Harness Analyst – Auckland 2nd 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 Auckland today with 8 races on the card. Racing starts at 5:20pm, and we highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good evening of racing.

Auckland selections – 2nd October 2026

Harness analyst best tips:

Best Bet: R6 Higher Power

Best Value: R1 Sans Au Revoir

Race 1

Sans Au Revoir (5)

Didn’t get all the favours from a wide position at Cambridge. Better placed here and capable of improving at attractive odds.

Brienne (4)

Had to work hard last week after producing a solid effort the start before. Can feature with a more economical trip.

Muscle Memory (3)

Made an early mistake when well supported last week. Has been racing well otherwise and looks a major chance with better manners.

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Race 2

Time For Change (1)

Finished strongly last week and now gets the ace draw. Looks capable of getting into the finish at useful odds.

Mediator (5)

Worked hard and battled well last week. Has a strong record over the shorter distance and looks a genuine each-way chance.

Critical Image (6)

Had little luck when resuming last week and should improve with that outing. Draw isn’t ideal but has the ability to win.

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Race 3

Franco Ronaldo (2)

Cost punters when missing away last week after consecutive victories. Front mark gives him every chance to bounce back with manners.

Maro Mackendon (9)

Returned with a sharp Cambridge victory and clearly has plenty of ability. Ten metres to overcome but looks a major threat.

Santapazienza (8)

Chasing a fourth consecutive victory and continues to thrive. Ten-metre handicap makes things tougher but winning form demands respect.

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Race 4

Lincoln Downs (2)

Returns after being freshened and has won a recent workout. Gets a favourable draw and could make an immediate impact.

Jessie Lincoln (10)

Made a mistake when challenging last time after a big effort previously. Second-row draw is awkward but she has winning ability.

Midnight Betty (7)

Chased home Cyclone Miki last week and continues to race honestly. Wider draw makes it tougher but she has strong top-three claims.

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Race 5

Rolling In It (2)

Unbeaten through two preparatory runs and gets an excellent draw for her return. Looks ready to produce a big performance fresh.

Americans Legacy (3)

Comes into her debut after winning a recent trial. Nicely drawn and looks capable of making an immediate impression.

We Will Rise Again (8)

Won here two starts ago before being run down last time. Unruly position is the concern but she remains a genuine chance.

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Race 6

Higher Power (5)

Returned with an emphatic victory a fortnight ago and should only improve from that outing. Looks the one they have to beat.

Hillbilly Blues (4)

Made a costly mistake when resuming but has plenty of quality. Ten-metre handicap shouldn’t stop him featuring with better manners.

Bolt For The Hill (3)

Continues to race in excellent form and narrowly missed at his latest appearance. Front mark gives him a chance to turn the tables.

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Race 7

Merlin (7)

Should have taken plenty from his first-up fourth and will appreciate the longer journey. Classy pacer who looks very hard to hold out.

Better Knuckle Up (5)

Produced an excellent first-up second and should improve with that run. Ten-metre handicap but has serious winning claims.

Doo You Want Me (3)

Returns from a break with an excellent record at Auckland. Has performed well fresh before and can feature from the ten-metre mark.

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Race 8

War Chief (10)

Has won his last two and continues to progress through the grades. Second-row draw is the challenge but he can overcome it.

Cyclone Rebel (4)

Fought strongly when resuming and should be fitter for that outing. Gate speed gives him every opportunity to control the race.

Allamericanplayer (8)

Produced a good effort when third fresh and should improve with that run. Wide draw is awkward but he remains a genuine chance.

 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst