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 Addington Harness meeting on Friday 25 September below:
In a race that wasn’t really run to suit her usual pattern, Arafura (3) was simply awesome here a fortnight ago first up from a spell. Trainer reports she’s gone up another level since and with only a small field of rivals to tackle, you’d expect her to be delivering once again.
Selections: 3-5-4-1-2
| 3. Arafura (3) J: Blair Orange 242×1 T: Hayden & Amanda Cullen |
Plenty to like about the late work from Request (10) here two weeks ago behind the very talented Marikit. Made up a stack of ground and was strong through the line. Better set up here and if she can run up to her best in this field then she’s the one they all need to beat.
Selections: 10-12-4-3-2
| 10. Request (10) J: Blair Orange 3×122 T: Ken Barron |
The talented Scoundrel (3) lived up to his name here on debut when he threw away a victory in the shadows of the post for no good reason. Was home and hosed too. Clearly a bit to learn but boy he’s got a big motor and they might roll along a bit here which will suit him. Can have the final say.
Selections: 3-1-4-10-8
| 3. Scoundrel (3) J: Seth Hill 2 T: Brendon Hill |
Don’t mind the different set up here tonight for Giorgio Denario (8). Yes, he was beaten last week when a short-priced fave, but he was beaten for speed by Stumblin In. Might be his turn to use the speed and stay out of it early and with the right kind of luck can storm past them all.
Selections: 8-10-2-5-3
| 8. Giorgio Denario (8) J: John Morrison 3×242 T: John Morrison |
Plenty shown in the first campaign here in NZ by Tetrick (7) but you knew that the second campaign was going to be even better with more time on his side. Two great trials to prepare and if he turns up in the right mindset and trots the entire then he’ll be awfully hard to beat tonight.
Selections: 7-9-4-3-1
| 7. Tetrick (7) J: Carter Dalgety 4182x T: Cran & Chrissie Dalgety |
A filly of top quality, Easton Doll (1) has been so good in her career to date and has really emerged as one who could go on to compete against the best of the best in the age group. Nice set up here with her early speed and if she controls things in front then she’ll likely win again.
Selections: 1-11-9-12-6
| 1. Easton Doll (1) J: Kimberly Butt 2121 T: Bronson Munro | |||
| Nice 1.55 mile rate when winning here 28 Aug. Drawn to play a role again. | |||
He’s a raw talent Duke Of Bourbon (7) but he’s got a lot still to learn about the game and this trip south will really help with that. No surprise to see him step out tonight and give them a trotting lesson his motor is that big, but it’s a risky play given his liking for doing the odd thing wrong.
Selections: 7-8-2-5-4
| 7. Duke Of Bourbon (7) J: Zachary Butcher d12x3 T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan | |||
| Late mistake at Alex Park, but showed his class in the autumn. Genuine hope. | |||
Great to have the star back on the track and while he’ll improve with racing, the high speed of Marketplace (6) has him winning this race nine times out of 10, no matter where he lands. Looked sharp in his trial and a good bit of work her last week too. Big things ahead and this is just the start.
Selections: 6-8-5-9-1
| 6. Marketplace (6) J: Craig Ferguson 11312 T: Regan Todd | |||
| Smart last 400m to win his trial since gritty Aussie campaign. On top tonight. | |||
Huge run here fresh up in the Ordeal Cup from Habiti Pat (6) and she’s only going to be better for it. Worked on a couple of occasions during the running and was still right there at the finish. Perhaps an easier lead on offer tonight and if she can ramp things up and make it hard for those off marks then she’s a big winning hope.
Selections: 6-16-17-3-8
| 6. Habibti Pat (6) J: Blair Orange 981×3 T: Greg & Ben Hope | |||
| One to follow through the spring & proved that with 04 Sep 3rd. A key player. | |||
Another returning star on the card, Jumal (9) makes his much awaited resumption tonight. The leading light in the very good crop of three-year-olds, he’s got to come off the wide draw but his class, irrelevant of the stage of the preparation has him awfully hard to beat here.
Selections: 9-7-3-8-1
| 9. Jumal (9) J: Blair Orange 3111x T: Steven Reid | |||
| Under a hold in 09 Sep trial win. Brilliant pacer & is unbeaten fresh. On top. | |||
Superb filly Cherish Me (3) kicks off her new campaign here tonight and off the back of a very sharp Ashburton trial a few weeks back, plus another quiet one, she looks ready to rock and roll. Will land in front by design here and with her own terms might be a little too good for this field, despite it’s depth.
Selections: 3-7-9-5-8
| 3. Cherish Me (3) J: Carter Dalgety 1111x T: Cran & Chrissie Dalgety | |||
| A filly to follow based on her autumn/winter campaign. Drawn to go very close. | |||
