Australian harness racing: Albion Park analysis

Our Australian harness racing coverage remains on the Queensland circuit but moves to Albion Park for Thursday night (11 p.m. ET), which is Friday afternoon, May 29 in Australia. 
 
Here is our analysis for the program.

Race 1

This short field for trotting sophomores offers a big favorite, #5 Shesgotsass, who has experience, too.

A better price, however, could be with #4 Aurora, a Lucky Chucky filly in her third outing, with a win and a second on her record. The Gillespie guys have this one primed to improve, and her breeding tops Shesgotsass.

Race 2

A move to the outside tired #6 Down Under Rors when he sat the “death seat” and gave way to others with easier trips. Similar journey woes have set the gelding back at Albion, but there is always hope for ground-saving paths.

In the same race, #5 The Reaper got a lead going, before he surrendered in a late section.

Race 3

Here is a large field, with two rows and some guaranteed traffic. A terrible trip last time at Albion, where an outsider took advantage of all the others’ difficulties, makes #6 Wheres Tascott a good point of investment. The 4-year-old mare by Pet Rock is the best-bred horse in the race and shows it on her résumé.  

The prolific #4 Writeaboutchelsea has her sire’s speed. The Sportswriter mare makes money from it, too. 

Race 4

Although she comes over from Radcliffe, #9 Forever Rocking won her most recent race at Albion. The post is no bargain, unless she makes a path behind wishful speed. The Darren Weeks connection makes the visit serious.

Chantal Turpin’s #7 Betterthatndiamonds is a natural choice to be in the top three at the wire. The sophomore by Betterthancheddar is improving. 

Race 5

A beaten favorite last time out at Redcliffe, #1 Columbian Gold dictated terms with a fiery shot to the lead and kept sway until deep stretch. Lola Weidemann’s mare returns to Albion for another shot and may not be the public’s top choice here. 

Chantel Turpin’s #6 Bull Market is a great goer. He clearly likes winning best but cashes a great deal beyond that. 

Race 6

A 3-year-old son of speedster Hurrikand Kingcole, #8 The Hummer may have a tough post, but if he gets the lead with even minor difficulty, he could pace away from all of these through every sectional. 

#4 Downtown Lucca is very likely to finish best of the rest. 

Race 7

Another hefty field here will line up twice, which offers another chance for the Dixons’ #2 Killara Kaos. The son of Indiana’s top sire, Always A Virgin, might make a shot for an early lead, or at least a seat close to the lead.

Even though his best win came when he went wide into the stretch, a change in style for a bred-for-speed gelding could begin a decent win skein.

At the inside of the second tier, #8 Artistic Saint comes back to Albion after some punchy starts. Stephanie Graham will give the Art Official gelding another shot across the Queensland plains, after a pair of Redcliffe failures.

Race 8

#1 Shez All Style can take two in a row at the distance over this crew, but the price is in question. Will she be worth it?

We like the chance for a draft trip from #2 Golightly, who has gone lightly in only five starts before this, showing some of the power his sire, A Rocknroll Dance, brought to his races in the final sectionals. 

Race 9

In his recent outings, #4 Notorious has raced like Albion is an obstacle course. Trouble is his middle name. Nonetheless, he will get a smooth path one of these races, and that one will pay off. Why not here? He certainly will be worth the price to back.

Wayne Graham’s #7 Roger That is getting used to Queensland. Stretching out could make him feel more at home and put him near the front at the finish line.  

---

Harness racing is back in North America! Check out BetAmerica's track offerings today!