Shepparton Harness Preview – Tuesday 23rd June

OVERVIEW: FLIGHT LOUTENANT (9) had his first start for the astute Ashwood stable two weeks back and was super impressive, winning by a big space and laying down a smart last half. He goes from the front row to the back row, steps up in trip and grade, which are all considerations, meaning the price needs to be black figures. He looks as though he can go on with the job. 

TOBYS SHOUT (2) did things wrong last time when travelling quite well to the turn. His form prior, whilst hidden numerically, was quite good in much tougher grade. He is open to sharp improvement but hasn’t won in nearly two years. POSTIT LAFITE (4) is nearing a win with some solid performances this preparation, including a third here last week in a slick last half. She has good early gate speed to get into a nice position over the favourable mile distance. RETURN SERVE (7) has been much better at his past couple in arguably tougher company than this. The draw is very tricky to overcome, however. 

SELECTIONS: FLIGHT LOUTENANT (9), TOBYS SHOUT (2), POSTIT LAFITE (4), RETURN SERVE (7) 

OVERVIEW: MAJOR EASTWOOD (1) is tuning up nicely for his maiden victory, with a strong placing here last week which was good on the clock. He was well up in class his two runs prior and was unlucky not to win four runs back at this track. This looks a very suitable race, and the draw is in his favour to map in a winning position. 

IM HELLS BELLE (2) is a first starter who won a trial at this track last week and looked like she has talent. The stable has a high strike rate and any market moves need to be monitored closely. BUNGY (4) has been good in his two runs back from a break, placing in both. He will press forward from the draw, but it’s uncertain how his map will play out. ELLIANA (6) has been ok at her past couple of runs. She was forced to do it tough last week and stuck on well. She has place claims. 

BACK: MAJOR EASTWOOD (1) – 3 units (win) 

OVERVIEW: THE GOLDEN HOOK (4) drops back sharply in class to a more suitable race here, taking on much better performed horses at Melton recently. His form prior was quite good in unsuitable set-ups, and last time he was in this type of grade he knocked up back-to-back wins. He has good early gate speed to race on pace over the short trip and may represent good value based on his numerical form. 

CO CAPTAIN (9) will no doubt be popular in the market, and based on what he did last preparation, deservedly so. However, he failed as an odds-on favourite first-up when he led and looked to have every chance. He’s a quality type and deserves another chance. 

OWEN THE SAINTS (10) got a deserved win after some solid performances this preparation. He’s got a strong finish on him, but from the poor draw he needs the tempo on. IM DUSTEE (5) won a more suitable race here last week, rewarded after some strong performances. This draw is a little sticky, but he deserves consideration. 

BACK: THE GOLDEN HOOK (4) – 2 units (win) 

SELECTIONS: THE GOLDEN HOOK (4), CO CAPTAIN (9), OWEN THE SAINTS (10), IM DUSTEE (5) 

OVERVIEW: ALCATRAZ GIRL (4) is a rock-or-diamonds proposition, but her best opportunity to shine is when she’s able to find the lead over the short trip. From this draw, she has a strong chance of finding the top, which is what she did when she won here in decent time three runs ago. 

OUR TRUE COLOURS (8) rarely runs a bad race and has been racing in stronger company than this for most of her prep. She’s going to need a lot of luck from the awkward draw, but if she finds the gaps she can be strong late. OUR MYSTERY BET (5) is normally better suited over longer, a winner from a similar draw four runs back over the middle trip. He may get a decent map from this front row position. IAMAWINGATE (3) won an easier race four runs back and was also good last week. He just always seems to be better around a lower ratings range. 

SELECTIONS: ALCATRAZ GIRL (4), OUR TRUE COLOURS (8), OUR MYSTERY BET (5), IAMAWINGATE (3) 

OVERVIEW: VERY TEMPTING (8) strikes a very suitable race here, suited on the ratings scale, with a good trailing draw and the state’s top driver booked. He was good last week, narrowly going down in very similar circumstances at Bendigo in a time which would be good enough to get the job done here. 

FAKE CULLECTION (5) is a very quick beginner and led from a wider draw when third in the same race as VERY TEMPTING last time. She will be in it for a long way. MIKI MARK (6) had to do too much work last time out. His two runs prior were ok, so he has place claims again. STANDANDELIVER (2) needs to lift on recent form but does find a suitable draw to press forward and show potential improvement. 

BACK: VERY TEMPTING (8) – 3 units (win) 

SELECTIONS: VERY TEMPTING (8), FAKE CULLECTION (5), MIKI MARK (6), STANDANDELIVER (2) 

OVERVIEW: JILLIBY TOPGUN (6) has been a far more reliable commodity this campaign and, as a result, has been able to win three of his 10 starts. With the junior claim he’s well graded and drawn to race forward. It’s an even bunch, but if he gets the right trip he’s the testing material. 

MAJESTIC CHARMA (7) is fitter here third-up from a break but has been safely held when having to sit parked at his past two. The draw affords no favours again, but his form is better than most. VAN DOREN (5) has won twice this season and is never far away in these types of races, and he should be able to get a reasonable map to work into the finish. ALDEBARAN DENBY (4) was a winner here two back in easier company in slow time and has minor claims on a similar performance. 

BACK: JILLIBY TOPGUN (6) – 2 units (win) 

SELECTIONS: JILLIBY TOPGUN (6), MAJESTIC CHARMA (7), VAN DOREN (5), ALDEBARAN DENBAY (4) 

OVERVIEW: SHARP INTEREST (7) has really delivered on her potential this season, only missing a place once with three terrific wins from six starts. She’s normally best when she can show her speed at the top end, but last start she went back from a similar draw and was able to win from near last in good time. The draw is tricky, but you have master tactician Nathan Jack to overcome that. 

OH SWEET CREATURE (1) looked as though he was close to a win when he was racing up in grade, but he was a little plain last time in a winnable race. Prepared to forgive that with the positive draw and good set-up. WITHIN REASON (6) is an honest, gutsy type who has run some of his best races on speed. The front row draw and class drop helps him to improve here. GUEST ARTIST (2) found support here last week but was forced to sit parked in fast time and, all things considered, stuck on well. He needs to be kept safe from the good draw. 

SELECTIONS: SHARP INTEREST (7), OH SWEET CREATURE (1), WITH IN REASON (6), GUEST ARTIST (2) 

OVERVIEW: FENWAY PARK (2) is starting to become a little costly to punters, beaten as a short-priced favourite at his past couple, but in fairness he’s still been ok. He gets the right draw to get a good run here and is worth another chance. 

AUSSIE JAY MAC (1) is back in the draw and comes here fitter second-up and looks destined to get a terrific run if he brings his manners. He will strike late along the sprint lane and may represent decent value. PEARL OF PHILTRA (4) is an interesting runner, given she was terrific winning on debut, then blew from favourite out to nearly double figures in betting last time when turning in a run in stark contrast. If you can overlook that performance she has claims. THE KING OF THE ROAD (3) has been solid enough since joining the new stable and looks to get a good run here. He is certainly in the mix. 

SELECTIONS: FENWAY PARK (2), AUSSIE JAY MAC (1), PEARL OF PHILTRA (4), THE KING OFTHEROAD (3)