Australian Analyst – Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets 7th March

To see all the Menangle feature race analysis for Chariots Of Fire night, please click here to view this week’s The Insider newsletter. 

Menangle headlines a huge Saturday night for harness racing with the Group 1 Chariots Of Fire showcasing the brilliant Captains Mistress.

Supporting the Chariots Of Fire are three heats of the NSW Derby, which is now run over a mile, along with two FFA sprints that grant the first two placegetters automatic entry into the Miracle Mile. Big names such as Leap To Fame, Swayzee, Kingman, Don Hugo, Captains Knock and Rakero Rocket will compete in the two feature sprints.

The two-year-olds will contest the Listed Sapling Stakes where Luke McCarthy has a strong debutant in the race.

We will cover all 10 Menangle races in our preview, along with the fast class races at Melton and Albion Park.

 

Saturday Harness Racing Best Bets 7th March

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Menangle

Race 1

A huge night of harness racing in NSW kicks off with a competitive FFA event. The Michael Stanley-trained 10-year-old gelding KINGMAKER NZ (7) is racing in terrific form with three straight minor placings. He chased home Hi Manameisjeff and Don Hugo three starts ago in 1:49.3. Last start he was second to Don Hugo after racing without cover for the last 800m to finish 3.9m from the winner, dashing his last half in 54.4 seconds. Not entirely sure where he ends up from barrier seven, but he is versatile enough to be competitive regardless of the run in transit.

I BREAK THE LINE (2) comes up with a good draw to find the fence and then has options from there. He worked hard to win in 1:51.9 at Newcastle and a repeat effort here will see him fighting out the finish. RIPP (10) looks right in the mix as he can absolutely fly the gate. He broke 1:50 at his most recent start when fourth to Pinseeker. Other hopes to OUR GOAT (6), NERANO NZ (8) and CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (11).

Selections: 7-2-10-11

KINGMAKER NZ (7) to win

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To see all the Menangle feature race analysis for Chariots Of Fire night, please click here to view this week’s The Insider newsletter. 

 

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Race 8

The Waratah Series Final (1609m) may not have the glamour of most races on the card, but there is $25,500 up for grabs in a handy race.

FLYING COLOURS NZ (2) and FARFALLA STRIDE (3), both winners of their respective heats, immediately jump off the page after drawing so well. FLYING COLOURS NZ (2) is a Dean Atkinson-prepared runner to be driven by young Harrison Ross. The plan would be to find the fence as the six-year-old gelding can run good sectionals – he finished second to Captains Mistress five starts ago in quick time. In the heat at Blayney, the gelding raced outside the leader and was too tough, narrowly winning. Can prove hard to beat if able to find the pegs.

FARFALLA STRIDE (3) raced 1 out 1 back at Wagga, pulled out at the top of the straight and ran over the top of the leaders in 1:52.0, 54.6. One of the main contenders here along with stablemate REFUSAL (11) who finished second in the Wagga heat. The draw hurts but the mare can reel off strong sectionals.

SPIRIT KING (5) also won a heat at Newcastle and has been racing in terrific form. Looks the best of the horses in double figures and can win with the right run.

Selections: 2-3-11-5

FLYING COLOURS NZ (2) to win

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Race 10

The FFA trotters compete in the final race on the program and we saw the best of WATTS UP PARTYTIME (8) as he belted rivals at Newcastle in 1:53.7. It was a phenomenal performance by the six-year-old gelding who was also dominant at this track three starts back in 1:53.0. Clearly goes on top on this race.

KRISTAL JOSSELYN FRA (6) broke twice in that Newcastle race and has since been back to the trials. Would need to see much better manners from the French trotter before entertaining him at close to $3. I am leaving him out of the selections due to his recent race manners but on ability, he can definitely win the race.

CONSTANTINOPLE (7) has winning claims as he recently finished second to WATTS UP PARTYTIME (8). Smaller hopes to SPEEDY LOVER (5) and HIDE AND SEEK (9).

Selections: 8-7-5-9

WATTS UP PARTYTIME (8) to win

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Melton

Race 6

An interesting FFA at Melton with the Emma Stewart pair of MIKI TO SUCCESS (7) and MACH DAN (6) taking on SMOKEN ACE NZ (5) and JILLIBY NITRO (3).

MIKI TO SUCCESS (7) is an odds-on favourite following fourth placings in the Group 1 Kilmore Pacing Cup (2180m) won by Leap To Fame and Group 1 Hunter Cup (2760m) won by Swayzee. He may have to settle for sitting parked but he is tough and can fight it out from that position.

JILLIBY NITRO (3) rates well on raw sectional times and has not had a good barrier for a while – when he drew barrier three, he was a narrow third behind SMOKEN ACE NZ (5). At double-figure odds from this draw, he is definitely worth a bet. SMOKEN ACE NZ (5) will probably be keen to hold out MACH DAN (6) at the start as he has won three straight races with James Herbertson driving. If he leads, then he can give them something to catch. GHOST OF TIME (2) should take a sit against this field but is also racing well as he steps up in class.

Selections: 7-3-5-6

JILLIBY NITRO (3) each way

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Albion Park

Race 6

The mile and a good draw should be beneficial to IM THE FALCON NZ (4) who will have ambitions of leading here, provided TIGER BAND WAGON (1) and JIMARTEE (3) allow it. The latter sees the return of Greg Bennett to the sulky for the first time since the 2011-12 season.

IM THE FALCON NZ (4), whether leading or racing with cover in the moving line, will prove hard to hold out. His main dangers are FRANKIE FEROCIOUS (5) and TIMS A TROOPER (7) who are both racing well. It’s a competitive FFA but have to give the edge to IM THE FALCON NZ (4) to be driven by Tom Callaghan.

Selections: 4-5-7-3

IM THE FALCON NZ (4) to win

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For complete Saturday night harness racing fields, click here.

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink