Harness Analyst – Ashburton 9th August 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 hits Ashburton again today with 9 races on the card. The racing starts at 12:35pm 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 – 9th August 2026

Harness Analyst Best Tips:

Best Bet: R1 Gotta Lather Up
Best Value: R6  Berrettini

Race 1

Gotta Lather Up (4)
Returned with an encouraging effort after a spell and should strip fitter. Draw gives him every chance to feature.

Miracle Memphis (1)
Enjoys the inside draw and has been racing with plenty of consistency. Looks one of the leading winning hopes.

Belmont Valor (3)
Recent form is better than it reads on paper. Maps for a soft trip and can improve sharply.

---

Race 2

Lexicon (5)
Progressive trotter who was dominant last start. Looks capable of going back-to-back despite the wider draw.

Buffy Northstains (9)
Forgive the latest run where luck deserted him. Previous efforts were solid and he can bounce back.

Majestic Monkey (1)
Returned to form with a strong placing and the inside draw is another plus. Definite each-way claims.

---

Race 3

Carrera Bravo (1)
Made late ground after settling back last start. Drawn to secure a much kinder run and rates highly.

Captain Kiwi (3)
Has been competitive against similar fields and should appreciate this assignment. Right in the mix.

Better Man (2)
Knocking on the door with recent placings and another honest effort is expected. Hard to leave out.

---

Race 4

Smoking Ashes (2)
Excellent return to racing when narrowly beaten fresh. A repeat of that effort makes him a major player.

Taumutu Lad (8)
Forget his latest outing as previous form was very solid. Worth another chance despite the draw.

Bettor Than Lizzy (3)
Worked hard in defeat last time and gets an opportunity to atone. Should be competitive throughout.

---

Race 5

KD Grins (2)
Continues to race consistently and looks well placed again. Draw gives every opportunity to go close.

Terry Webster (12)
Was only caught late last start and has the ability to figure again with the right beginning.

Majestic Flyer (7)
Capable trotter on his day and worth keeping safe in an even contest. Value appeals.

---

Race 6

Berrettini (1)
Draws perfectly and has been holding his form well. Looks set to give a bold sight from the inside.

Kowhai Star (10)
Hit the line strongly last week and only needs clear running to make his presence felt.

Foliejon Star (5)
Better than recent form suggests and this assignment provides an opportunity to improve. Include in multiples.

---

Race 7

Nothing But You (10)
Has returned in terrific order this campaign and continues to race at a high level. Deserves favouritism.

Vincent Reactress (8)
Finished off well last time and has the ability to overcome the draw with the right tempo.

Semba (11)
Had excuses in his latest outing after little luck. Suited back to this trip and appeals each way.

---

Race 8

Pickettywitch (1)
Closed the previous campaign in good form and has trialled impressively. Looks ready to make a winning return.

Foreman Fox (3)
Will take improvement from his resuming effort and draws to get every opportunity. Can measure up.

Rosario (10)
Has been building towards another victory and recent efforts suggest it won’t be long. Strong place claims.

---

Race 9

Sans Repos (6)
Closed off strongly last start and another similar performance would see him fighting out the finish.

Riptide (11)
Has the ability but needs everything to fall into place. Worth considering at longer odds.

Gatecrasher (2)
Returned to winning form with authority last time and can remain competitive despite the rise in grade.

 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst