Harness Analyst – Marlborough 16th January free tips

Welcome to today’s segment from our harness racing analyst.  

Providing you with free expert tips and selections for harness meetings run in New Zealand.  

Harness racing hits Marlborough again today with 12 races on the card. The racing starts at 2:03pm and we highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good day of racing.  

Marlborough selections 16th January 2026  

Harness analyst best tips:  

Best Bet:  R2  Cappaha

Best Value:  R7  A Better Jackalack  

Race 1 

Hope For Love (9) Conditions should suit and wet track no issues One of the better chances in this

Normie Stead (1) Good draw and should begin quickly. Distance suits and can go close from the ace

Georgie Zukov (8) Has been racing ok and would be dangerous if he found the front. Has to be included 

Race 2 

Cappaha (10) Racing well and drops in class for this. Normally a good beginner and needed here 

Help Me (3) Has been freshened for this and just needs luck to be a threat. One for longer odds

Rependant (6) Racing well on grass but might get back early. Will be running home late in this

Race 3 

Sky News  (8) Wide draw but has a good finish. Good run expected with a cart into the race

B J Hunnicutt (5) Has improved form and still on the way up. Will give a good performance here

Unico Tessa (12) Has speed but will need a bit of luck from the draw. Can sneak into the top three 

Race 4 

Times Like These (7) Unlucky last start and change of driver for this. Has winning claims in this 

Bruntwood Brigade (4) Big drop in class but unkown on the grass surface. Worth including

Penny Weight (1) Still a bit green but draws best in this. Has the speed to be a major factor 

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Race 5 

Prestigious (10) Fought on last start in a stronger field. Looks a solid top three player but wide draw 

Kairaki Spur (13) Has not been far away the last few runs and well placed here. Good each way chance 

Manakau Blaze (5) Has ability and driver change in this. Hard to beat on previous form on the track

Race 6 

Vesta (1) Fought on last start and draws best in an even race. Top selection from the ace draw

Special Edition (6) Running on last start and well placed here. Good each way claims. Needed

Hez A Loch (12) Decent motor and will be running on here . Upset claims with a track into the race

Race 7 

A Better Jackalack (9) Has been below his best but can sneak into the placings if things go his way

Always Bee Gee (4) Decent beginner and in great from. Can get handy early and stick on for a place 

Nickel And Dime (1) Disappointing last start. Draw helps and one for longer odds in this. Roughie

Race 8 

Tyrons Strapping Lad  (6) Tricky draw but most progressive horse in the field. Can go close in this

Musclynn (4) Decent motor and should give a good account after a nice win last start. Go again

Franco Josiah (11) Had excuses last start and would be dangerous if he can get handy early. Include 

Race 9 

Bryce’s Meddle (6) In form and conditions suit here. Top selection in an even and strong line-up

Wild Willow (12) Big motor and has been freshened. Needs luck but can figure here if fully fit

Lester (9) Grass track specialist who should go a good race here. Has to be included in all combinations

Race 10 

Cheer The Captain (9) Trial winner and at his best would go close to winning this. Top selection

Matai Harry (4) Good draw and top driver booked. Has to be respected on the grass surface. Include

Delightful Dreams (7) Has not done much on grass but has a good finish. Might get back early here

Race 11

Henry Winkler (10) Wide draw but stuck on well last start in a strong field. Good winning claims

Stormy Vista (3) Decent motor and should give a good account. Good chance on recent tidy form 

Country Gold (2) Had excuses last start and would be dangerous if he can get handy early. One for odds.  

Race 12

Kowhai Star (10) Terrible draw but can unleash a big finish. Needs a strong pace to show her best

Farewell Spit (6) Ok  draw and better than most in this field. Has to be respected and can run top three

Destiny’s Dream (2) Conditions suit and has to be included again in this. Might be the early leader 

For complete race entries, click here. 

by Harness Analyst