Australian harness racing: Bright offerings at Redcliffe

Wednesday night, Aug. 12, in the United States — or Thursday afternoon, Aug. 13, in Australia — the exciting racing meeting at Redcliffe in Queensland will get underway at 10:05 p.m. ET.

Our analysis below offers observations for pacers and trotters that could be valuable for any wager type.

Race 1

Let’s start the program with youngsters on the pace, who are carrying hopes of cash and long careers for their connections.

With this ilk, it is best to look at the “proven losers” versus the “promising starters.” Four in the field have already had seven to a dozen starts, with no success winning, while the others are first-time starters or have tackled a measly number of outings.

I always prefer the fresh stock, with a strong lean toward the productivity of their sires, to the unsuccessful “experienced.”

This brings us to #3 Maywyns Princess. The Dawson boys will send out the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven expecting early success. And why not? Her sire is a powerhouse and her dam is by one of the fastest of her time, Riverboat King. This is enough to put her a notch above the other first-time starter in the field.

Another U.S.-sired filly, #7 Melton Insulted, has hit the board twice in seven starts. We'll hope she plays a role in the exotics.

Race 2

This is a tight batch of rag tags, with little to show for their ages.

The freshest is 3-year-old #2 Illbewatching, who has been supported generously of late, picked up pieces of purses locally, and is bound to be alive through this effort.

Outsider action could come from #6 Im Sandy Bay, a Somebeachsomewhere mare who fits in this group.

Race 3

We return to support #8 Ally Pink, as we did last week, when she had an unfortunate mile and was virtually eliminated from competition. Charlie Chiang’s late-starting filly has a big edge if she isn’t treated like a roller derby player.

She learned early to participate in sharing purse money, so #7 Mykindoffeeling could send the Dawson boys to the bank again.

Race 4

Her trips are more productive than most, and that résumé looks fine in this group for #2 Guts. The McMullen team will send her again, no doubt, with full confidence that Redcliffe is her best soil to trod.

Indiana sire Always A Virgin has presented national champs at home, more than internationally, but #5 Always A Night is undaunted by her bloodline. She has raced well Down Under and impressed many punters. She should be fancied here for Ricky Gordon.

Race 5

A start filled with mishaps took #6 Butcherfeelgood out of the flow last time, but she raced on with dignity and deserves another shot at Redcliffe.

Hitting the board is often a late thought for #7 Ashley Nitro, but when she gets there, she pays off well.

Race 6

From the inside, #1 Mollys Secret should have a much better ride than last time. She staggered at the start but picked up live cover and brushed to challenge three wide into the last turn. That brush could be the winning move here.

In the death seat during a recent mile, #2 Annas Best disappointed backers, but her two moves are enough to take a look at her here, behind a thunderbolt.

Race 7

A five-wide charge brought #4 Monterey Jack a few steps behind the highest-paying winner we ever backed at BetAmerica and made for the best exacta payoff. Colin Knox’s gelding may not have to wait so long to get into the picture against this field and still offers a heck of a price.

Race 8

From the inside, #1 Burmach could lead the field early without consequence, as a few of these may opt for the lead, which gives Ron Sallis’ fine earner a shot at not hanging when comes time to rush home.

Bill Crosby’s #3 Slippery Jade has been troubled by the death seat and crowded in the sprint lane against similar. She needs only a better trip to make a better impression.