{"id":33443,"date":"2026-10-23T07:50:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T18:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/?p=33443"},"modified":"2026-10-22T15:07:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T02:07:21","slug":"alexandra-park-harness-tips-preview-friday-23-october","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tab.co.nz\/punters\/2026\/10\/alexandra-park-harness-tips-preview-friday-23-october\/","title":{"rendered":"Alexandra Park Harness Tips & Preview | Friday 23 October"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Matt Markham has been through the form guide and speed maps and has provided his race analysis and betting strategy for each of the nine races at the Alexandra Park Harness meeting on Friday 23 October below: <\/p>\n\n\n

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Alex Park Harness Race 1<\/div>\n
5 Merlin <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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With runs under the belt now, <\/span>you\u2019d<\/span> expect close to the best version of Merlin (5) to be stepping out tonight. <\/span>He\u2019s<\/span> been OK without setting the world on fire in his resuming <\/span>runs, but<\/span> gets a chance for a confidence builder tonight. Expecting a confident drive early to get him on the speed and from there, <\/span>he\u2019s<\/span> the one to beat. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 5-2-3-4-1<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R1 – SPEND MELBOURNE CUP DAY IN THE ALEX MBL PACE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/colgroup>
<\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
5. Merlin (5)<\/span>
J: Zachary Butcher<\/span><\/span><\/div>
30×42<\/span> T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.90<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.05<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Two nice attempts since returning. Commands full respect on stellar career stats<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:17:14 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 2<\/div>\n
5 Copy Book Landing <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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The money came big time on debut for Copy Book Landing (5) who was backed in from a double figure price to near <\/span>favourite<\/span> and they nearly pulled it off too. A <\/span>really professional<\/span> performance from a promising trotter and with that out of the way now <\/span>he\u2019s<\/span> a big chance to go one better tonight. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 5-3-7-9-2<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R2 – LONE STAR ALEXANDRA PARK TROT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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5. Copy Book Landing (5)<\/span>
J: Barry Purdon<\/span><\/span><\/div>
2<\/span> T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.70<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.10<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Just denied 1st-up with good support. Looks hard to roll with that experience.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:33 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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Alex Park Harness Race 3<\/div>\n
6 Go Jimmy Cassidy <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Freshened after a promising start to the career, Go Jimmy Cassidy (6) returns here tonight. <\/span>Didn\u2019t<\/span> have a lot of luck in that first preparation but <\/span>wasn\u2019t<\/span> that far behind some <\/span>pretty nice<\/span> types. A bit of strengthening while away and a nice race to kick off in have him the horse to beat tonight.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 6-7-5-4-3<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R3 – BREED WITH WOODLANDS STUD 2026-27 MBL PACE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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6. Go Jimmy Cassidy (6)<\/span>
J: James Stormont<\/span><\/span><\/div>
2742<\/span> T: Graeme Rogerson<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.50<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.18<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Luckless early in career before a bold 2nd to smart type, Trial winner; include.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:34 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 4<\/div>\n
7 Amendment <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Not a sliver of form to speak about, but <\/span>there\u2019s<\/span> never been any issues with the motor side of things for Amendment (7). Shows plenty of promise and a shift to the North Island might open the door for things to get right back on track. One to keep an eye on going forward. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 7-2-4-1-5<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R4 – H R FISKEN & SONS JUN DRIVER HCP TROT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7. Amendment (7)<\/span>
J: Crystal Hackett<\/span><\/span><\/div>
0x0px<\/span> T: Michelle Wallis & Bernie Hackett<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
3.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.40<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Newcomer to the Wallis\/Hackett barn after having troubles in Canty. Has ability.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:34 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 5<\/div>\n
2 Field Of Gold <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Excellent return to racing from Field <\/span>Of<\/span> Gold (2) here a couple of weeks ago and will have derived plenty of benefit from that too. Grabs a nice draw to use tonight and if able to find the markers early and track throughout then looks like the <\/span>one<\/span> they\u2019ll<\/span> all need to beat. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 2-4-10-8-9<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R5 – NZB STANDARDBRED 2YO MBL PACE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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2. Field Of Gold (2)<\/span>
J: Harrison Orange<\/span><\/span><\/div>
8×2<\/span> T: Barry Purdon & Scott Phelan<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
4.00<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.55<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Run down as fave here, 9 Oct. Grabs another close draw and should go close again<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:35 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 6<\/div>\n
7 Our Col <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Super run first up from a spell by classy trotting filly Our Col (7) and <\/span>she\u2019ll<\/span> have come on leaps and bounds from that too. Had no right to finish as close as she did on that occasion and it sets up for a good campaign. <\/span>She\u2019ll<\/span> need to be good tonight though, some nice types in and around her but the class takes her close. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 7-6-3-4-1<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R6 – IRT.YOUR HORSE.OUR PASSION MBL TROT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7. Our Col (7)<\/span>
J: Tony Herlihy<\/span><\/span><\/div>
321×2<\/span> T: Tony Herlihy<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
1.65<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.08<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Overcame break to just miss, 9 Oct. 2nd-up tonight and can revenge that defeat.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:35 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 7<\/div>\n
7 Cyclone Rebel <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Tip of The Day<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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A lot to like about the first two runs back from a spell by Cyclone Rebel (7). <\/span>He\u2019s<\/span> returned in fantastic order and should be nearing peak fitness levels now. Good field tonight, but <\/span>he\u2019s<\/span> going well enough to stalk the speed and get home over the top of them all at a decent price. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 7-5-3-1-4<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R7 – CLASSIQUE LANDSCAPERS MBL PACE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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7. Cyclone Rebel (7)<\/span>
J: Tony Herlihy<\/span><\/span><\/div>
7×422<\/span> T: Tate Hopkins<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.80<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Beaten by 2 nice types in recent attempts here. Gets another opportunity; danger<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:36 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 8<\/div>\n
8 Franco Ronaldo <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Two mistakes in the last two appearances by Franco Ronalda (8) will have dented punter\u2019s confidence a little. <\/span>He\u2019d<\/span> been so good prior too. <\/span>Hopefully<\/span> the manners are there <\/span>tonight<\/span> and he can put it all together and remind everyone again just how good he is. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 8-11-3-9-4<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R8 – WOODLANDS STUD – ALL STAR FIVE MBL TROT<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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8. Franco Ronaldo (8)<\/span>
J: Tony Herlihy<\/span><\/span><\/div>
31106<\/span> T: Tony Herlihy<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.35<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.30<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Lost his manners following impressive pair of wins here. Mobile helps; must have<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:37 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
\n Bet Now<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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Alex Park Harness Race 9<\/div>\n
8 Georgie Best<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div> \n
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Not a lot of luck last time out for Georgie Best (8) but <\/span>he\u2019d<\/span> been so good in the two runs prior that <\/span>it\u2019s<\/span> hard to ignore him here. A little more luck in the running, or <\/span>perhaps having<\/span> luck taken out of the equation and <\/span>he\u2019d<\/span> be too good for this field. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>
<\/span>Selections: 8-7-5-1-2<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexandra Park R9 – BOOK YOUR XMAS PARTY AT ALEXANDRA PARK MBL PACE<\/span> <\/div>
Open<\/span> Race time: <\/span> <\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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8. Georgie Best (8)<\/span>
J: Crystal Hackett<\/span><\/span><\/div>
5×120<\/span> T: Nathan Purdon<\/span> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td>
2.60<\/span>WIN<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div>
1.35<\/span>PLACE<\/span><\/div> <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/td> <\/tr>
Resumed in style & copped a tough trip when last here. Threat despite marble.<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>
Odds are subject to fluctuation. For current odds on all of our live racing markets, please visit www.tab.co.nz\/racing<\/span><\/a>. Data retrieved: 23\/10\/2026 09:02:37 AM (Pacific\/Auckland) <\/div> <\/div> <\/section>
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\"Addington<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Harness Tips<\/span>

Addington Harness Tips & Preview | Friday 23 October<\/h2>
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\"Alexandra<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Harness Tips<\/span>

Alexandra Park Harness Tips & Preview | Friday 23 October<\/h2>
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\"Invercargill<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Harness Tips<\/span>

Invercargill Harness Tips & Preview | Sunday 25 October<\/h2>
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