Harness Analyst – Oamaru 18th 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 Oamaru today with 10 races on the card. Racing starts at 12:30pm, with the feature being the $15,000 Oamaru Cup. We highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good afternoon of racing.

Oamaru selections – 18th October 2026

Harness analyst best tips:

Best Bet: R5 Humber Hawk

Best Value: R8 Commander Ben

Race 1

Brookies Player (5)

Down on form last start but had been racing well prior. Back on grit and looks a major winning chance. Needed.

Dare Devil (6)

Should be fitter after last starts average run. Honest type who can get amongst this field. Top three chance.

Wavewatcher (4)

Recent form disappointing but has shown ability here in the past. Better draw here and could surprise at longer odds.

---

Race 2

King Charles (9)

Made a mistake fresh up after showing plenty of ability last campaign. Unruly draw but looks hard to beat with manners.

Maverick Hill (6)

Good third on debut and should improve with the experience. Has a decent motor and not the worst in this field

Lady Toni (3)

Fair run at Methven last start and has been racing consistently enough. Front mark and could sneak into the top three.

---

Race 3

Spy Major (2)

Impressive trial winner in good time and gets a handy draw for his debut. Looks ready to win first up. Top selection.

Turbulent (4)

Has shown plenty of ability in trials and draws well for his first start. Should give a good account here. Include.

Baby Come Back (9)

Has been racing honestly without winning. Unruly draw hurts but could sneak into the placings at longer odds.

---

Race 4

Franco Light (6)

Worked hard and battled on well for second at Timaru. Unruly draw but looks one of the better winning chances.

Queensland Spirit (1)

Handy maiden winner at Timaru last start. Steps up in grade but has plenty of speed and should be competitive. 

Regal Summit (4)

Good winner last start after a string of placings. No reason he can’t go close again against this field. Include.

---

Race 5

Humber Hawk (5)

Did plenty of work early last start and still finished off well. Second to a good horse two starts ago and looks hard to beat.

Not Guilty (8)

Resumes after showing promise last campaign and has trialled well. Wide draw but looks a genuine winning chance fresh.

A Mako Man (6)

Found stronger company too tough fresh up. Easier field here and should be fitter. Good each way chance.

---

Race 6

Kracka Looka (2)

Drops into a suitable grade and usually takes a few runs to reach peak fitness. Front mark and staying distance suit.

Harriet’s Moment (6)

Disappointing last start after earlier mistakes. Has the ability to feature in this field if she trots throughout. Include.

Barrytown (4)

Has been racing honestly enough in easier company. Front mark helps and could sneak into the top three at longer odds.

---

Race 7

Wild Willow (10)

Ok effort last start after a big second at Addington. 20m handicap makes things tough but has the class to feature.

Lester (4)

Two good seconds recently and has good track stats. Starts off the front mark and looks very hard to beat. Needed.

Ukraine (2)

Good third fresh up when running on strongly. Tougher field here but gets a head start on the favourites. Place chance.

---

Race 8

Commander Ben (3)

Better effort last Friday and at his best would be hard to beat here. Front mark a big advantage and could surprise.

Larissa Beaudiene (6)

Has been racing well from standing starts and gets into a suitable field. Ten-metre handicap but looks a major winning chance.

Gotta Elect Bill (5)

Has been racing against much stronger fields recently. Drops in grade and gets a chance run top three here. Include.

---

Race 9

Way Coola (12)

Has won his last two starts and was impressive at Gore. Wide draw but looks capable of going three in a row. Top selection.

Terry Webster (3)

Freshened since his last two runs and has trialled well. Should be competitive from the front mark. Watch the tote.

Holly Highlander (6)

Good third last start and has good manners. Has been consistent enough and looks one of the better place chances. Include.

---

Race 10

Mossdale Frank (6)

Unbeaten in two starts and has trialled well for his return. Looks ready to complete the hat-trick. Hard to beat.

Stumpy Blackler (1)

Better than recent form and gets the ace draw. Could improve at longer odds and worth including in this field.

Next Level (7)

Has been racing in stronger company and drops into a suitable grade. Wide draw but has good each way claims. Needed.

 

by Harness Analyst