Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Alexandra Park Harness on Friday 26 June.
A couple of handy enough fifths in the last two appearances from Waltzing With Miki (6) and both should stack up pretty well here. Has been operated off wider draws than that which is handed down today and capable of making his own luck in this field and getting the better of all challenges.
Selections: 6-5-3-2-4
| 6. Waltzing With Miki (6) J: Benjamin Butcher 37755 T: Benjamin Butcher |
A bit to like in the public runs by Monarch Muscle (1) ahead of today’s debut. Huge respect for anything from the Tony Herlihy stable when they first come to the races as well. Manners will be key, but looks capable of making a play here if they do come to the party.
Selections: 1-7-4-8-2
| 1. Monarch Muscle (1) J: Tony Herlihy T: Tony Herlihy |
Went back from a wide draw at Cambridge last week on debut and wasn’t ever really going to be a factor in the big field but the work of War Party (7) to get as close as he did suggests there is plenty of the family ability there. Might try the confident approach here and that should net him a win.
Selections: 7-9-10-8-5
| 7. War Party (7) J: Harrison Orange 3 T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
Nice race tonight for Wynberg Janie (8), one she slides into quite well. Is much better than her recent form would suggest and if she can get away from the gate well and find a nice trip, she’s a decent chance of causing a minor upset in this field, which is very wide open.
Selections: 8-10-1-6-9
| 8. Wynberg Janie (8) J: Andre Poutama 04047 T: Jason Teaz |
Seems to be untouchable when he’s able to work his way to the front so expect Prince Lincoln (8) to be heading in that direction tonight. Will just look to run them into the track if that is the approach and one what we’ve seen in his last two victories, he’ll take some catching.
Selections: 8-10-4-2-5
| 8. Prince Lincoln (8) J: Peter Ferguson 78171 T: Ray Green & Nathan Delany |
Stepped quickly here a fortnight ago and found the lead and never looked back from there did Viscount Mackendon (14) and would expect the same kind of approach tonight. Talented trotter with a bit ahead and can take another step forward here.
Selections: 14-15-13-8-9
| 14. Viscount Mackendon (14) J: Crystal Hackett 22×21 T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
Two massive victories to open the new campaign from Turn O The Tide (13) and it would appear there’s plenty ahead for the talented pacer. Would need to be even better again tonight from the draw but doesn’t mind doing a bit of work and if able to sneak around cheaply then should be too good again.
Selections: 13-10-7-5-3
| 13. Turn O The Tide (5) J: David Butcher 80×11 T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Lovely each-way price on offer tonight for the capable Manchester’s Moment (1). Has had a lot of luck in the last few starts, but gets a big chance to swing it around here from the inside barrier draw from behind the mobile. Hold up early and we’re well in play at a juicy price.
Selections: 1-8-7-9-4
| 1. Manchester’s Moment (1) J: Todd Mitchell 32167 T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |
The very talented Jeremiah (6) resumes from a spell here tonight for the Purdon and Phelan stable. One of the better pacers in the North Island and the small field looks ideal. Has a junior on board but one who jumped in the bike in a recent trial to get a feel. Should really win.
Selections: 6-5-3-4-2
| 6. Jeremiah (6) J: Brooke Wilkins 2371x T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
Not a horse you’d want to play a game of cards against, but there’s no doubting the motor Son Of The Cleaner (2) possesses. He’s competed in and been competitive in much stronger fields than this in his career and if the feet land in all the right places here he should be hard to beat.
Selections: 2-6-3-4-1
| 2. Son Of The Cleaner (2) J: Crystal Hackett 9282p T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett |