Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Winton Harness on Sunday 12 April.
One from one in appearances at the races and there’s a bit of word around the traps that Roger That (4) is on a march toward the top of the two-year-old tree here in NZ. Really nice trial at Addington 10 days ago, which while nothing flashy in the result, looked great to the eye and the small field here means he should win with no fuss.
Selections: 4-2-1-3
| 4. Roger That (4) 1 |
You’re not going to get rich by backing Rise Up N Dance (6) each time he lines up at the races but every now and then you find a race that looks right up his alley. This is one of those races. Lovely work late in the piece last time out to finish second and with the right kind of run he can grab victory today.
Selections: 6-12-5-2-1
| 6. Rise Up N Dance (6) 24972 |
One of the more progressive trotters in the deep south currently, Mor Moonlight (7) returns here and should really just pick right up where she left off. Manners are getting better and better and with a good beginning would pretty quickly put this field to bed you’d imagine.
Selections: 7-4-5-6-2
| 7. Mor Moonlight (7) 74113 |
Busy trotter Jordan Anne (1) returns down south after a hit and run mission at Addington last week in an Easter Rewards final. Good run too, finished fifth without a whole lot of luck in a decent field. Manners are usually great so should step onto the speed and give them plenty to chase today.
Selections: 1-3-10-7-12
| 1. Jordan Anne (1) 38915 |
One of the better two-year-old fillies going around last season, The Queens Gambit (7) kicks off her three-year-old season here and judging by her trial runs, she’s ready to resume in style. Has filled a little more into her big frame and you know the Dalgety team will have her ready to rock and roll.
Selections: 7-4-5-1-2
| 7. The Queens Gambit (7) 2522x |
Nothing but huge respect for anything from the Hayden and Amanda Cullen barn when they trek south and I’m The Boss (9) certainly looks to have his fair share of ability too. Trials have been great and while giving away some race experience to a few here, the natural talent is equal to anything else.
Selections: 9-3-1-5-4
| 9. I’m The Boss (1) |
Cracking run last week from Tosana (3) from a horror draw but she’s a lot better served here today and will likely look to make the most of it. She’s been almost unbeatable when she’s led down in these parts and if she finds the markers again today then it will take a good effort to better her.
Selections: 3-2-5-1-8
| 3. Tosana (3) 81142 |
Something very captivating about the winning effort of Spicey Lou (10) at Addington a fortnight ago. He just won like a very good horse and while he’s just going to get better, the version now seems more than capable of standing up and being a factor in a good race like this. Expect him to be right there.
Selections: 10-7-9-8-11
| 10. Spicey Lou (2) 11 |
A steady and strong diet of runs for Jesse Owens (1) to get ready for this resumption including a very sharp trial last week at Addington. Looks ready to rock and roll first up and with the aid of the inside barrier draw looks even harder to beat. Can do the odd thing wrong though, so one to be cautious of.
Selections: 1-9-7-11-12
| 1. Jesse Owens (1) 9221x |
Like a fine wine, Franco Sinatra (7) just keeps getting better with age. He was dominant last time out and made it all look a little too easy and he’s likely to adopt a similar approach here too. On the speed turning for home and doing his thing, he’ll be hard to stop.
Selections: 7-3-9-8-5
| 7. Franco Sinatra (7) 83121 |
Off the back of two very good placings behind a couple of smart ones of late, First Light (2) looks ready to salute here. Comes up with an ideal barrier draw and should be able to get into the right spot to follow the speed and have the final say at them late.
Selections: 2-11-9-14-8
| 2. First Light (2) x5723 |