The Insider – Australian Analysis May 14 Edition

A quiet weekend of harness racing within Australia is highlighted by Saturday’s Joe And Michael Ilsley FFA at Menangle.

Jason Grimson has a strong hand with track specialist Hi Manameisjeff, Chase A Dream and Nerano engaged. Luke McCarthy’s Pinseeker has finally drawn well in barrier two and the same can be said for Jilliby Nitro after receiving barrier one.

Melton will run the Aldebaran Park Free For All Trot with Eddie Tappe’s Im Bobby resuming. Standing in his way will be the likes of Lovemeto and Remus Phoenix.

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Menangle (Saturday, May 16)

Race 5

The pen can be put through Hi Manameisjeff’s last start after galloping shortly after release and taking no part in the contest. Interestingly, Jye Coney picks up the drive with Cam Hart engaged to drive Chase A Dream. Both Jason Grimson runners will have their work cut out as Jilliby Nitro and Pinseeker are racing well from wide draws – the pair will have the luxury of the two inside gates here. The market expects that quartet to fight it out.

JILLIBY NITRO (1) is a model of consistency with six-straight top three performances, including two victories. His win in the Listed Mildura Pacing Cup (2600m) was impressive and he has been racing well at Menangle recently without winning. The issue will be how far back he gets on the pegs as Will Rixon won’t be looking to burn him early so that he has something to offer late. Looks an each-way prospect.

PINSEEKER NZ (2) won’t know himself after four average or wide draws. He isn’t quick off the gate though so Luke McCarthy should be content just trying to find a midfield position or better. He can be dangerous here. CHASE A DREAM NZ (6) and HI MANAMEISJEFF NZ (8) can both win as one of the pair is the most likely leader. SEASIDER (4) is up in grade but racing superbly so could be ready to take the next step into open class. RIPP (9) caused an upset last time so must have knockout claims again. Same for CAPTAIN BELLASARIO (3).

Selections: 1-2-6-8

JILLIBY NITRO (1) each way

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Melton (Saturday, May 16)

Race 4

The Aldebaran Park Free For All Trot (2240m) sees the return of Group 3 Shepparton Trotters Cup (2690m) winner Im Bobby for trainer Eddie Tappe. He was last seen running sixth in the Group 1 Hammerhead Mile (1609m) won by champion trotter Keayang Zahara. Chris Svanosio has a trio of trotters engaged with Lovemeto the best of the three that also includes Remus Phoenix and Aldebaran Acrux.

IM BOBBY (1) should have no trouble leading from the inside barrier. The query will be his fitness levels as he hasn’t trialled but he is usually ready to fire. Towards the end of last prep, he was constantly racing against the topline horses, such as Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini. He looks hardest to beat with regular driver James Herbertson in the bike.

LOVEMETO NZ (4) in racing extremely well for trainer Chris Svanosio and driver Kerryn Manning, winning three starts back by a huge margin. He then finished just 2.2m from Keayang Stuka followed by a half-neck second to stablemate REMUS PHOENIX (7) at the most recent. Should run another big race.

ALDEBARAN ACRUX USA (8) will be trying to hold the leader’s back but there’s a risk of someone on the front line taking that position based on a recent effort when drawn this gate at Bendigo. REMUS PHOENIX (7) is a last start winner, but this draw is terrible and will make things harder.

Selections: 1-4-8-7

IM BOBBY (1) to win

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For complete race fields, click here.

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink