Matt Markham has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the 10 races at the Ashburton Harness meeting on Sunday 30 August below:
He’s a big raw pacer, but there’s a big motor to Trimble (3) that should see him exit maidens pretty quickly. Still learning the game but if he can land in the first half of this field then he should be close enough turning for home to wind up and run past his rivals without too much concern.
Selections: 3-5-11-10-1
| 3. Trimble (3) J: Jason Ford 9T: Jason Ford | |||
| Copped a check 1st-up here, 9 Aug following midfield trial. Market best guide. | |||
Greg and Ben Hope are making a bit of a habit of stepping out on Sunday’s with maiden trotters and winning races and expect something similar here from Moeraki (3). A well bred son of Love You he’s shown above average ability in trials and as long as the manners are there he shouldn’t be too far away.
Selections: 3-1-8-6-9
| 3. Moeraki (3) J: Ben Hope T: Greg & Ben Hope | |||
| Debuts out of powerful barn following trial 2nd. Sure to carry strong support. | |||
A tidy debut effort at Rangiora last week from Destiny’s Angel (5) and it was an effort without a whole lot of luck either. Better for that experience and should find comfort in the big wide open Ashburton track. Will win a maiden quickly and looks primed today.
Selections: 5-6-3-9-7
| 5. Destiny’s Angel (5) J: John Dunn 5T: Robert & Jenna Dunn | |||
| Stiff on debut when denied late space. Punters will be keen to go again today. | |||
A tough watch for punters of Val Thorens (6) last week at Rangiora. By the time the gap arrived the race was over with the winner scooting clear on the home bend. Ashburton suits and was big here in a juniors race two starts back. Best version here wins for fun.
Selections: 6-9-8-2-3
| 6. Val Thorens (6) J: Ben Hope 18032T: Greg & Ben Hope | |||
| Would have gone close with daylight last week. Trotting better and looks the one | |||
With a few runs under the belt, Unico Realta (11) should be primed and ready now to step into the winners’ circle. Has been in some very good Addington fields and far from disgraced and this is a decent slide back in grade. Look for a big run at them late.
Selections: 11-4-10-5-9
| 11. Unico Realta (2) J: John Dunn 7×757T: Robert & Jenna Dunn | |||
| Found the line nicely a week ago and draw could work out well today. Must cover. | |||
We are only just really scratching the surface of how good of a filly Song Of Seas (7) might be but the Addington win last week was a sure sign she’s pretty good. Takes a step up here with the inclusion of Indulge Me but wouldn’t be surprised if she matches her for point-to-point speed and at Ashburton, there’s a lot of time to wind up.
Selections: 7-6-5-3-4
| 7. Song Of Seas (7) J: Ricky May 13711T: Tom Bagrie | |||
| Impressed making it 3 from 8 with slick victory at Add. Hard to hold out again. | |||
Superb effort first up from a spell at Addington by Selsey Anne (11) and she’s only going to be better for that too. Chasing a penalty free one here and with the speed in front of her, she might be able to stalk through and then have the final say at a decent each way quote.
Selections: 11-2-7-1-12
| 11. Selsey Anne (2) J: Darnika Williams x69x2T: Mark Jones | |||
| Went close 1st-up, 21 Aug. May secure a trip through early and in the fight here | |||
A feature-race winner at her last start in the north, River (3) was given a good break by Bob Butt and has stepped it up at in trials to get ready for today’s resumption. Led up in her most recent trial and looked good doing it so no surprise to see her try and attempt similar tactics here.
Selections: 3-9-1-12-7
| 3. River (3) J: Bob Butt x381xT: Bob Butt | |||
| Ended last campaign in style up North. Has had trials and good record fresh. E/W | |||
The all-the-way win two starts back by MM Sunshine (7) looks pretty good form for this assignment today and if able to trot onto the speed early here and control things then is more than capable of running them off their feet. Good on the right day and it might be this one we see it again.
Selections: 7-3-9-6-4
| 7. MM Sunshine (7) J: Robbie Holmes 52719T: Robbie Holmes | |||
| Won from the front at Add prior to battling run 5 days later. Sure to get handy. | |||
Superb effort at Oamaru last time out after a sharp trial here the week prior by Eyes Of An Angel (12). Fast mare who when saved up for one run can be very dangerous and this should set up nicely for her from the second row. Looking for a big run at them late at a juicy price.
Selections: 12-5-8-13-7
| 12. Eyes Of An Angel (3) J: Sheree Tomlinson 88202T: Brad Mowbray | |||
| Broke maidens over this trip here back in Mar. Good at Oam and similar required. | |||
