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 Rangiora Harness meeting on Sunday 23 August below:
Backed up a big Ashburton win with an excellent fourth in a very good field at Addington last week and on the drop back to amateur grade, Monkee Major (4) should really win again. Right kind of run might be needed but is the form horse of the field and hard to roll.
Selections: 4-5-9-8-7
| 4. Monkee Major (4) J: Cheree Wigg 55213 T: Bruce Negus |
The whole experience of race night seemed to get the better of Seeking Love (4) earlier in the month. But back to Rangiora, where all the trials have been, expect a different horse this time around. Can clearly trot and if the manners are there then is well in play.
Selections: 4-10-3-6-1
| 4. Seeking Love (4) J: John Dunn 0 T: Robert & Jenna Dunn |
A bit of race experience for Raina Ashley (2) should go a long way here and up against a small field with a handy draw you’d expect her to perhaps roll forward and look to control this. If that happens then there won’t be a lot of mid-race pressure and should win.
Selections: 2-3-4-5-1
| 2. Raina Ashley (2) J: Tim Williams 53 T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Hailing from one of trotting’s best families, Habibti Amar (2) looks set to continue the family heritage judging by the last couple of public runs. There’s talent there and while maiden trotters on debut are always risky, with manners she should be right in the fight.
Selections: 2-3-9-11-1
| 2. Habibti Amar (2) J: Ben Hope T: Greg & Ben Hope |
Down from the North Island and into the South Island camp of Stonewall Stud, Atomic (3) had a rather non-descript start to the career but looked really sharp when winning a trial at Addington last week. That should have him ready to strike here from a handy draw.
Selections: 3-11-1-2-6
| 3. Atomic (3) J: Tim Williams 400x T: Steve & Amanda Telfer |
Trotted back into form with a bold third at Ashburton a fortnight ago and that’s a good sign for Val Thorens (1). Big motor there and when in the mood can go with most. A good beginning from the inside draw here and should be right in play throughout.
Selections: 1-5-4-6-8
| 1. Val Thorens (1) J: Ben Hope 31803 T: Greg & Ben Hope |
A welcome return to form from Troubleshooter (3) at Oamaru last weekend when running third. Moved mid-race and did it tough but was right there at the finish. Things are turning around and from a good draw here should be close to the speed once again and is more than capable of winning.
Selections: 3-1-5-8-9
| 3. Troubleshooter (3) J: Ricky May 07063 T: Michael Heenan |
Tried to come wide and from a long way back at Oamaru last week, but it proved too much for My Skatjie (13). Better placed here off the 10m handicap and loves the venue. A good beginning and his strong Addington form of the winter against some good types has him well in play here on the each way.
Selections: 13-14-10-9-8
| 13. My Skatjie (13) J: Sarah O’Reilly 31759 T: Carl & Jeremy Markham |
The debut of a real professional at Oamaru last week from Brooks Spirit (2). Sat parked and did it tough but was still too good for rivals. The step up here isn’t a huge one and with the talent on show seven days ago returning here then should be winning again.
Selections: 2-9-7-6-10
| 2. Brooks Spirit (2) J: Ben Hope 1 T: Greg & Ben Hope |
Did a power of work at Ashburton two weeks ago and it told late but the prior run from Smoking Ashes (13) was good enough that if he reperformed that here he’d win this race nine times out of 10. High speed when saved for the one run and can storm home here at a price.
Selections: 13-14-4-3-1
| 13. Smoking Ashes (4) J: Riley Harrison 45×20 T: Robert & Jenna Dunn |