Matt Markham has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the seven races at the Ashburton Harness meeting on Sunday 8 November below:
It’s a bit of a surprise that Unico Realta (9) hasn’t won a race yet this campaign but there’s been a lot go against her at times and then on other occasions she’s been good without quite getting there. That might chance here. Can sit off a speed and look to have the final say and should be hard to stop.
Selections: 9-12-7-10-11
| 9. Unico Realta (9) 43024 | |||
| Closed with purpose here, 26 Oct. Can prevail despite another tricky draw to use | |||
Some really nice work in workouts and trials from En Range (3) of late and with the benefit of some race experience under the belt now should be able to knuckle down and grab that first win. Nice chance here on a track that is familiar and if able to bring the manners will be right in the hunt.
Selections: 3-7-4-6-10
| 3. En Range (3) 5 | |||
| No danger after an early error 1st-up. Trial win since will ensure support today | |||
Well backed on debut, Sea Me Fly (6) was OK without setting the world on fire. This looks a whole lot easier though and if able to translate some of the trial form to race day things look pretty promising for a breakthrough win here.
Selections: 6-8-7-2-10
| 6. Sea Me Fly (6) 5 | |||
| Nice debut from a close marble at Add. Stable is flying so needed on all bets. | |||
Doing everything but win at the moment is Loveyou To Da Skye (11) but the big roomy Ashburton track should really play into the hands. Doesn’t need to be bustled early, can settle back and work into late off the back of a good speed. Great chance.
Selections: 11-8-10-4-2
| 11. Loveyou To Da Skye (11) 35222 | |||
| Has found one better in last 3 runs and a win would be well deserved. In the mix | |||
Expecting sharp improvement from Rena (6) after her very good first up run at Addington. Found the line well and should have stepped it up post that. Handy field here today but she’s suited to the track and the distance and more than good enough to win it.
Selections: 6-4-11-5-10
| 6. Rena (6) 250×4 | |||
| Did a good job 1st-up at Add and with likely improvement looks an obvious hope. | |||
The form has tapered off a bit in the last month or so but Royalglow (6) gets into a race that really suits today and should bounce back to form. Going good enough to win one easily enough but might just need the right kind of run to make it happen. That can unfold here.
Selections: 6-7-3-4-5
| 6. Royalglow (6) 03600 | |||
| Broke at Add following trial win. Has claims if she can put it all together here | |||
Superb first up effort for the new stable by Heaven Forbid (6) and don’t expect him to be a one-trick pony either, can go on with it. Nice race here to make something happen once more and a confident drive early to get on the speed should really help that unfold.
Selections: 6-4-9-11-2
| 6. Heaven Forbid (6) 70891 | |||
| Convincing win out of new quarters, 21 Oct. Should back that up and bright hope. | |||
