Kilmore Harness Preview – Wednesday 22nd July

OVERVIEW: A competitive event opens the card at Kilmore. MASON JOLIE (9) is a smart, progressive gelding who should be able to follow through from the second row and settle into a favourable position. From there, he will have plenty of options and looks well placed. DIRECT COMMAND (5) is racing better than his numerical form suggests. He raced three wide for more than a lap last start before tiring late, while his previous performances were solid. With the right run, he is a genuine winning chance. BETTOR PUNTER (7) has been impressive in winning his past two starts. On both occasions he was saved for one run before proving too strong. He comes into this race full of confidence, although the barrier makes the race map more challenging. ELATED (3) resumes here and is a nice horse who should be able to settle ahead of his main rivals from the favourable draw. Also strongly respecting OUR SWEET JEANNIE (10), who was impressive winning first up. She led throughout on that occasion but faces a much trickier draw here.

OVERVIEW: There are quite a few progressive young trotters in this event who are still learning what racing is all about. WHISKEY DAWN (3) has had three career starts. On debut, she won impressively after racing in the breeze. At her second start, she got her manners wrong and galloped. Last start, she competed in a stronger race than this and was driven conservatively, but did everything right. She just needs to trot all the way here. REVERAND BOB (9) hasn’t missed a placing in four starts this year. Barrier nine gives him options and, if saved for one run, he will be flashing home late. CLASSIC FAIR (8) has had just the one career start, which resulted in a win at this track in January. She returns here after a break and should have improved, but will need some luck from the barrier. ASPEN BELLE (10) has had three career starts and has won her past two convincingly. She made both victories look easy and was barely asked for an effort by her drivers. Those performances suggested she has plenty more to offer. The tricky barrier is the main challenge. I do also strongly respect TIMMY WHIZ (5) but he’s first up here with an awkward barrier.

BACK: WHISKEY DAWN (3) – 1.5 units (win)

OVERVIEW: JOE LOU (8) produced one of the most impressive performances I’ve seen this year last start. Although it was only a modest field, he galloped away and was tailed off before catching the field, circling them and racing clear to win. The replay is well worth a watch. It was an outstanding performance. If he gets his manners right and can overcome the awkward barrier, he is a major winning chance. LITTLE TEDEY (4) returned to the winners’ list last start after a string of consistent performances. He led throughout and dictated slow sectionals. This is a tougher assignment, but he is racing well. KYVALLEY JENNY (1) has given ground over her past two starts and appears to be racing below her best. However, she has the gate speed and the ace barrier to give herself every chance of returning to form. SONNYBOY (3) was a good winner last start and returns after a short freshen up.

BACK: JOE LOU (8) – 2 units (win)

OVERVIEW: VERY TEMPTING (2) has raced well at his past two starts. On both occasions, he has had to make sustained runs and hasn’t been beaten far. He should be able to settle in a favourable position from barrier two. ARCHAA (5) has been in career-best form at his past four starts, recording two wins and two seconds. All of those performances have come when leading, which appears less likely here. Regardless, he is racing in excellent form. HIGHVIEW HAMMER (7) will need some luck from the barrier, but he has been putting together some nice performances recently. THE BLAZINBOOTS (8) is a horse who has shown plenty of promise at his best. He resumes for the first time since January and is likely to be saved for one run. The remaining runners in this field all have genuine winning claims, making this a very competitive event.

OVERVIEW: THE LAST TRIP (6) has had just five starts since 2024. He clearly has ability, although his interrupted campaigns suggest he has had a few issues along the way. He makes his first appearance for Emma Stewart and looks well placed. COOL STORY (3) returned to the track this year with two solid wins in July. He appears to have taken the next step during his time away and comes into this race full of confidence. AMERICAN MICHI (5) has had just one career start, which resulted in an impressive win in January after sustaining a three-wide run. The awkward barrier presents a challenge here, while his gate speed remains a little unknown. MAJOR EASTWOOD (4) has been racing well recently and, with the right run, is a first four chance. Also respecting PEARL OF PHILTRA (1) from the ace barrier.

OVERVIEW: MIKI MARK (8) has been ultra consistent recently, finishing in the placings at five of his past six starts. He is the only runner on the back row and should have plenty of options from the draw. ELLI JOH (3) has been racing better than her recent form suggests. She was caught in the breeze last start and had little luck in the runs prior. If she can settle in a favourable position, she is capable of turning her form around. IMA BALLERINA (4) resumes here. She has been quite green throughout her career and will need to bring her manners. BLUE OCEAN (2) is an experienced performer lining up for the 210th start of his career. He has drawn well and can make the most of the favourable barrier.

BACK: MIKI MARK (8) – 2.5 units (win)