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 Winton Harness meeting on Sunday 2 August below:
A first starter from the Phil Williamson stable, Redback Bob (1) not only has that big tick in his favour but also an impressive set of trial victories to further enhance his hopes on debut here. Always a risk with maidens first time to the races, but the motor looks huge.
Selections: 1-3-6-5-2
| 1. Redback Bob (1) J: Nathan Williamson T: Phil Williamson | |||
| A hat-trick of trial wins have him primed for a big debut. Top pick. | |||
Safe to say that Simply Amazing (1) perhaps hasn’t quite lived up to where most people thought he would get too. OK runs of late, but nothing really exciting. Gets a great chance to turn the form around here. Inside draw and a wide open field. His chance to find winning form.
Selections: 1-4-7-5-9
| 1. Simply Amazing (1) J: Nathan Williamson 04056T: Nathan Williamson | |||
| Brings fair form but lands in very suitable race and draw. Genuine hope. | |||
Have been impressed by the public runs of Rocky Balboa (3) leading into this debut run. Looks a very smart type moving forward. A couple of handy ones in here, so will need to be good but looks to have all required to make a winning debut at a nice enough price.
Selections: 3-1-7-6-4
| 3. Rocky Balboa (3) J: Kirstin Green T: Kirstin Green | |||
| Looked sharp in recent trial win. Primed for a big debut performance. | |||
Really capable trotting mare back for a new campaign in Have A Little Faith (10) and looks ready judging by her impressive trial win. Took on some great fields last campaign and was far from disgraced. Nice field to take on first up, but her class will carry her a long way.
Selections: 10-3-5-6-8
| 10. Have A Little Faith (2) J: Nathan Williamson 0144xT: Phil Williamson | |||
| Talented mare ready to fire off trial win. Draw workable & rates highly. | |||
Tough game following Rise Up N Dance (2) he ends up in the black book more often than he makes the top three but he’s one you always need to respect. Right kind of race for him today and if he can land the right kind of trip then he should be there fighting out the finish.
Selections: 2-3-1-9-10
| 2. Rise Up N Dance (2) J: Nathan Williamson 4p272T: Nathan Williamson | |||
| Got close in his latest 2nd. Lands a key draw upgrade & rates top pick. | |||
A really nicely bred debutant from the Nathan Williamson barn, Rackmacknra (6) looks a quick winner off what we’ve seen publicly. Gets into arguably the weaker maiden race of the day which will be a huge assist and a positive drive should net a positive result.
Selections: 6-3-4-7-2
| 6. Rakmacknra (6) J: Nathan Williamson T: Nathan Williamson | |||
| Brings strong form to a fair maiden line up. Should take holding out. | |||
A good winter campaign up in Canterbury by Santiago (7) and gets back down into the home state chasing more success. Has been knocking around in some very strong fields of late and should find this a little easier. Can definitely get onto the speed and be the one to beat.
Selections: 7-10-14-13-11
| 7. Santiago (7) J: Carter Dalgety 54343T: Kirk Larsen | |||
| Taking on handy types at Addington recently. Early speed to assist. E/W. | |||
Given a wee freshen up after three runs back from a spell and Rangitata (11) definitely finds a winnable race here. Seems reliable and with good manners should be able to land in a decent position and from there be a really good each way chance.
Selections: 11-6-2-7
| 11. Rangitata (3) J: Hayden Douglas 8×134T: Phil Williamson | |||
| Freshened since OK Gore 4th. Drop in grade should assist. Combo claims. | |||
Really nice set up here for Tabasco (4) who has been racing really well without all the luck in the world. Might push forward here and look to control things over the sprint trip and is capable of holding off all challenges if given the chance.
Selections: 4-2-1-5-8
| 4. Tabasco (4) J: Matthew Williamson 25784T: Brad Williamson | |||
| Brave chasing a handy type in Addington 4th. Don’t underestimate. | |||
Swallowed up late in the Silk Road final, but don’t drop Stranger Things (12) off just that effort. Will play the speed game here, settling off the tempo and looking to swoop into it late. Has the speed to make it happen too.
Selections: 12-8-9-11-5
| 12. Stranger Things (4) J: Carter Dalgety 67114T: Katrina & John Price | |||
| Fought well in her Ascot 4th. Speed to overcome this draw. Include. | |||
