Matt Markham has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the 11 races at the Cambridge Harness meeting on Friday 31 July below:
Not much of a chance for Billy The Kid (2) last time out from a horror barrier draw but grabs a massive upswing here in marbles and can make the most of it. Overall form has been good in this kind of grade and with a bit of luck early should be right there at the finish.
Selections: 2-7-6-9-8
| 2. Billy The Kid (2) J: Sailesh Abernethy 27537T: Jeremy Young |
Super fresh up effort here a fortnight ago from Sharp N Smooth (5) when beaten only by the talented Tatanka. That was the first run since November, so plenty of improvement to be found. With that tonight and good manners once again, she should really be winning this.
Selections: 5-8-2-4-7
| 5. Sharp N Smooth (5) J: James Stormont 740×2T: Graeme Rogerson |
The strong form lines surrounding Lucky As (2) should really stack up here tonight. Has been super in some strong fields over the last six weeks and while beaten last week, was far from disgraced. Should lead and prove pretty hard to hold out.
Selections: 2-9-1-3-5
| 2. Lucky As (2) J: Tony Cameron 43224T: Tony Herlihy |
Very good through the Silk Road series, Elizabeth Hill (12) will be looking to build on that confidence here. Big field to negotiate around but good enough to do when suits and if she’s close enough to the speed turning for home then they’ll know she’s there.
Selections: 12-13-14-2-9
| 12. Elizabeth Hill (12) J: Maurice McKendry 26023T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Sixth behind War Chief last week at Auckland and that was the first run for Sammy Lincoln (6) in two months so there’s room for improvement there. Drops back in grade here and if able to find the front and control things at some point then should be a little too good.
Selections: 6-10-9-11-12
| 6. Sammy Lincoln (6) J: Andre Poutama 41496T: Ray Green & Nathan Delany |
A very telling performance to win here a fortnight ago by Imposing Sea (1). Simply dominated his rivals. Steps up in grade a little here, but there’s a class factor that should carry a long way and with a run on the markers throughout looks hard to stop again.
Selections: 1-9-2-6-10
| 1. Imposing Sea (1) J: Benjamin Butcher x5751T: Benjamin Butcher |
Tidy effort first up from a long spell by Shez Bella (6) last week behind Youneverknow. Should trim up off that and with a good beginning here can get into a handy enough position to strike from. Perhaps one more run might be needed but good enough to be a player here.
Selections: 6-5-8-4-9
| 6. Shez Bella (6) J: James Stormont 450×5T: Graeme Rogerson |
Brave win last time down in grade from Another Collect (3) after sitting parked for a long time. Confidence builder that one and almost lands as the horse to beat here by default. Good draw to work from and on the speed looks key. Gets a great chance.
Selections: 3-1-6-10-9
| 3. Another Collect (3) J: Brooke Wilkins 33081T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan |
The best of the chasing bunch behind American Me last week at Auckland, Leo Lincoln (2) grabs some nice relief here. Goes well here and brings pretty good stand manners so should land in the right kind of spot. Lovely each way price on offer for a very realistic winning chance.
Selections: 2-6-1-4-5
| 2. Leo Lincoln (2) J: Peter Ferguson 07862T: Ray Green & Nathan Delany |
Plenty of ability in the tank for Ferdinand (14) and slowly but surely the brain is catching up to everything else. Big win two starts back and while there’s some work to do here from the draw if the manners are there then he’s right in contention.
Selections: 14-12-10-9-1
| 14. Ferdinand (14) J: Todd Mitchell 8×317T: Todd Mitchell |
Not a lot of exposed form to get excited about here, but The Miki Taker (4) has the best of it and looks a good strong winning chance. Draws inside some key rivals too so with the right kind of trip looks a decent bet to end the night’s racing.
Selections: 4-5-6-7-8
| 4. The Miki Taker (4) J: Emily Johnson 70444T: Sean McCaffrey |
