Harness Analyst – Methven 25th 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 Ashburton again today with 11 races on the card. The racing starts at 12:10pm and we highlight some specials and value runners we think can give you a run for your money on a good day of racing.

Methven selections 25th January 2026

Harness analyst best tips:

Best Bet:  R4   Major Li

Best Value:  R3   Summer Rose

Race 1

Hey Tonight (3) Has not had the best of luck in her last few runs. Can run an improved race
Super Fund (1) Ace draw will help and should begin quickly. Like him better back on grit
Flyaway (2) Draw and conditions of the race make her a leading chance in this. Win hope

Race 2

Rependant (10) Big run for second at Blenheim and has to be included in all calculations
Chocolate Angus (1) Has drawn well and just needs manners to be a big chance in the race.
Bullet (9) Improver from her last start and big track will suit. Top three chance here

Race 3

Summer Rose (3) Best draw for some time and has a bit of speed. Better run expected
Baltic Star (4) Can ignore some of her last runs through bad luck. Quick improver at odds
Whatsupman (8) Good effort last start and bigger track will suit. Can sneak a top three

Race 4

Major Li (2) Solid second last start and a winning chance again from the draw. Include
Delight With Me (4) Has gate speed and has trialled ok. Should give a good account
Ultimatum (6) Out of form but improver with a place chance at longer odds in this field

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Race 5

Meandad (6) Fought on last start in a similar field. One of the better chances in this race
Holly Highlander (5) Had excuses last start and well placed here. Good each way chance
Silvester (10) Disappointing last start. Tricky draw but can upset with the right run. Include

Race 6

Tempo Warrior (8) Fought on last start in a stronger field. Top selection in this line up
Peraki Seelster (4) Ran home well last start and well placed here. Good each way chance
Topaz (7) Has been freshened. Needs manners but bigger track will suit. Can run top three

Race 7

Cheeky Red (13) Good against a similar field last start. Quick beginner in form. In the mix
Blackjack (3) Should get a soft run handy. Top three hope from the draw and a good chance
Playing With Stars (10) Due to show form and top driver booked. One for longer odds here

Race 8

Georgie Zukov (4) Racing well and dangerous if he got to the front early. Needed here
Times Like These (5) Decent motor and is drawn well here. One of the better chances
Betterwithbling (10) Better last start. Will continue to improve and place hope again here

Race 9

Switch On (7) Good when right and can continue a winning turn if manners early. Needed
Vertigo (14) Tricky handicap but drop in grade and fast beginner. One of the better chances
Bodacious (4) Disappointing last start. Upset claims with manners and place chance at odds

Race 10

Stormy Vista (5) Has raced better fields. Drawn well here and looks a good bet. Needed
Edict (2) Good draw and better than most in this field. Has to be respected from the stand
Festus Haggen (4) A bit in or out but at his best would be a good place hope. Could surprise

Race 11

Don’t Tell Jenny (2) Has been racing better fields and good draw. Top selection in this.
Times Are A Changin (4) Better than the form suggests. Has to be respected on bigger track
Lilac Luxury (11) Late scratched last start. Not the worst at longer odds with a cart into it

For complete race entries, click here. 

by Harness Analyst