Matt Markham gives his best in all races at Invercargill Harness on Thursday 11 June.
After a really strong second a fortnight ago, Rydgemont’s Heir (7) steps out here in a field featuring some horses yet to win a race. Cops a 30m handicap for it, but history suggests they are not insurmountable marks to win from. Good beginner, so should get handy enough to be a major player.
Selections: 7-1-8-6-5
| 7. Rydgemont’s Heir (7) J: Nathan Williamson 65352T: Mark Shirley |
Really strong second in a better field last time out from Honeycomb (3) and if you break down a lot of the recent efforts then there’s a lot to like about many of the recent efforts. Meets a very even field here today and looks capable of making own luck and being a major player.
Selections: 3-2-1-4-10
| 3. Honeycomb (3) J: Matthew Williamson 74502T: Hamish Hunter |
A really tidy recent trial on this track ahead of today’s debut by Teal Jaccka (5) and prior to that had beaten today’s favourite in a trial as well. Looks a horse going places quickly and as long as the occasion isn’t too much, should be right in the hunt today.
Selections: 5-4-7-2-8
| 5. Teal Jaccka (5) J: Brent Barclay T: Brett Gray |
He doesn’t win them out of turn, but Rakamick (5) is one horse you can generally always back and know you’re going to get a good run for your money. Won’t shirk any task thrown his way and this is the kind field where he might be able to hold out all challenges.
Selections: 5-1-6-3-7
| 5. Rakamick (5) J: Carter Dalgety 81652T: Clark Barron |
Probably shouldn’t still be a maiden given some of the performances, but bad luck and bad draws haven’t helped Americana Elite (4). Looks a horse who is best when saved up for the one run at them and in what isn’t a very strong field here today just needs to be close enough turning for home.
Selections: 4-9-5-6-8
| 4. Americana Elite (4) J: Craig Ferguson 92230T: David Gregory |
She did some great things last season but there was also the impression that Becky’s Girl (6) was only ever going to get better with time on her side. Finds a small field to take on first up here and is well suited by the mobile. If she’s on the speed, she’ll be hard to beat.
Selections: 6-3-4-5-7
| 6. Becky’s Girl (6) J: Brad Williamson 1d23xT: Phil Williamson |
Some of the recent work of Dragon Power (1) has been very impressive and today’s assignment sets up beautifully. Should be close to the speed throughout, ideally sitting on the back of the leader and in a field devoid of a dominant force that kind of run might be enough to win here.
Selections: 1-3-2-7-4
| 1. Dragon Power (1) J: Carter Dalgety 22815T: Jeremy Douglas |
An Always B Miki debutant from a stable that has them ready to fire first up, Razorsharpmiki (6) has looked pretty good in his public runs and wouldn’t need to be much better to be winning here first up. Looks well schooled so gets a great chance.
Selections: 6-9-1-8-5
| 6. Razorsharpmiki (6) J: Brent Barclay T: Gordon & Colin Lee |
A really strong, dominant win here two weeks ago by Stranger Things (2) and that might just be the start of what could be a very good campaign. Lands a beautiful draw here with the right driver in the bike and should be in all the right places to go back-to-back.
Selections: 2-11-10-6-2
| 2. Stranger Things (2) J: Carter Dalgety 2×671T: Katrina & John Price |
No shame in defeat first up for Tarragindi (10) he’s probably gone as good as he possibly could but was bettered by a great front-running drive. Better for the run though and will step it up today. A quick beginning and he’s right in play here.
Selections: 10-9-7-2-5
| 10. Tarragindi (10) J: Oliver Kite 571×2T: Phil Williamson |
Grabbed a well deserved win last time and while stepping up in grade here, don’t be surprised if Beaudiene Quick Step (1) goes close again. Lands the ace draw and is best tucked away and having one crack at them. Just needs to stay as close to the speed as possible early.
Selections: 1-10-4-8-7
| 1. Beaudiene Quick Step (1) J: Georgia Goodman 51451T: Nathan Williamson |