Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Ruakākā Harness on Monday 6 April.
The old boy, Santanna Mach (5) ticks yet another harness racing venue off the list here at start 274 and he’s going near enough too that he can be considered a strong winning chance in this field. Likely to look to roll forward and keep them honest and will out-tough most of them.
Selections: 5-3-1-9-8
| 5. Santanna Mach (5) J: Cheree Wigg 44075T: Michael House |
With stronger form than anything else in the field Aldebaran What (10) comes up with a golden opportunity to get a win on the board. Chased well in a decent field at Alex Park last Friday night and wouldn’t need to go any better than that to win this.
Selections: 10-2-7-8-5
| 10. Aldebaran What (10) J: Crystal Hackett x2583T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
Excellent in workouts and trials prior to resuming at Ashburton, Lexington Queen (4) turned in a very good performance in a strong maiden field. Since sold and now in the North, comes up with a sweet barrier draw and should be going forward and controlling this.
Selections: 4-1-6-2-5
| 4. Lexington Queen (4) J: Andre Poutama 07×2T: Peter & Vaughan Blanchard |
Former Cantab, Aldebaran Redwood (3) has arrived in the North and can make an immediate return for the new owners here. Loves a grass track and is quite a capable trotter. Manners generally good too so should land on the speed and prove a leading contender.
Selections: 3-9-6-2-1
| 3. Aldebaran Redwood (3) J: Sheryl Wigg 81565T: Sheryl Wigg |
The wide open spaces and a bit of sea air might be the key for Muchacho (9) today. Has more ability than most in this field but is often his own worst enemy. If he was to behave and get a bit of luck then it would come as no surprise to see him winning here.
Selections: 9-4-5-2-3
| 9. Muchacho (1) J: Harrison Orange 71496T: Zev Meredith |
It’s a massive task ahead, but Confessional (11) is quite a lot better than the majority of this field and if he comes with his A Game on, then the 40m handicap might not be enough to stop him. Loves a grass track, so gets a bit tick there. Look out for him.
Selections: 11-5-10-6-1
| 11. Confessional (11) J: Crystal Hackett 01260T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
An excellent record on the grass tracks bring Jaccka Opa (4) right into play here today. 12 starts for three wins and six placings and a couple of unlucky runs in there too. A wide open field here today so just needs a bit of luck and will be running home stronger than anything else in the field.
Selections: 4-10-5-9-7
| 4. Jaccka Opa (4) J: Kate Coppins 12349T: Jill Coppins |
Building in confidence every time he goes to the races. B D Castleton (4) is going to pick up another win at short notice and does find a very winnable race here. Just needs to step and get onto the speed and then from there should be able to control things on the way to victory.
Selections: 4-8-9-1-7
| 4. B D Castleton (4) J: Tony Cameron 20124T: Tony Herlihy |