Harness Analyst – Methven 18th December 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 Methven again today with 12 races on the card. The racing starts at 3:15pm and we highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good afternoon of racing.

Methven harness analyst selections 18th December 2025

Best Bet:  R3   Captain Publisher

Best Value:  R5 Granny Rose

Race 1

Lorde Franco (13) Respect stable with first starters. Paying over true odds fresh up. Needed
B K Mumma Jamie (18) Good second last start but big field to get around. Worth including
Which Way (11) Running on last start and another who can place with luck in running

Race 2

Bettor N Joy (10) Should get a good pegs run and capable of running top three here.
One Of These Nights (3) Likely to head forward early with top driver on and has claims
Im All In (1) Freshened and will be in the right spot. One for longer odds from the draw

Race 3

Captain Publisher (9) Depends on the start but has winning claims if he can get to the front
Cee Whatabet (2) Disappointing last start but will be better for that run. Go again here
Summer Rose (14) Tricky draw but has the ability to beat this field with the right trip

Race 4

Rock Fern (4) Might be the race leader here. Good second last start and can go close
Jukebox Gypsy (8) Out of form but at her best would be right in this. One for longer odds
Red Wine Kisses (1) Has been a bit unlucky and gets a good draw. Has upset claims here

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Race 5

Granny Rose (10) Normally a quick beginner who can race near the front. Top three claims
Ginas Majesty (12) Freshened and has a good grass track record. Has to be included here
Cappaha (9) Running on in a stronger field last start. Should give a good account here

Race 6

Franco Ankara (3) Freshened after racing some quality horses in his first campaign. Yes
Franco Lomu (10) Gets a soft pegs draw and can run top three with gaps in the straight
Flying Holme (6) Much better last start and top driver sticks with. One of the better chances

Race 7

Destiny’s Dream (7) Likely to head forward early and conditions suit here. Place claims
Topaz (4) Good finish on grass last start and drawn much better here. Top three chance
Franco Tim (1) Will get a soft run from the draw and has grass track form. Needed

Race 8

Forever Miki (1) Debut runner from a strike rate stable. Has won here at the trials
Nikolai Ray (5) Racing well and looks a solid top three chance on recent form
Suspicious Captain (10) Drawn nicely behind one of the favoured runners. Winning claims

Race 9

The Highlander (2) Running on late when room arrived last start on grass. Needed
Heaven (6) Change of stable and watch the tote. Grass form ok and will be improved
Betterwithbling (3) Battling on but getting fitter. Could be one to boost exotic bets

Race 10

Festus Haggen (12) Running on last start and he goes well on the track. Good chance
Ultimate Counsel (5) Good beginner who has not had much luck. One for longer odds
He’s A Bay (9) Speedy early and should land a soft run. Place chance with luck

Race 11

Amistozo (10) Untested after leading last start. Can go back to back with a similar trip
Transtasman Bubble (9) Racing well and worth including in all bets. Conditions suit
Call Dudley (4) Trial form is good and top driver booked. Manners needed here

Race 12

Gem N Em (3) Has been unlucky and best draw for some time. Top selection in this.
Ask Me Lazarus (1) Better than the form suggests. Nice draw here and has to be respected
Bettor Way (6) Much better draw and on the way to better grades. Can go close here

For complete race entries, click here.

by Harness Analyst