The Shark – Best at Addington on Friday 16 August 2019

[Wandering Eyes]

The Shark goes in search of winners from Addington Raceway who host Friday night harness racing action this week.

Race 1

9 Silver Surfer: First starter with some strong workout and trial form ahead of the debut performance. Unruly is always a concern, but motor looks big enough if the manners come along for the ride too.

6 Vacation Hill: Kevin Townley trained first starter in a maiden trot, that’s usually stand up and take notice kind of stuff. Good workout recently. Primed for a decent crack on debut.

1 Midnight Memories: Just lacking that little bit of oomph at the business end of races. But this isn’t a strong field and there are a few uncertainties. A safe place bet.

2 Be Bee Lass: Hard to ignore a horse first up for Michael House with Blair Orange in the bike these days. Long time maiden trotter, but if anything can turn things around those red, black and white colours can.

Selections: 9-6-1-2

 

Race 2

4 I’m A Gigolo: Massive win on debut on this track a couple of weeks ago. Goes up in grade but not to a strong race, just a lot more experienced rivals. Expecting a similar demolition type job here.

7 Friend: Has been mixing it in some pretty strong fields recently and doing well too. This is a little easier, especially outside of the hot fave. Can play a big role with a rough and tumble approach.

2 Distinguished Taste: Got the job done nicely last time out after a string of good runs. Should be able to handle the rise in class and Orange sticks with the ship. That’s a positive sign.

1 Flashazz: Another to recently graduate from the maiden ranks and another who was very good doing it. Early speed a bonus, especially from this draw. Can play a role.

Selections: 4-7-2-1

 

Race 3

2 Invisible Girl: Like the last few hundred metres of last week’s effort at Rangiora. In the zone and going really strongly and no surprise to see a big run here at a nice each way quote.

8 Naiya Franco: True version showed up last time out and dealt a telling blow to rivals. She can do that when in the right mood and gets J Morrison in the bike, right in the fight.

4 Champers: Finally broke through last time out at Oamaru after some good runs. Not a massive rise in grade so expecting another competitive effort here tonight.

6 Uptown Lady: So much better than the last effort. Prepared to forgive that with a wee freshen up and looking for much better here this evening.

Selections: 2-8-4-6

 

Race 4

12 Let’s Hustle: Far from convincing at Rangiora last weekend, but another good honest effort and in this field that might be enough. Will get every opportunity to get the win.

6 Immortal Change: Prepared to overlook the last start seventh after doing a power of work. This looks a little easier and with a nicer run should be right in the middle of it.

13 Arcano: Not sure what we make here now. So good two starts back and then woeful last time out. Repeat of last effort here wins again, but jury is well and truly out.

11 Mordecai: Really charged when finally getting clear on Sunday. Honest toiler who will be running on once again and shouldn’t be too far away when the dust settles.

Selections: 12-6-13-11

 

Race 5

6 Portalegre: Smart customer back from a spell and into the Regan Todd stable. Took on some excellent types last season and performed very well. Everything points to yes.

5 Harmony Delight: Three really good runs to open the career and really dug in last time for second. Looks the main danger to the face on that performance.

12 Skreemr: Looked a little unlucky last time out when on debut. Had trialled up really nice prior to that too. Can give a bit of cheek from the second row for sure.

8 Lottie Moon: Condition might just have told late last time out. Better for that run and certainly good enough to figure in the finish of this one.

Selections: 6-5-12-8

 

Race 6

5 Maudarchy: Taking a throw at the stumps here and hoping we come up trumps. No form to speak of due to manners. Might have won last time with the sweet trip. Risky, but good enough.

8 Escargo: Talented wee trotter back from a spell and nice workout win to ready for this. Stable will have things all in readiness for a big return.

1 Franco Josiah: All around the honey pot at the moment but not quite going good enough to win. Easiest assignment yet so tonight might be the night.

2 One Night Out: Has shown a real liking for the jump and run sort of tactic during the career. No better opportunity than this. Could be the blow out chance of the night.

Selections: 5-8-1-2

 

Race 7

2 Kiwis Are Flying: Things went a little pear-shaped rather quickly two weeks ago. Unlucky. That might not eventuate here though. Out to take the bull by the horns and get the result.

6 Doitson: Hard not to be impressed with the final few hundred metres of the most recent performance. Wanted the win and really drove for it. In form and a big hope tonight.

5 Smarter VC: Last two runs haven’t had the best of luck but still good efforts all the same. In the right head space and with clear air can win tonight.

3 Kardesler: Backed up a strong fresh up win with a good sixth last time. In the right kind of nick and might be ready to live up to the potential this season.

Selections: 2-6-5-3

 

Race 8

6 Diana Harbour: Most improved trotter in the country in the past few months, low-flying and meets another very beatable field. Great each way fodder and should probably win again too.

7 Easy Pickings: Has the motor, but often the own worst enemy. Nice trial during the week. Manners the key but no surprise to see a big run.

9 The Bloss: Ultra consistent performer who was very brave from parked on Sunday at Rangiora. Quick beginner so 20m is no worries. Great chance again.

8 Zeddie Marit: Big on ability but in the wrong mood fresh up. Orange on and they’ve been strong together before. Can turn it all around here if things go right.

Selections: 6-7-9-8

 

Race 9

6 Fabrizio: Stable is flying, driver is flying – trial form looked flying, there’s a bit to fly to the tote about with this one and hopefully you can jet yourself back to collect post-race.

1 Ascalabus: Took on some nice types last season and did well. Strong trial effort to ready for this and from the ace could be expected to take up the front-running position.

4 Louis Litt: Respected stable with a first runner who has good workout and trial form. It all looks to add up to a very strong debut effort here tonight.

5 Minstrel: Another first starter and another with good workout and trial form. Stable always goes well and should give a big sight in this line up tonight.

Selections: 6-1-4-5

 

Race 10

8 Flying Mister Ideal: Going to say a tragedy beaten last time out after copping some bad luck. Should atone for that here and deserves to be the first elect.

7 Secret Bet: Just keeps running great races and will make a swift beginning and land in the right spot here so has to be considered an each way hope on that alone.

3 Woodlea Explorer: Two runs back have been excellent. Should be nearing peak fitness and will have a lot to say about tonight’s assignment if he can ping away from the tape.

5 Rollova: Well readied for this and nice in most recent trial. Won’t be here for the quiet hit out and does have the ability to really give this a good shake.

Selections: 8-7-3-5

 

BEST: 6 Portalegre (Race 5)

NEXT: 8 Flying Mister Ideal (Race 10)

VALUE: 2 Invisible Girl (Race 3)

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