The Shark heads to beneath the hills and the Mt Harding Racecourse in Methven in search of winners from Methven Cup Day.
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Race 1
12 The Guild: Two runs back from a spell and both have been more than meritorious. Huge chance to get the maiden win on the board here today.
1 Beau Major: Caught the eye in both runs back this time in, particularly last time. Should land a lot closer to the speed today and a top three finish looks on the cards.
18 El Chapo: Banished to the unruly after not wanting to play the game at Timaru. Has a big motor though, can turn things around here.
5 Tiger Moth: Some good runs mixed in among the bad ones. Good enough to win a maiden race without too much trouble. Grass might help.
Selections: 12-1-18-5
Race 2
6 Madam Sass: Been a talk horse this week on the back of some very good trial and workout efforts. Always a concern with a trotter on debut but looks good enough.
4 Superfast Lad: Two very strong efforts to open this campaign and won’t be a maiden for much longer. Local runner with a big chance.
14 Dudes Star: Trotted awful but still ran home well for third last time. Grass will be an interesting prospect. No doubting the ability though.
17 Steel Dust: All at sea fresh up last week at Timaru. Has a big motor though and just needs to get things right early to be a player here.
Selections: 6-4-14-17
Race 3
14 Tiz A Sizzler: Unbeaten in public thus far an on debut here today. All things point towards a big run in an even looking maiden field.
6 Adhika: Not too bad on debut at The Mot. This is a little easier so would expect some good natural improvement into today’s run.
11 Prodigal Guinness: Devoid of luck lately but going good enough to win a maiden for sure. Today might be the day to get things back on track.
17 Glenledi Bandit: Showed a bit of promise in two runs back earlier in the year. Given time and will be ready to run a race here in a fresh state.
Selections: 14-6-11-17
Race 4
13 Just Michael: Massive effort to finish third at The Mot after an early gallop. Mobile should negate that issue here today. Can, and deserves to, win.
2 Where’s Daddy: In form trainer lines up this fresh runner off the back of a trial win earlier in the month. Looks set to produce something here.
10 Laver: Brave in defeat in both of the last two runs. A little trickier here from the draw today, but will be competitive.
5 Manley Olsen: Been knocking around in some pretty strong maiden fields since debuting. This, and the grass, might be what they’ve been looking for.
Selections: 13-2-10-5
Race 5
10 Ardee Trouble: In great form and was very brave at Timaru last week. Best when up on the speed and trucking along and a chance to do that here.
12 Rebel Kibbybones: Smart type back from a spell and looked on song winning a recent workout. Can give this field a good shake if in the right mood.
5 Momentous: Grass track toff who’s always a big chance to at least place. Will ping away, land on the speed and give supports a big shout.
6 Foreigner: Held up and late getting clear last time but did well for fourth. Another genuine grass track performer who isn’t the worst in this line up.
Selections: 10-12-5-6
Race 6
11 Franco Garrett: Worked to the lead early and then fought hard to finish second last time. Big robust pacer who should enjoy the green grass. Hard to roll.
1 That Alexander Guy: Back in business with a handy draw here. Should be on the speed and right there when things get serious. Big each way chance.
4 Sweeney Todd: Much more like it at The Mot when charging into second last time. That bodes well for here. Can give them a bit of a fright.
8 Matthew Eyre: In good form and hit the line really well last time out. Will relish the grass and not the worst here from a wide draw.
Selections: 11-1-4-8
Race 7
12 Essence Of Easton: Was good up the lane late at The Mot last time. Grass is a happy place. Tricky here from the draw but right man to plot the good path.
7 Yorkshire: Has a bit to learn yet, but no doubting the motor. Can give this field a bit of a pacing lesson if in the right mood.
1 Standout: Never got warm last time out but the run prior was excellent. Inside draw might be a bit of concern but a clean getaway will negate that.
8 Overarm: Stand start toff who will ping away here and land on the speed. Always a chance because of the positions he gets himself into.
Selections: 12-7-1-8
Race 8
14 Chiller Bay: Speed merchant when saved for one run who will be better for the fresh up effort. Loves the grass and can win this if close enough turning in.
4 Iknow: Looks to have come back in really fine fettle this time in. Operates on the grass and a good beginner so has to be a chance.
13 Unico Legend: Held up at the wrong time last time out. Headed in the right direction and Ricky May’s choice of five potential drives is influential.
6 Shadow Minister: Left parked at The Mot and it told late. Still good to the line though. Right kind of race for him to bob up in.
Selections: 14-4-13-6
Race 9
3 Gran Chico: The young pretender out to try and usurp some of the big guns. Who knows just how good he is, potentially very good. Today we find out.
8 Thefixer: Defending NZ Cup king back in business. Has had his problems, but will be fit and ready to go. Loves a long distance slog.
7 Ashley Locaz: Really caught the eye booming home late last week in the Canterbury Classic. Might be too quick for them again if close enough.
6 Chase Auckland: In trouble in his last two runs, but best is very good and if he pings away from the stand, then look out.
Selections: 3-8-7-6
Race 10
14 Girls Let Loose: Big on ability but a couple of issues in last two runs. Grass might be a big plus and hard to catch if on the speed and keeping them honest.
17 Renezmae: Back to somewhere near her best perhaps and really trotting well. Hard race for backmarkers to win but she’s class.
15 Missie Castleton: Was going to get a big slice at Timaru before being wiped out with a lap to run. Chance for redemption and would be a popular winner.
16 We’ll Meet Again: Won this race last year and going good enough to perhaps win it again. Can really romp home off the speed if the opportunity is there.
Selections: 14-17-15-16
Race 11
8 Can I Be Me: Two nice runs to open the career before being given some time to develop, Very talented and should probably have this field at his mercy.
2 Rake: Genuine and consistent performer who was very good again at Timaru. Good draw to work from here and right man in the bike to get the job done.
7 Bush Man: Will strip much fitter for the two runs back today and does race well here. Likely to get handy and give supporters something to shot about.
15 Somekindawonderful: Big maiden win at transferred meeting to Ashburton. Hot field last time so had excuses. Not the worst in this off the second row.
Selections: 8-2-7-15
BEST: 11 Franco Garrett (Race 6)
NEXT: 12 The Guild (Race 1)
VALUE: 14 Chiller Bay (Race 8)
