Australian harness racing: Finding value at Redcliffe

On Wednesday night, Aug. 19, or Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20 at the Redcliffe harness oval in Queensland, Australia, wagering on harness races goes to post at 11:12 p.m. ET.

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

Race 1

This field features a bunch of older under-performers, and that could easily result in a surprise — since it would be a surprise any of these could win.

#6 Im Isabella has managed to get into the top three better than the rest. John Kerr’s mare beats them all on that fact.

The public may find the résumé of #5 Its You Not Me best, but the price is bound to be less than the chances of what could go wrong with these rag tags.

Race 2

There are a few good reasons for us to endorse #4 Ashlee Nitro again. Her commonly wide trips late have earned her some money but not the top prize. One good trip gets her there and should reward backers handsomely.

Josh Turnbull’s #3 Jilliby Monkey has been trying to get into the spotlight at Bath but has only picked up pieces. This debut at Redcliffe could pave the way to better earnings.

Race 3

Another bet-back going to post this week is Charlie Chiang’s #5 Ally Pink. Lightly raced but promising still, she will most likely strike again as her public enthusiasm fades.

Lola Weidemann’s #1 Ghost Gum is one of the rare grey pacers still about, but she has that Jet Laag swag that the father of all white pacers, Laag, passed on. In front or off the pace, it’s a style that wins money for backers and connections over the long run.

Race 4

On the route to a probable victory, #3 Slippery Jade was caught in the death seat, after a struggle to get that far. She is bound to be in the mix here, where she could save some ground.

I’ve never been crazy about the breeding of #6 Beef City Blaze, but the gelding has earned well for Peter Greig and was well backed in his last win at Redcliffe. Last time out, he was stuffed on the inside aimlessly.

Race 5

#1 Bara Jayla has raced better than her odds, though the results do not look very good on their own, but Weidemann brings the mare back from a good race at Albion. Without trouble, the perky daughter of Santanna Blue Chip could put major money in the bank.

Last time at Redcliffe, #3 Favouritehighlight was interfered with enough to affect her entire trip. Here she comes again looking for a big price.

Back for another late chase, #6 Monterey Jack will be winging it, hopefully when that brush matters most.

Race 6

A few tough trips aside, #4 Molly Montana can grind to a safe spot and make it worth money late. The New Zealand-bred, out of a Dream Away mare, is improving with age.

Race 7

The main battle for Ben Battle’s #7 Allstar Sea will be getting position early without wasting energy. He has fared well at Redcliffe and returns with a different pilot, after he caught unnecessary traffic at Albion.

Drew Turton’s #6 Itsmegs fought too hard early in her first visit to Redcliffe in a spell. She might wait a bit and brush later to be in top contention.

Race 8

It may take some to beat #6 Somwhereovarainbow. She seems to outclass these, from performance to bloodline.

Up for the challenge is Weidemann’s #3 Condafew, who has nipped some close ones at this track.