Alexandra Park Harness Tips & Preview | Friday 8 May

Punters will be looking to kick off the night on the right foot here with Nymbal (3) who has been heavily backed throughout the course of the week after a strong effort for fifth behind Jumal last week in the Northern Derby. Looks well placed here dropping back to grade racing and should really be winning.  
Selections: 3-4-5-6-7 

It’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve seen one of the more progressive up and comers in the trotting ranks in the north in Final Approach (9) and while stepping back to the standing start poses a couple of concerns, if able to work through that early then it should be all plain sailing from there for the talented type.  
Selections: 9-11-12-3-6 

A Nathan Purdon trained first-starter with some really sharp trial form on the board, MacLeod (10) is expected to hit the ground running here tonight. Always a few hesitations with a young horse on debut, but has looked pretty sensible and, most importantly, pretty smart. Will need to be off the second row draw though.  
Selections: 10-1-6-8-7 

The manners came to the party and we got to see the true version of Duke Of Bourbon (7) last time out. And boy, it was impressive. Another good wee test here but a repeat of last time against largely the same field should net the same result, especially with that high speed. Should be the first of many big race wins.  
Selections: 7-2-1-4-6 

Quality mare Francent (8) has been dominant in her last two appearances and would seem to have this field at her mercy again tonight. Wide draw is the only sticking point, but she’s proven she can come from off the speed or be just as dangerous when up on it. Another short priced favourite. 
Selections: 8-2-4-3-5 

Another step toward bigger things in the future by Kyvalley Ray (4) last week and he’s right on track to grab another feature win here too. Will need to be better again, there’s a couple of smart ones here who aren’t too far behind him and any opportunity they get will be taken. Class should prevail though. 
Selections: 4-1-7-6-8 

A mid-race gallop put an end to any hopes last week for Secret Wish (1) but after she picked herself up she was very strong through the line. Massive upswing in draws here tonight and if she can hold up from the inside and be handy throughout then she has the high speed to win this without doubt. 
Selections: 1-9-7-10-2 

A strong fourth in the ANZAC Cup by Mr Love (7) said all you needed to know heading into the Rowe Cup this week. Charged through the line and will relish the step up in distance here. Second in the race last year by a narrow margin and looks the horse with the least convictions in an open edition of the great race.  
Selections: 7-8-2-10-5 

Almost unbelievable that he was able to win last week from the spot he was in at the 200m mark but that’s the quality of Got The Chocolates (2). Different set up here, but also a step up in distance which should only suit him more. Now we know he’s got the speed to come from off the pace it makes him even harder to beat here.  
Selections: 2-5-1-8-3 

We shouldn’t underplay the win of Social Distancing (2) last time out. He was very, very good. Comes up with a good draw here over the short course trip and if he finds a spot on the speed early then he’ll be well in front of some of his key rivals and becomes the horse to beat at a nice price.  
Selections: 2-10-3-1-8