The Trots

Craig Rail has your tips, strategy and Quaddie for Tuesday night at Shepparton Race 1: OVERVIEW: IAMAWINGATE (9) settled in the second half of the field and sustained a long run from the 700m when a game second behind Freak Out at Melton last outing. He tends to perform best at Shepparton having won nine races on the track and he is the horse to beat from his trailing draw.

In-form reinsman Mark Pitt continues to make inroads on James Herbertson’s lead in the Victorian Metropolitan Drivers’ Premiership after landing a treble at Melton on Saturday night. Pitt has steered home 11 winners at the last three meetings in which he has driven at headquarters, making the most of Herbertson’s absence fulfilling engagements at Albion Park during the Inter Dominion series.

Photos: Racing Queensland Let’s take time to let that one soak in. It deserves it. Races simply don’t get any better than last Saturday night’s epic $1 million Ladbrokes Inter Dominion final. From the moment Captains Mistress “won” her way into the field through the Rising Sun win, to the drama of the barrier draw (so astutely scheduled five days out from the race for the build up), then the pre-race “trash talk” of the addictively brash Jason Grimson … and then the race itself.

Craig Rail has you strategy, tips and Quaddie for Monday afternoon at Stawell Race 1: OVERVIEW: WESTERIA (5) is a juvenile filly that is taking on older horses but she is ready to break through for a win. She settled three back on the markers, moved away from the inside on the home turn and finished off solidly for a narrow second behind Gozo Sweet at Cranbourne last outing. LOOK AT HER (4) is racing in career best form having been placed in four of her past five starts.

Ryan Phelan has your tips and Quaddies for Cranbourne harness Sunday night. Race 1: OVERVIEW: BULLETPROOF KID (1) resumes here at his home track off a fair trial last month. He was very good last campaign, travelling to Sydney and winning there, and prior scored a nice victory at this track when he was able to lead all the way over the mile. He looks as though he’ll be able to kick up and hold the lead here and will take plenty of catching.

Tim O’Connor has done the form for the Melton meeting on July 18. Race 1: OVERVIEW: SEASIDE BOY (11) looks a pretty handy customer for the Emma Stewart barn, with his first three runs this campaign resulting in dominant wins before a narrow defeat at Melton on June 6. While he was beaten there, it was a very good run under the circumstances. He was caught parked in a slick mile rate and last half, with the flying Hoorah Philtra leading and winning.

Gareth Hall was joined by Bronte Nieuwenburg, Tim O’Connor, Andy Gath and Chris Barsby on a huge episode of the Friday Form Panel on SEN Track. Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Trainers Chris Svanosio and Andy Gath joined HRV’s Bronte Nieuwenburg and Tim O’Connor to preview racing at Melton and Albion Park on this week’s episode of Burning Questions. The agenda: We know Tex is fast, but if he goes back can he get past? Kylie’s trotter is right at his peak, so can he continue the streak? Larry’s an all-time great, but can he wear down the Misstress in the straight? Snooze teams up with last year’s champ, but is he the best chance from the camp?

Thanks to the support of Evolution Lodge, Dan Mielicki and Rob Auber preview the Melton harness meeting scheduled for Saturday night. Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Harness Racing form guru Craig Rail noticed several standout performers at the recent trials. At Shepparton, Rebel Rebel and Pleasure To Have were standouts as they prepare for their runs at the track. At Melton, Allthings Menacing was an eye catching second, running good late sectionals. SHEPPARTON 09/07/26 Trial 1: – SERG BLANCO NZ took out the trial for the open class pacers after he settled down last of the three runners and sustained a strong run from the 500m mark.