Harness Racing Tips: Expert Race Previews

A non metropolitan meeting at Melton tonight with 9 races to be contested, I have identified 3 races to provide an in depth analysis and betting strategy on.

Melton

Race 1 – 6.40pm

Race Map

Gate speed here with Major Mischief, Priddy Sublime and Island Blue Chip. In its two starts to date, Priddy Sublime has not had the opportunity to use its early dash, having drawn the second row on debut then snagged off the gate from a wide draw on the second outing.

However, based on its last two trials before it raced, it has excellent gate speed and I am super confident it leads these with comfort. From there I do not anticipate a high pressure race with David Miles on the leader dictating the pace to suit himself and make it a dash home over the last quarter.

Royal Hart making its debut did lead in its most recent trial but would anticipate it would be happy to take a cheap fence run and look for cover first up off its improving trial.

Race Summary

Keen on the favourite here in Priddy Sublime, as mentioned see it finding the lead easily and then getting a soft time in front and this will allow it to dash home a quick last quarter and just be too good.

I have liked its both runs and shows above average ability and tonight gets its best opportunity with a favourable draw and some race experience now to show its best. Think it’s a good thing.

Respect Island Blue Chip off fair trials for good stable/driver combo but on my map cannot see it beating the top pick. Royal Hart has trialled just fair with its last trial its best one and this looks too hard on debut.

Major Mischief has shown some abilty and Dallas Patrick may be a horse to follow with time as has demonstrated from its trials that although still a lot to learn it does have some speed.

Betting Strategy

BACK (WIN) — Priddy Sublime at odds of $1.80 plus

Race 4 – 8.10pm

Race Map

With this grade of trotter it’s not always easy to map where there will slot into in the first lap as race manners are critical for the low class trotters. Added to this two of the top chances are resuming for new stables so may produce early speed they didn’t have before.

So almost impossible to predict what occurs in the first lap but will say a lot of these have some poor manners so could be a number of errors occurring early.

Race Summary

I am banking on the stable change making the difference for Tequila Bree. It joins the strong David Miles camp and his team continues to race very well and only needs a slight improvement to be too good for these.

I have always rated this horse based on its trial efforts so if the new stable can get it to trot reliable then I am confident its the best horse in the race. The danger is another horse making its debut for a new team in Kyvalley Surfergirl who is first up for Matt Maguire and as with Tequila Bree has not been seen at the trials since the change.

Amour Fraternelle is from the in form Chris Svanosio team who has an outstanding record with trotters, however, I am yet to see this one put it all together and comes off a well beaten trial, still, just have to have respect for the team.

Outside of these Mynamesgraham has shown ability but got it all wrong last time but is suited to this class so a chance if it behaves.

Betting Strategy

BACK (WIN) — Tequila Bree at odds of $2.30 plus

Race 5 – 8.40pm

Race Map

The scratching now brings Endeavour Stride into gate two and looks the likely leader and will hold out the speed outside it in Ona Highway Tohell and Doitson.

Good depth in this race so that being the case likely to be a few moves and a genuine speed which I hope gives then all a chance.

Race Summary

Going to go with a value play here and suggest we back Doitson. It had an injury enforced lay off and was off the scene for 10 months, it returned to the trials at Maryborough where is broke the clock for its sectionals then went on to run a very good race first up after doing work at Swan Hill two weeks back.

I think this horse is very talented and could go through the grades, I don’t expect it to find the top tonight so will have to find a spot in the running line but that is why we are likely to get some value and at the odds worth a play.

I respect Endeavour Stride for the inform stable and Zac Phillips as the driver and especially as its the likely leader so will be awfully hard to run down, then Ona Highway Tohell and The Red Moon Rising are racing well and suited this class. A very good field with some nice horses likely to go around at big odds.

Betting Strategy

BACK (WIN) — Doitson at $7.00 plus