The Shark goes in search of grass track harness racing success when the season officially kicks off at the punters graveyard of Motukarara on Sunday.
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Race 1
5 Just Michael: Returned to racing in fine fashion with an excellent second fresh up at Ashburton. Handles the grass and a big hope here from a handy draw.
13 Prodigal Guinness: Was a little unlucky at a crucial time last time out. Career has been promising so far and this isn’t a deep field. Should be right in it.
2 Adhika: Leading stable with leading driver and a first starter who always deserve attention when they combine. Trial form OK, but expecting a run.
10 The Diva: Seems to find a bit of bad luck in races, but is capable and would be one in this race who could bob up at odds and give them a fright.
Selections: 5-13-2-10
Race 2
12 Eilish Hall: Got a little wayward late down south last week, may have won in a straight line. Risky prospect, but they all are in a maiden trot.
6 Flyin Mandy: Much better at Addington last time out. Grass should suit and could be hard to peg back if in front and doing her thing.
15 DD’s Super Stuart: Made up plenty of ground from well back at Addington last week. Should relish the grass track surface and can rush at them late.
7 Awesome Impee: Another who has been crying out for the green top. Gets it here and runs lately have been very good. Some chance in a big open field.
Selections: 12-6-15-7
Race 3
16 Darryl Kerrigan: Big run at Ashburton fresh up after getting well back and smashing workout victory on the grass last week. Big chance of winning here.
8 Invaluable: Should go reasonably close in this field today based on career runs thus far. Right stable and right driver to make it happen.
2 Donegal Davy Boyd: In good nick, but just keeps finding one or two better. Sure to appreciate the grass and the handy draw.
1 Patronus Star: Looked nice winning a recent trial to get the qualifying ticket. Stable usually presents good beginners so draw no worries.
Selections: 16-8-2-1
Race 4
1 Duke: Finally lobs a decent draw and should be able to get right into the middle of the action from. Best chance to break the maiden status.
3 Carita: Kept fighting for a bold second behind a pretty smart one at Ashburton. Grinding type who may try and put them to the sword here.
14 Comfortably Numb: Has always looked better than a maiden and Matt Anderson now putting the polish on. Intriguing runner and expecting big improvement.
11 Stevie Lynn: Was the talk horse at Ashburton but not much went right. Debut effort for second was too good to drop on a couple of unlucky efforts.
Selections: 1-3-14-11
Race 5
8 Arocknatthepark: In good form at the moment, behind some pretty nice types. Big even field to contend with here and should play a role.
6 Shadow Minister: Rounded things off very nicely at Ashburton. Does go well on the grass and a quick beginning here will have him right in play.
3 Kardesler: Bit in and out at times, but best version is pretty handy and it would be no surprise to see him produce a big effort here today on the grass.
10 Unico Legend: One who will enjoy being back on the grass. Nice and fit now and should be ready to stand up and show some form.
Selections: 8-6-3-10
Race 6
12 Donegal Mary Francis: In great nick and an impressive winning down south. Will have to be a little bit better here, but certainly can be.
13 Vinnie Rulz: Loves this place and loves the grass tracks. Fresh up but trial and workout form OK. Should be rushing home at them late here.
9 Sounds Lika Gem: Another with an affinity for The Mot. Big effort to get as close as that at Ashburton. Running on strongly again here.
6 Amore Lancome: Stepped up in grade last time and did a stellar job. Operates well on the grass tracks too so ticks a couple of boxes for this assignment.
Selections: 12-13-9-6
Race 7
9 Destiny Jones: Defending champion of this feature event and runs recently have been top notch in quality fields. Loves the grass and a huge chance of winning.
8 Winterfell: Chased a fairtytale behind the exciting stable mate at Oamaru. Better for that run and should give a big account of himself today.
10 Habibi Inta: Two runs back have both been excellent. Will handle the green stuff and top driver in the bike will ensure he’s given every opportunity.
5 Matua Tana: Interesting runner. Raw talent in abundance. Smashed them in a lower grade last time out. Might step up and surprise a few here.
Selections: 9-8-10-5
Race 8
5 Highland Reign: Blair Orange jumps on board this grass track toff who has a compelling record here on the track. Not a deep field, so expecting a big run.
11 Pay Me Swiss: More upside than most in this and picks up a perfect race to kick the campaign off in. Shouldn’t be too far away from the action.
13 Flyinmasterwilliams: Casual form glance probably doesn’t offer a true reflection of the chances here. Will grind, but most of them do in this race.
16 Melt Down: Very tidy winning a workout at Methven last week. Goes well on the grass and has the speed to reel a fair few of them in late here.
Selections: 5-11-13-16
Race 9
15 We’ll Meet Again: Grass tracks a happy place for this one. No shortage on ability either and long straight allows plenty of time to wind up and come at them late.
5 Ali Lindenny: Jump and run sort of type who will land on the speed here and give them all plenty to think about. Good chance if allowed own terms on top.
3 Momentous: Lover of the grass tracks and lover of The Mot. Good manners, in form driver and a handy draw all mean a big show here today.
12 One Over Dover: Enigmatic, yet talented trotter back for another season here. Cross everything and hope for the best. Manners the big key.
Selections: 15-5-3-12
Race 10
4 Essence Of Easton: Very brave effort up the lane at Ashburton. Switching to the grass should make a big difference here. Looks the best of the day.
3 Bush Man: Nice effort at Ashburton and does go well on the grass track surface. Handy draw and positive driver all point towards a big run.
13 Sweeney Todd: Has the ability to win a race like this, but often beats himself. Too good probably to drop in a race like this. The blow out hope.
5 Friend: Might enjoy getting onto the grass tracks after last couple of runs haven’t really worked out. Good enough to stand up and go close here.
Selections: 4-3-13-5
BEST: 4 Essence Of Easton (Race 10)
NEXT: 1 Duke (Race 4)
VALUE: 16 Darryl Kerrigan (Race 3)
