Matt Markham has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the eight races at the Winton Harness meeting on Sunday 15 November below:
A nice swing in barrier draws here for Van Liberty (1) who while not winning them out of turn these days is still showing enough to warrant massive respect. A chance to hold up here and in a very even field to start the day might just be good enough to go all the way.
Selections:1-9-11-6-4
| 1. Van Liberty (1) 45340 | |||
| Very disappointing last start but nice work prior. Can’t drop from this draw. | |||
A Nathan Williamson trained first starter in the deep south always grabs the attention but one who has won their last five public appearances really stands up. Lovely bred gelding who clearly has plenty of the family ability and will start at cramped odds here to deliver.
Selections: 3-4-6-2-5
| 3. Daydream Believer (3) | |||
| Unbeaten in his last five public outings. Draws inside main rival. Top pick. | |||
Backed as if unbeatable first up last month at Invercargill, Lella Lombardi (10) let the side down when getting things wrong. Back on the home track here for take two and punters shouldn’t be quick to drop. Ability is there and a win would be no surprise.
Selections: 10-8-2-5-1
| 10. Lella Lombardi (2) 9 | |||
| Costly error in her debut after nice trials. Must stick with her. | |||
Probably not much doubt that Atlantic City (5) is the best horse in the race but she doesn’t always show her full potential on race day. At her best, this would be a bit of an easy kill and if she turns up in the right mindset then she’s almost the best bet of the day.
Selections: 5-9-4-7-8
| 5. Atlantic City (5) 19550 | |||
| Forget last start when checked. Handy work prior & down in grade. Include. | |||
Smart type resuming from a stable that has them ready to win early on their preparations and for those reasons Wild East (10) deserves top billing. Probably an ideal draw for the first run too as doesn’t need to get involved early and can pick and choose the battle.
Selections: 10-12-13-8-6
| 10. Wild East (2) 4349x | |||
| Smart in latest of three trials to prepare. Looks poised for a big return. | |||
Victory was in the offering on Sunday for Way Coola (6) before a late gallop. Don’t be quick to drop on that performance though as there’s plenty of ability there and the manners will come in time. Wyndham should really suit and redemption might be up for grabs.
Selections: 6-5-9-4-8
| 6. Way Coola (6) 11928 | |||
| Got it wrong late when cruising in her 8th. Too good to drop her. E/W. | |||
A slashing first up run from the talented Dame West (3) a few weeks back. Overcame a wide draw and really stormed through the line. Much better set up here form the good draw and if able to lob a nice spot then will get them all for speed late.
Selections: 3-7-12-1-5
| 3. Dame West (3)SCRATCHED: | |||
Nice wee drop back for Song Sung Blue (5) here from some of the races he’s had to undertake lately and a good chance to get back to some winning form. Expecting a positive drive early to take luck out of play and if close enough turning for home should be hard to stop.
Selections: 5-7-2-1-9
| 5. Song Sung Blue (5) 36793 | |||
| Handy chase in his Oamaru 3rd. No stranger to this grade. Include him. | |||
