Harness Racing Tips: Expert Race Previews

An excellent 12 race card at Bendigo tonight, I have thinned the card down to races I am keen on and have provided an in-depth analysis plus betting plan on them.

Bendigo

Race 1 – 5.25pm

Race Map

Very confident that from an outside gate Kidwithagrin will cross and find the lead into the first corner. There is a bit of speed underneath him with Valentina Raia and Snazola having good speed so an aggressive Lance Justice may have some say in it and at least it’s likely to cross the pole horse in Roxy Royale. Ulani off the back row will likely be driven to come with one run so once they settle I don’t see this being a high-pressure race.

Race Summary

Have really liked the runs of Kidwithagrin this time in. He drops back to the short distance on a track that favours leaders over the trip and in a race where there doesn’t appear to be much pressure he looks a good bet to me. Just pipped on the post last time I just see him being too strong late.

I will take a set against Roxy Royale as my map has her being flushed back on the pegs and cannot see it being able to overcome such a trip. Snazola comes here first up from a brief let up but thought it trialled just fair, so even though I think it will land in a good spot I don’t race it as a danger. Ulani off the back row is the improver and if regains its form it will be the late closer.

Betting Strategy

BACK (WIN) — Kidwithagrin at odds of $1.90 plus

Race 3 – 6.22pm

Race Map

Plenty of gate speed so a little tricky to map who will actually lead. Five of the seven horses across the front have gate speed, how much petrol they use early may have a significant bearing on the result. Secret Identity is the sole runner off the back row but I do not see him sitting leaders back so at some point he will have to work for a win. Shady Hanover has good speed but thinking he would be happy to take a sit over the distance, then the big query is how hard the wide runners attack to the first corner in Chooz Reactor and Panania North.

Race Summary

Good depth here with several winning chances in a race where still a lot of questions to me on the map. Secret Identity was well backed and won last time when first up for the stable off a very good run in transit. Tonight will be totally different and with my map seeing it have to work at some point of the race I think it is a risk at the price on offer at present.

Shady Hanover will be on speed and fitter for its first up run for Tim Mannix and a ok weekend trial. Our Downunder Mach has had two runs off a near 3 year break, it still looked big and not near peak fitness last time so with another run under its belt it will likely present fitter here tonight. Saint Win was good first up and if happened to work to the lead then it would be the clear top pick, so be wary of it in play and what occurs. Chooz Reactor is ready to win, just not sure if tonight is the right race for it.

LAY (WIN) — Secret Identity to win at odds of up to $3.60

Race 11 – 10.27pm

Race Map

Junior Warfare looks like the clear leader here and over the sprint trip will hold the lead. That gives Tophut Johny the perfect run leaders back. David Miles on Safe Jewels holds the key to the tempo of the race, this horse is first up and trialled ok but just not sure what tactics he will employ here. If he decides to drive it cold then I don’t see this being a high-pressure race and that means the race will be dominated by the leader and leaders back.

Race Summary

If this is a low-pressure race as I anticipate then it’s likely to be dominated by Junior Warfare and Tophut Johny. I think it provides a great opportunity to back to lay Junior Warfare as think it will shorten significantly once it leads, so take up the offer when it takes place in the first lap of the race. Tophut Johny can win as gets a great run at it up the sprint lane so respect it and hence why i suggest the betting strategy I am.

Betting Strategy

BACK to LAY (WIN) — Junior Warefare at odds of $2.40 plus