Australian harness racing: Albion Park on tap

Australian harness racing wagering at BetAmerica returns June 24 at 11 p.m. ET, which is Thursday afternoon, June 25 at Albion Park in Queensland. 

Let's dive in and take a look at the eight-race card.

Race 1

Mitchell Dawson has shipped #9 Faireachdainn to Albion and placed the filly in a shorter affair, where she'll look for her first win in 23 starts. She is in a decent spot in the second row, where she could inherit a good spot early, which could alter her style and where she finishes at the wire.

Lightly raced so far, #3 The Second Chance is a bright son of Bettors Delight is in a good position to win, rather than get more education.

Race 2

The most recent victory from #5 A Better Chance took place at Albion, so after a number of lackluster road trips at Redcliffe, trainer Bill Crosby will put him back on Albion’s sandy mile. If it is strategy beyond our knowledge, it may be just the kind that can work out for a good priced winner.

Though off to an outside start, #8 Somebeachsomegift has been flirting with a way to finish first again (4-for-18 is not bad for this field). The well-bred gelding did best recently at Albion and could put it all together here again.

Race 3

#6 Country Run, is one heck of an earner, a cash cow for driver/trainer Greg Elkins, and he may earn the top prize.

Stephanie Graham’s #7 Tinka Terror had a bumpy ride last time out at Redcliffe and is still getting used to Queensland. Albion may be a smoother ride.

Race 4

There has been a lot of moving around for #5 Miss Fernandez, but Trent Dawson may have set her at Albion to find a smoother path. The Sportswriter mare has what it takes to go the distance up front.

Another Redcliffe visitor, #1 Makemefeelgood, is back at Albion and apt to finish the chase close to the winner.

Race 5

On the math gauge, #6 Newmerella Molly hovers over this field. Max Towns’ Mr Feelgood mare is always in the thick of it and often ahead of the rest.

Race 6

Dawson is campaigning #2 Toanui Spirit effectively, piling up the cash with the filly’s best finishes in the top two spots. She was short at Albion last time, but at a shorter distance, she may better display her inborn speed.

Vicki Rasmussen’s #1 De Voyage has been performing above her pay grade. She won her most recent start at Albion and will launch from the inside, where she will prosper.

Race 7

Stretching out a bit, #5 Just Deal It has a good history following speed to a path that pays off for Ian Gurney’s barn. The mare should be close all the way around and could pop late for a price.

The Roll With Joe gelding #9 Make Mine Joe, is just like his sire — a battler. Trainer Glenn Dawson knows this and must feel Albion will be no more a challenge than Redcliffe. 

Race 8

John McMullen’s #3 Looks Just Right comes in from Redcliffe on the heels of a sharp campaign there. He will take on a tad less real estate, which could make up for the gate speed that wore him out during an overland journey last time out. The gelding could lead them all around at a price.

In the underrated second-row launch pad, #10 Cobbler Lane comes back to the scene of his last win and could benefit from this reduction in length for Warren Hinze. The gelding raced well in a race against a few here two back and almost won with a late charge.