Hamilton Harness Preview – Sunday, January 11

Plenty of question marks here with the powerful Lee stable engaged, including CRUSHER CLYDE (8) who is having his first start since arriving from NZ. He’s had one trial where he got things wrong, as did stablemate KEAYANG MINNESOTA (3), who has been well supported at his past two starts but hasn’t brought his manners. Both clearly need to be respected on raw ability and stable scope. SONARMI JOH (7) and ALDEBARAN ANTON (6) are more reliable and come through similar form lines, so this could be a battle of ability versus manners. 

SELECTIONS: CRUSHER CLYDE (8), KEAYANG MINNESOTA (3), SONARMI JOH (7), ALDEBARAN ANTON (6) 

HUXHAM CHUBB (7) has really found form since having a throw at the stumps in the Vicbred Series, finishing no worse than second in four starts since. The draw is no luxury, but she can afford to be assertive against this line-up. CALEDONIAN RANGER (5) is a speedy beginner, open to improvement from the draw, and gets James Herbertson which is a massive plus. DOUGS TRIBE (4) has an SP profile that suggests ability but hasn’t shown much in two runs back with his former stable, though his past form hints at a turnaround. TUKURUA (8) is first up for Amy Day and brings sound NSW form to be competitive with even luck. 

SELECTIONS: HUXHAM CHUBB (7), CALEDONIAN RANGER (5), DOUGS TRIBE (4), TUKURUA (8) 

TORQUE POWER (8) was out of his depth through the Vicbred Series but was very good when second to the progressive ZANDA MAN at Horsham last time and just needs luck. BIZZIE LIZZIE (5) has been impressive this preparation, including last start when driven aggressively to lead and pull away, a similar trip makes her hard to run down. WE FAVOUR ROSIE (2) finds a more suitable grade and has the gate speed to be in the mix. 

SELECTIONS: TORQUE POWER (8), BIZZIE LIZZIE (5), WE FAVOUR ROSIE (2) 

The Hamilton Trotters Cup is run under standing start conditions, which are unknown to KEAYANG GUCCI (6), but her ability is not in doubt. She’s now had three runs back from a break and this is far more to her liking than the races she’s been contesting alongside stablemate JILLIBY DREAMLOVER. A clean getaway and she’ll be very strong late. EL CONQUEROR (4) is the known quantity stand conditions, having knocked up highly consistent form on the country cups circuit. MEADOW VALLEY STAR (5) is interesting first-up for the new stable, an enigmatic type, but any upturn brings him right into it. KEAYANG GYPSY (2) finds a stronger race but has enough ability from the soft draw to be thereabouts. STOCKMAN PETER (3) I struggle to line up against this opposition, but James Herbertson is a plus. 

SELECTIONS: KEAYANG GUCCI (6), EL CONQUEROR (5), MEADOW VALLEY STAR (5), KEAYANG GYPSY (2) 

A high-quality race for this grade with BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (9) and HEZ ALL ROCK (10) both dropping sharply in class thanks to the driver claim. BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT was terrific first-up winning at Horsham, unlucky not to win at Melton two runs back, and a forgive run last start. SPORTSBOU (1) is fitter third-up and was terrific behind a smart one last time. GRINNING BEACH BOY (4) and EASTBRO KOZZY (3) both come through the same strong form race. METRO ASSASSIN (6) stays under notice first-up for a year with no public trial in what is a very open contest. 

SELECTIONS: BROWNIESATMIDNIGHT (9), SPORTSBOU (1), HEZ ALL ROCK (10), GRINNING BEACH BOY (4) 

SIZZLE ORO (4) looked to have every chance when narrowly beaten as an odds-on favourite last Monday but gets a similar map and is worth another chance. DON KATTERZ (5) led that race and faded late, while FLY AHEAD (10) ran home for third in a pedestrian final half. POMERANZ (13) was well backed on debut for the astute stable but looked plain to the eye and could be open to improvement. 

SELECTIONS: SIZZLE ORO (4), POMERANZ (13) DON KATTERZ (5), FLY AHEAD (10) 

WINGATE GUY (9) is a veteran pacer who continues to run honestly at this level and this shapes as an easier assignment than last time when forced to sit parked. With the right tempo he can be strongest late. Stablemate IAMAWINGATE (5) also stays under consideration with the claim and a favourable map possible. ROBLEN RANGER (6) will be one of those hunting the lead and was solid at his first run for the new stable. DOCTOR GO JO (13) can do things wrong at the start, hence the draw, but has the times to sweep home with the right tempo. 

SELECTIONS: WINGATE GUY (9), DOCTOR GO JO (4), ROBLEN RANGER (6), IAMAWINGATE (5) 

A great edition of the Hamilton Cup. FORTY LOVE (6) can lay claim to being in the top echelon of 4YOs in the country, consistently racing in black-type events and never far away. His aggressive racing pattern, front-row draw and the longer distance all work in his favour to stand out as the class act. ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (11) comes here third-up from a long break and her recent runs in top-flight company have been encouraging, look for her late. OPERATIVE LINE (10) comes through strong metropolitan form and often excels when dropping back to country cups, as evidenced by his Horsham Cup win. CRIME WRITER (3) improves over longer trips and heads a group with genuine place claims. 

SELECTIONS: FORTY LOVE (6), ISTHISJUSTFANTASY (11), OPERATIVE LINE (10), CRIME WRITER (3) 

The final from the two Mount Gambier heats and the form looks evenly spread. YNOBE NOVA (13) carried a flat tyre last time and was gallant narrowly going down after coming wide. SHE WILL WANTANO (9) won her heat after working mid-race and proving strong late, and trails through off what looks a high-pressure front row. FAMOUS LABEL (5) is likely to press forward and the Michael Bellman booking carries weight. ELITE MOLLY (11) will need the speed on but can run into the finish in a race that may develop a long tail. 

SELECTIONS: YNOBE NOVA (13), SHE WILL WANTANO (9), FAMOUS LABEL (5) ELITE MOLLY (11)