Welcome to our harness racing preview and betting tips for racing at Albion Park, Melton, and Menangle on Saturday, June 15th.
Trent Orwin has picked out his best bets from each track below with six selections in total.
Harness Racing Tips: Saturday, June 15th
Albion Park Race 1 – 4:47pm AEST
Expect (5) Comply Or Die to fly across and lead from barrier five for new trainer Nathan Dawson. I would forget the gelding’s last two starts and look at his victory five starts ago. (4) Its Just Kenny looks to have the best form in the race and he should run well for trainer-driver Grant Dixon. He was runner up last time in 1:55.0 for the 2138m and that run suggests he is a strong chance here. I liked the runs against Lincoln Road and The Shady One; this is easier than both of those runs.
Albion Park Race 9 – 8:44pm AEST
Three key chances in the race with (4) Studleigh Kristen, (8) Fame Assured and (9) Elle Yeah. Studleigh Kristen is on the front line with the other duo on the back row. (5) Lisa Lincoln looks the leader and hopefully Studleigh Kristen can settle in front of Fame Assured who has the inside of the back row. Studleigh Kristen continues to run slick last halves for this field and she should go very close. Fame Assured is the main danger. Smaller hope to (6) Mammals Magic and (2) Ima Grumpy Possum.
(4) Studleigh Kristen
$3.50
Albion Park Race 10 – 9:16pm AEST
NSW trotter (5) Majestic Courtney has an excellent record of seven wins from 11 starts and looks a very strong chance from the front line in this 2647m T3+ discretionary stand. If he steps cleanly and trots throughout, he should prove far too good for his seven rivals. Tim Butt trains and Anthony Butt will drive the gelding who has won both starts this preparation. He gets a whopping 45m head start on the other class runner of the field, (8) Our Overanova.
(5) Majestic Courtney
$2.40
Melton Race 4 – 7:04pm AEST
A competitive claiming pace which should see (2) With Gusto find the pegs first and then either (5) Scoob Operator or (7) Lucky Lombo challenge for the lead. With Gusto will receive a good run regardless of whether he attempts to lead or trail and has regular driver Chris Alford in the sulky. With Gusto has put together back-to-back victories at Ballarat and Bendigo, with the latest a 1:56.8 victory over 2150m. Expect him to run well again and double figures looks too big in this race. (9) Arthur Lowe also looks right in the race.
Melton Race 5 – 7:30pm AEST
Early gate speed won’t be a problem for (1) Delightful Mia from the inside draw and trainer-driver Chris Svanosio has options from the draw. This 5YO mare has been racing well with a second behind Tam Major and close-up seventh behind Somebeachshadow and Tam Major in 1:52.7 for the 1720m here at Melton. She has come up a great price despite the good draw and should run well. (2) Carla Clare is a NSW mare with strong claims. (4) Our Bare Knuckle and (8) Flojos Gold are the other key chances.
Menangle Race 10 – 9:55pm AEST
I was impressed by the run of (4) Jakes Sportwriter last start when asked to sustain a run and peaking late to finish 3.3m away from Cullenburn and Spare Me Days. That form looks good here and with a much better barrier, Jakes Sportwriter should map much closer and can pounce on them late. (1) Arma The Gun should be on the speed again and will possibly be the leader. There are plenty of other chances in the race, but I like Jakes Sportwriter the most and $6 is a backable price. Three consecutive placings suggest he is ready to win.
(4) Jakes Sportswriter
6.00