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 hits Ashburton again today with 10 races on the card. The racing starts at 12:45pm and we highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good day of racing.

Ashburton selections 22nd February 2026

Harness analyst best tips:
Best Bet: R2 Crimson Tide
Best Value: R5 Prestigious

Race 1

Holly Highlander (7) Racing well and if she gets the right run into it, she can be right there.
Buffy Northstains (6) Fresh off a confidence-boosting win and can feature again. Needed
Something Else (8) Honest enough type who can sneak into the minors with luck. Include

Race 2

Crimson Tide (1) Better than the first-up run reads and should improve sharply. Top selection
Major Li (3) Keeps putting himself in the finish and is a safe top-three type. Place hopes
Lexington Queen (9) Trial form is strong and she looks a serious threat if it carries over on raceday.

Race 3

Aldebaran Lobell (1) Looks to have plenty of ability—just needs to keep it all together.
Mysaria (6) Trialled like a winner and must be respected on debut. Worth Including
Neil William (8) Not in his best form but better than that if the run goes his way. Needed

Race 4

Classie Linc (8) Draw is awkward but she’s up to this level and can still run a cheeky race.
Ebony Arden (5) Freshened up and classier than most—market tells the story here.
Lavra Rose (2) Right in the zone and maps to get every chance from the handy alley.

Race 5

Prestigious (2) Progressive type with upside and looks ready to fire again from the good draw.
Kashanova (8) Lightly raced, has trialled well, and can be a genuine each-way play.
Just Easy (3) Improved last start and can lift again into the top four mix at longer odds.

Race 6

Burnham Girl (6) Brings honest form and should be right in the fight again. Has gate speed
Betterwithbling (12) Has a big finish when it opens up. Draw makes it tougher but not impossible.
Raknruin (7) Capable on her day, but needs to show a bit more than recent runs. Wide gate hurts

Race 7

Waterloo Station (8) Looks well placed and can be charging late despite the handicap.
Luvavici (4) Freshened and has enough ability to make an impact if he’s 100% fit. Include
Silvester (1) Won well last time and is a must for the main multiples again. Track suits

Race 8

Lester (9) Can add value in exotics if he steps clean and finds the right cart into it. Needed
Waikaka (5) Big danger again with his early manners. Has the right profile for this grade and trip.
Kiss The Girls (8) Huge run last time and if he begins cleaner, he can be right in it. Go again

Race 9

Blazing Knuckles (6) Freshened and has the class to compete even from the tricky gate.
Farewell Spit (7) Reliable type and if he gets the trip to suit, he’s in the finish again.
Million Dollar Chic (3) In good form and can run another honest race from the draw.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst