Australian Analyst – Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets 16th May

A quiet weekend of harness racing within Australia is highlighted by Saturday’s Joe And Michael Ilsley FFA at Menangle.

Feature races are quiet this weekend but there’s still plenty of quality action as we preview our Saturday harness racing best bets.

Hi Manameisjeff, Chase A Dream, Pinseeker, and Jilliby Nitro will contest the Joe And Michael Ilsley FFA over the mile. It should be a cracking race.

At Melton, Im Bobby resumes from a spell as he takes on Lovemeto and Remus Phoenix in the Aldebaran Park Free For All Trot.

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Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets May 16

Menangle

Race 5

JILLIBY NITRO (1) is a model of consistency with six-straight top three performances, including two victories. His win in the Listed Mildura Pacing Cup (2600m) was impressive and he has been racing well at Menangle recently without winning. The issue will be how far back he gets on the pegs as Will Rixon won’t be looking to burn him early so that he has something to offer late. Looks an each-way prospect.

PINSEEKER NZ (2) won’t know himself after four average or wide draws. He isn’t quick off the gate though so Luke McCarthy should be content just trying to find a midfield position or better. He can be dangerous here. CHASE A DREAM NZ (6) and HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ (8) can both win as one of the pair is the most likely leader. SEASIDER (4) is up in grade but racing superbly so could be ready to take the next step into open class. RIPP (9) caused an upset last time so must have knockout claims again. Same for CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (3).

Selections: 1-2-6-8

JILLIBY NITRO (1) each way

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Melton

Race 4

IM BOBBY (1) should have no trouble leading from the inside barrier. The query will be his fitness levels as he hasn’t trialled but he is usually ready to fire. Towards the end of last prep, he was constantly racing against the topline horses, such as Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini. He looks hardest to beat with regular driver James Herbertson in the bike.

LOVEMETO NZ (4) is racing extremely well for trainer Chris Svanosio and driver Kerryn Manning, winning three starts back by a huge margin. He then finished just 2.2m from Keayang Stuka followed by a half-neck second to stablemate REMUS PHOENIX (7) at the most recent. Should run another big race.

ALDEBARAN ACRUX USA (8) will be trying to hold the leader’s back but there’s a risk of someone on the front line taking that position based on a recent effort when drawn this gate at Bendigo. REMUS PHOENIX (7) is a last start winner, but this draw is terrible and will make things harder.

Selections: 1-4-8-7

IM BOBBY (1) to win

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Race 6

THE ART OF SUCCESS (8) is likely to go on her winning ways after a hat-trick of wins, including a recent 1:53.4 victory from the breeze. She is $1.15 to win again which is understandable so I am looking at the best of the rest.

TIZZY LIZZIE (9) is a NSW-trained mare that can run serious time. Three runs ago she won from outside the leader in 1:52.6 at Wagga. She then ran a game second behind Bluey’s gelding Abouttime at Albury, and third to Astral Stride in 1:53.5 at Wagga. Looks to have strong place claims here – will have something small on the win just in case there is an upset. LILSTREPO (6) looks next best although the draw is awkward.

Selections: 8-9-6-5

TIZZY LIZZIE (9) each way

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Albion Park

Race 3

BIRKIRKARA (4) produced excellent sectionals first-up from a spell when finishing fifth, beaten 2.5m in 1:51.0, 54.9. He will need some luck from barrier four but the smaller field should suit and if the race is run to suit, he will be flying over the top. He beat home most of his rivals in this last time so looking for a repeat performance.

CALL TO ORDER (3) is racing well and was a winner three runs back when leading all the way in 1:51.4, 54.4. Stablemate WHOS DELIGHT NZ (1) will enjoy a lovely run on the pegs and can be dangerous. COOL NIGHT (2) is a roughie that can run well, while OZZIE PUNTA (8) has a soft pegs run ahead and will perform admirably.

Selections: 4-3-1-8

BIRKIRKARA (4) to win

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Bunbury

Race 4

POPPYONTHEBEACH (3) had the perfect first-up run when leading throughout at the track and distance and just being run down late by Major Miki Whitby. The winner then contested the Listed Narrogin Cup where he finished third behind Otis and Gee Heza Sport. That is a very strong formline which gives extra confidence about POPPYONTHEBEACH (3) who will strip fitter from that second placing. She won’t have as big a threat on her back this time around.

CURADH (5) is racing well, placed in three of his past four starts, the latest behind ARTFUL MAJOR (7). Both horses have winning claims here. WICKED HUSTLER (6) backs up from last night, but the draw is terrible. Big watch on ARISTA NZ (9) who is two-from-two since arriving in WA, but this is his biggest test.

Selections: 3-5-9-7

POPPYONTHEBEACH (3) to win

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Race 6

GOLDEN LODE NZ (7) is the horse to beat in the 4YO & 5YO Manea Classic (2100m) following a brilliant victory in the Group 3 4YO & 5YO Championship last start. He was runner up in the Group 1 The Nullarbor and Fremantle Cup. He is versatile, able to work hard in his races or sit back and let down with one run. Regardless of how the race is run, the five-year-old gelding is hardest to beat.

RUNKLE CRUNCH NZ (8) finished second to my top pick last start and he’s a serious talent. Looks the main danger in the race. BROUGHT TO LIGHT (1) is up in grade and I have reservations against this company. LINCOLN LOU NZ (5) is flying and has knockout claims – same for JUSTCALLMEMIKI NZ (6) who is proven in this grade but I think his stablemate GOLDEN LODE NZ (7) has more speed and brilliance.

Selections: 7-8-5-1

GOLDEN LODE NZ (7) to win

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Race 9

SIR ALEC WHITBY (2) was an excellent third against stronger company last start when beaten 4.2m by Island Tee Rex who has won eight races in his career. This is a drop back to maiden company and barrier two gives Ryan Warwick strong claims of getting the four-year-old gelding home for trainer Peter King. As long as he doesn’t get caught in the breeze, he should go close.

STARRY HEIGHTS (9) was a good debut effort despite being beaten as a $1.50 favourite. He follows out SIR ALEC WHITBY (2) and will be right on the speed from the start. PAPPINBARRA LADY (1) has the good draw to be an each-way prospect, while DOWN TENNESSEE (5) could surprise.

Selections: 2-9-1-5

SIR ALEC WHITBY (2) to win

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For complete Saturday night harness racing fields, click here.

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink