Harness Analyst – Akaroa 11th October free tips

Welcome to today’s segment from our harness racing analyst.

Providing you with free expert tips and selections for harness meetings run in New Zealand.

Harness racing heads to Methven today with 13 races on the card. Racing starts at 11:40am, with the programme featuring the Akaroa Cup over 3000 metres. We highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a great afternoon of grass track racing.

Akaroa selections – 11th October 2026

Harness analyst best tips:

Best Bet: R8  Humber Hawk

Best Value: R9  Lexicon

Race 1

Brookies Player (11)

Has been racing in excellent form and a bit unlucky last week. Second row draw but looks a strong winning chance.

Hoppy’s Smile (10)

Was below his best at Timaru after a strong performance at Orari. Needs luck from the second row but can bounce back.

Razor Horizon (2)

Bit better at Addington last time and gets a much better draw here. Should settle handy and looks a genuine place chance.

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Race 2

Lap It Up (10)

Has good form this campaign and looks ready to break through. Draw isn’t ideal but has strong winning claims.

Razor Ray (11)

Returns from a spell after winning a recent trial. Showed ability during his previous campaign and looks capable of featuring fresh.

Enchanted Star (1)

Has finished third in both career starts and looks a promising trotter. Front mark gives her every opportunity to open her winning account.

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Race 3

Peraki Lad (4)

Has been racing consistently without winning and should appreciate returning to the grass. Handy draw gives him every chance to feature.

Tuckahoe Trooper (2)

Makes his debut after winning a trial at Addington. Nicely drawn and looks capable of producing a strong first-up performance.

Relapsed (1)

Returns after a lengthy absence but has placed in a recent trial. Ace draw and Blair Orange aboard make him an interesting chance.

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Race 4

Grandad Don (4)

Produced a strong second on debut at Timaru and looks capable of going one better. Well placed from the front mark.

Miss Moneypenny (12)

Did well to recover from an early check and finish fifth at Methven. Unruly position is the concern but she has definite place claims.

Sensitive To A Smile (3)

Has been racing honestly and should handle the grass. Nicely drawn and looks capable of featuring with good manners.

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Race 5

Taumutu Lad (1)

Produced a solid victory last week and looks to be hitting peak form. Steps up in grade but the ace draw is a major advantage.

Ask Me Lazarus (2)

Returns from a spell but not the worst in this. Has won twice on grass and looks capable of making an impression fresh.

Donttelltheboys (12)

Faded after a tough run here last start. Second-row draw makes things tricky but he can improve with a softer trip.

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Race 6

Rising Bromac (2)

Has shown plenty of promise in her first two starts and looks close to a maiden victory. Excellent draw makes her very hard to beat.

Liberty Girl (3)

Produced a strong second at Orari. Nicely drawn and looks a genuine winning chance with better manners. Needed here

Ghostbuster (7)

Encouraging second on debut and should suit grass surface. Wide draw is awkward but she looks capable of improving further.

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Race 7

Della’s Fella (2)

Has produced three solid performances since resuming and looks ready to win again. Drawn nicely and should be prominent throughout.

Diamond Harbour (15)

Was impressive at Timaru before making an early mistake at Methven. Unruly position makes things difficult but has enough ability to threaten.

Morrie Afton (11)

Produced a solid third at Methven after improving his manners. Second-row draw isn’t ideal but looks capable of featuring in the combinations.

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Race 8

Humber Hawk (5)

Produced an excellent second on debut at Gore and looks a promising young pacer. Drawn to get a good run and looks very hard to beat.

Waterfall Bay (10)

Returned with a brave second at Addington and should improve with that outing. Needs luck from the second row but has strong winning claims.

Ashes Of Midnight (3)

Has been racing better than his recent results suggest and gets a favourable draw. Looks capable of producing an improved performance.

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Race 9

Lexicon (11)

Has been racing consistently and wasn’t far away at Methven last week. Second row draw makes things difficult but he can feature with the right trip.

Paige (8)

Has struggled in recent starts but possesses a reasonable record on the grass. Needs to improve sharply but can surprise at longer odds.

Holly Highlander (4)

Finished strongly after getting clear at Methven last week. Handy draw gives her every chance to settle close and looks a genuine place prospect.

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Race 10

Bruntwood Brigade (16)

Has been below his best in two runs this campaign but should be fitter now. 35m handicap is demanding but is tough. Go again

Tact Teva (14)

Has won four of his last six starts and produced another strong victory at Timaru. Faces a tough handicap but looks a major threat.

Lester (3)

Produced a brave second at Timaru and grass helps. Front mark gives him an edge and he looks capable of getting into the finish.

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Race 11

Unico Realta (7)

Was pressured in front at Addington last time after producing several consistent performances. Strong grass record makes him a leading chance.

The Beach House (2)

Produced a powerful finish to go close at Addington and has winning form on the grass. Excellent draw gives him genuine winning claims.

Motor Mouth (12)

Was run down after leading at Methven last week. Second row draw makes things tougher but he has enough speed to feature with luck.

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Race 12

Buffy Northstains (6)

Has won two of her last three starts and fought on bravely at Methven. Front mark gives her every opportunity to bounce back.

Johnny Trotter (1)

Has finished second in his last two starts and looks close to another victory. Ace draw and front mark make him a serious winning chance.

Val Thorens (4)

Has been racing in outstanding form and produced another strong placing despite going rough at Methven. Hard to beat with clean manners.

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Race 13

Blazing Knuckles (4)

Returns from a spell after a quiet trial and boasts a good grass-track record. Nicely drawn and only needs a good drive to feature.

Radioactive Jaffa (1)

Finished strongly after being held up at Methven last week. Ace draw and proven grass ability give him genuine winning claims.

Commander Ben (8)

Has been below his best at Addington recently but should appreciate returning to the grass. Wide draw is awkward but he can improve sharply.

 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst