5-9-12
| 11. Justa Rippa (2) J: Ben Hope 341×1T: Greg & Ben Hope |