Australian Analyst – Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets 13th June

New Zealand star pacer Marketplace makes his Australian debut at Menangle, while the Flashing Red at Albion Park headlines our Saturday harness racing best bets preview.

Trainer Regan Todd has engaged Luke McCarthy to drive star four-year-old Marketplace, the winner of 13 races from 23 starts, including the Group 1 New Zealand Pacing Derby.

The Flashing Red is a 2647m standing start race, boasting a capacity field of 14 runners. Speak The Truth is favourite off 20m ahead of Fernco Nel off 10m.

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Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets June 13

Menangle

Race 3

MARKETPLACE NZ (11) is the star of the show at Menangle on Saturday night for his much-anticipated Australian debut. He is almost a million-dollar earner already and that should occur in the next couple of runs. He had a scintillating Menangle trial, sitting behind UBETCHA TIGERPIE (9) and running straight past him with ease. Luke McCarthy will likely send him forward at some stage to tackle HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ (10) for the lead and that horse has been opting to sit on occasion. Over the 2300m, it might be the best option.

Either MARKETPLACE NZ (11) or HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ (10) should win the race. DOUBLE LOU (7) can fly the gate and that will likely be the plan here before handing up to HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ (10) once he comes knocking. That would give DOUBLE LOU (7) strong place claims. UBETCHA TIGERPIE (9) is next best.

Selections: 11-10-7-9

Trifecta: 11 / 7,10 / 4,7,9,10

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Race 5

STENO (8) continues to race well for Luke McCarthy, winning the Sibelia Stakes three runs back. She then chased home Captains Mistress in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Mile when finishing second. At her latest, she faced a tough task when running third, beaten 4.3m by SUGAR PIE HONEY (4). The smaller field of seven runners should ensure that STENO (8) is closer in the run and she can turn the tables if close enough as she has the best closing speed in the race.

SUGAR PIE HONEY (4) is the obvious danger and she will find the fence before entertaining a hand up to TOKYO ROSE NZ (7). LUX AETERNA (1) and MISSAUDACIOUS (2) have smaller claims in the race.

Selections: 8-4-7-1

STENO (8) to win

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Race 7

PEACHESNCREAM (8) is the odds-on favourite for the $100,000 APG 2YO Fillies Final after winning the Prelude by 5.8m. I can’t take the $1.70 as she draws wider for the Final.

COCTEAU DIAMOND (1) showed excellent gate speed in the Prelude and she battled on okay from three back the fence. With some race experience and fitness under the belt, she should hold the lead easily before handing over to a suitable rival. I am not that keen on the race, so happy to have something small on this filly each-way at $17.

MAC TILLY (4) is the main danger but can mix her form. Blake Fitzpatrick’s pair of SWINGING QUEEN (7) and SOPHIES WISH (10) have smaller claims.

Selections: 8-4-1-10

COCTEAU DIAMOND (1) each way

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Race 9

DON HUNTER (6) is the dominant favourite for the $100,000 APG 2YO Colts and Geldings Final. He beat the same field in the Prelude, although it was an anxious watch as he just held off WICKED MOTION (2) in a stirring battle in the straight. The $1.25 looks too skinny after the small margin of victory last start but he is the best credentialled runner with three wins from four career starts.

WICKED MOTION (2) was a good debut effort for second and he is probably the only horse capable of causing an upset in this. He is $3.30 and will appreciate some race experience. Neither price appeals so happy to just watch this one. REVVIN REYNARD (3) is the other runner that could finish in the top two.

Selections: 6-2-3-1

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Albion Park

Race 3

FINAL DEADLINE NZ (2) gets all the favours here because he can put to the lead and dictate the affair at short odds. He was massive last start, belting JUNGLE DRAGON (5) in the end. Hard to see the tables being turned here.

FATE AWAITS (8) will need a little luck from the inside of the back row. If he gets clear running early enough, he should run past APPLIED NZ (1). RUBY RULES (10) has place claims in the race and I am happy to be on her side at the odds, while also focusing on a Trifecta.

Selections: 2-8-10-5

RUBY RULES (10) to place

Trifecta: 2 / 8,10 / 1,5,8,10

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Race 5

BELLA DANZA (5) is a bit of a newcomer to Queensland, previously racing in Victoria and New South Wales. Two starts back she was beaten a head by Lux Aeterna. It was an impossible task last start but her closing sectionals were still good. A recent Redcliffe trial victory in 1:55.9 was excellent and she looks hard to beat.

THE VICAR OF DIBLEY NZ (4) is the main danger and her chances are enhanced if she can find the pegs early. WINDY HILL TARA (2) has each-way claims in the race and AURORA JOY (1) has the good draw to be a place hope.

Selections: 5-4-2-1

BELLA DANZA (5) to win

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Race 6

FERNCO NEL NZ (12) is my top pick in a very difficult race to decipher with plenty of winning chances. It is a great standing start event with the handicaps fair for most runners. This entire has won all three runs this prep and he is one of the quickest horses in the race. From the 10m handicap and with a large field, Pete McMullen is going to need some luck, but this horse loves to win with 14 victories from 25 starts.

PICCADILLY PETE NZ (5) is the intriguing runner in the Flashing Red. He begins off the front line, has won five from 13 behind the tapes and has recently raced against Ripp, Jilliby Nitro, Captains Mistress and Hi Manameisjeff. Beaten under 10m in both, he looks a strong contender. SPEAK THE TRUTH (14) is the class runner off 20m and should run well. PATH TO GREATNESS (7) and TYSON NZ (1) are the better Grant Dixon chances in the race.

Selections: 12-5-14-7

FERNCO NEL NZ (12) to win

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Race 9

YOTTIE (6) faces a small field of 3YO rivals but it’s a strong race. Bernie Hewitt’s team have been on fire in Queensland and his talented gelding looks the best horse in the field. He finished second in the Group 2 Gold Chalice Final, beating home Hollywood Strip which is excellent form. He was also placed in the Group 1 NSW Derby won by Hollywood Strip. A recent trial in 1:50.9 when beating Cheerstolou, a local FFA horse, should have him ready to run a big race.

FIRE AND PASSION (1) has won 10 races from 16 starts, including the Group 3 Qbred Breeders Classic Final. He was fifth in the NSW Derby and has the barrier advantage. ALWAYSBJOY NZ (2) is Pete McMullen’s choice of drive in the race. She finished down the track in the Group 1 NSW Oaks.

Selections: 6-1-2-3

YOTTIE (6) to win

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Melton

Race 1

I AM WILMA (1) has won her past two starts and it was the latest that was most impressive, rating 1:55.9, 55.8, as she ran down IM BOBBY (8). She will be hoping to be in the trail again with KEAYANG STUKA (5) the likely leader in the race as he comes out on roller skates. There’s no reason why I AM WILMA (1) can’t win again.

KEAYANG STUKA (5) is the main danger with a good run in front, IM BOBBY (8) gets a soft trip on the pegs and will finish strongly, and LOVEMETO NZ (7) is racing in incredible form and despite being parked, he could still prove too good.

Selections: 1-5-7-8

I AM WILMA (1) to win

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For complete Saturday night harness racing fields, click here.

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink