The Hondo Grattan Stakes at Menangle is the highlight for Saturday night’s harness racing coverage.  

Harness racing is quieter this weekend following an epic Hunter Cup last weekend that saw Swayzee narrowly defeat Leap To Fame.  

Menangle is about to heat up though and it starts with the Listed Hondo Grattan Stakes. The winner of the race gets into The Chariots of Fire.  

The FFA is another highlight on the Menangle program with New Zealand visitor Pinseeker starting a campaign targeting the Miracle Mile.  

 

Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets 21st February 

Menangle 

 

Race 2 

The FFA this week sees the addition of the Jonny Cox-trained PINSEEKER NZ (9) from New Zealand. A winner of nine races from 37 starts, the six-year-old gelding had one campaign in Australia in mid-2025, where he won at this track in 1:51.9. He then finished second in an Inter Dominion Heat won by Leap To Fame and failed to finish in the second heat of that series. Recent New Zealand form looks quite good and he should prove hard to beat.  

Plenty of gate speed with CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (1), WHERES THE GOLD NZ (3) and RIPP (8) engaged and the first quarter should be quick enough. CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (1) will have options from the inside draw and will likely opt for a trail. Should be finishing strongly in the home straight. UBETCHA TIGERPIE (7) continues to smash the clock, largely thanks to Rakero Rocket, Don Hugo and Hi Manameisjeff being in those races. JAY OK (6) is a last start winner and should be running home well. 

Selections: 9-1-7-6 

PINSEEKER NZ (9) to win 

 

Race 6 

A spot in the Chariots of Fire is up for grabs in the Listed Hondo Grattan Stakes (1609m). FERNCO NEL NZ (9) is an impressive Queenslander, winning 11 of his 19 starts for Chantal Turpin. Tom Callaghan picks up the drive and this horse won in 1:49.3 five starts ago at Albion Park which is incredible time. He recently sat back, and quickly rushed straight past the field when recording a 1:50.5, 54.8 victory.  

DOUBLE LOU (8) captured the NSW Breeders Challenge 3YO Colts and Geldings Final (1609m) in 1:49.9 at Menangle four starts ago. He was very impressive last time out, recording a huge 12.6m win as he ripped home in 53.2 seconds. Could be the leader here and that would see him hard to run down. 

FINAL DEADLINE NZ (10) is another Queensland horse who has won all three starts this prep. Two starts back he death seated in 1:51.0 at Albion Park. SWEET ON LEXY (2) is first-up which could be concerning, although he did finish second in a trial, beaten 5m by Ripp in 1:52.4 at Bathurst. It’s a deep race with other chances in the race also.  

Selections: 9-8-10-2 

FERNCO NEL NZ (9) to win 

 

Race 7 

The trotters compete in a 2300m standing start event that sees London To A Brick scratched. Pretty keen on one at a price here with the David Aiken-trained seven-year-old gelding SPEEDY LOVER (6) who was an eye catcher last start, savaging the line. Looks to be getting closer to a win and he’s almost double figures, so looks a great each-way play in the race.  

RAKERO BLAZE NZ (8) is a last start winner that switches from Luke McCarthy back to Anton Golino. He worked forward to lead and dropped a 27.7 third quarter to put a big enough break on his main dangers. Right in this again, as is CONSTANTINOPLE (9) who comes off a 20m handicap compared to the 10m of the first two horses mentioned. Will try and go one better than his last two starts. PESCO POLLO (7) can win too and his last run can be forgiven as he wasn’t right.  

Selections: 6-8-9-7 

SPEEDY LOVER (6) each way 

 

Albion Park 

 

Race 2 

The second night of the Ultimate Driver Championship and the FFA has a field of nine runners. The Matt Elkins duo of ALBY TWO CHAINS (1) and TIGER BAND WAGON (3) both have gate speed. ALBY TWO CHAINS (1) was a huge win last start over the 2138m stand, racing outside the leader to score in 1:53.9. Three starts back he was second behind the speed machine Cheerstolou in 1:50.2. He still ran home in around 53.5 seconds despite an 11.6m defeat. He gets champion Canadian driver James MacDonald and looks a great price from the good draw. 

TIMS A TROOPER (6) is consistent, able to work in his races, and post strong sectionals. His class should take him a long way as Robert Morris gets the drive. The price looks a little skinny at $2.50 considering the wider draw.  

IM THE FALCON NZ (10) is a last start winner that will be driven by Angus Garrard, the reigning winner of the Ultimate Driver Championship. Not an ideal draw but the horse is in good form and will be dangerous. JIMARTEE (8) may appreciate having a new driver in the form of recent Hunter Cup winner Cameron Hart.  

Selections: 1-6-10-8 

ALBY TWO CHAINS (1) each way 

 

Race 4 

FRENCH FRIES (5) could not have been more impressive at his past start, winning by 12.3m as he crushed rivals in 1:53.6 over the 2138m. A repeat performance and he wins this race for fun. Cam Hart gets the drive as part of the UDC and can walk away with maximum points from the race. 

XPRESS PARTY (2) and Gary Hall Jnr reunite. Hall won a Summer Series Heat at Gloucester Park on this horse who continues to remain with relocated trainer Michael Brennan. If he leads, he can test FRENCH FRIES (5). A host of chances can fill the minor placings in this race based on the barrier draw.  

Selections: 5-2-4-8 

FRENCH FRIES (5) to win 

 

Melton 

 

Race 1 

An NR 64 to 74 to kick off the Melton card and the Aaron Dunn-trained KOMODO (4) was excellent last start, running on from well back in the field to finish third at Ballarat, clocking a last half in 54.3 seconds, which is almost identical to his last 800 split at Swan Hill when also third behind Hot Deal. Looks hardest to hold out here.  

BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (8) drops in class from recent efforts and Jason Lee picks up the drive. Could snag early to take luck out of the equation and his versatility means he can win a number of different ways. TIMBIMBOO NZ (11) has won his last two leading and this is a different scenario from the back line. Still must be respected but will be harder.  

Selections: 4-8-11-2 

KOMODO (4) to win 

 

Race 2 

ROLINGINTHEDEEP (2) seeks a fourth straight win after winning three times at Cranbourne as he works his way through the grades. The immediate concern is barrier one with a lack of gate speed. Another smaller concern is that James Herbertson has driven the Jayne Davies runner in all three wins, so a new driver in the sulky could bring a change of fortune, but Jordan Leedham drives well so let’s hope they can notch a victory together.  

ROYAL APPOINTMENT (11) needs some luck from the back row over the sprint distance – can clock a quick half and quarter so will be dangerous if the race pans out. LUVA SCRAP (9) hasn’t been far away lately and gets his chance. Plenty of other hopes too.  

Selections: 2-11-9-10 

ROLINGINTHEDEEP (2) to win 

 

For complete Saturday night harness racing fields, click here. 

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink