Harness racing: A break from the U.S. heat at Redcliffe

Winter in Australia, while we go through a blazing heat wave in the U.S., will challenge your sense of season and time when you bet Wednesday night, but that doesn't mean you can't find profitable wagers.

Let's take a look at the Redcliffe program for Thursday, which begins at 10:52 p.m. ET Wednesday night.

Race 1

The only thing for sure in this race for non-winners is that one of them will satisfy that condition (excluding a dead-heat finish).

Dudley Warburton’s #4 Crikey Cam has only been out four times, and two of those efforts were decent for a novice pacer. All the others in this field have had numerous opportunities to prove they belong in this low-profile class, and they are proven losers. Crikey Cam may improve off of his two decent tries, simply because he is not a proven loser.

Also lightly raced, #6 Mister Rocktober had a rough trip last time out but showed signs of the aggression needed to perform better.

Race 2

A field of 2-year-old pacers adorns the day’s second race, including two green gals return from our efforts last week — #2 Royal Princess and #3 Torque In Control.

The former finished second as a longer shot and has a good chance to score here. The latter should be considered for having the trust of enough punters first time out.

Still, the warning signs are out for second-time starter #1 Heavenly Girl. She is a Rock N Roll Heaven filly, from an Artiscape mare — a bloodline to reckon with in any hemisphere.

Race 3

Allan Sanders puts #4 Downtown Luca to work a lot, and the 5-year-old brings home many paychecks. He was dull last time we backed him earlier this month but deserves another call, since his early foot could give him a sleek advantage on the Redcliffe turns.

#8 Cannan could slip in late for a share, if he uses the outside post to advance with one big spurt.

Race 4

Dan Russell’s #7 Moonlight Butcher was in the crowd’s favor last time out, but he was squeezed in the sprint lane in a rough trip to the wire. He may find a clearer path if he catches cover and closes late.

In that same race, it was #4 Country Run that went wide with no avail. He could benefit from the sprint lane here.

Race 5

Gate speed will be the key in this race, and #2 The Casual Goose may be the pacesetter to win. Michael Nutley has him back at Redcliffe after an Albion stay.

Race 6

Driver Shane Graham was fined for erratic guidance, after he steered #8 La Pistola at Redcliffe last time out, just when he was within firing range. The Art Major pacer has had a few rough trips without Graham’s help, but by no means does it prove the pacer cannot step safely, so we will not penalize Vicki Rasmussen’s gelding.

Speed aside, #4 Misterriodejaneiro is a fearless type, though some of his duels have not been fruitful. It’s a trait of his sire — to demand control — and you always want an aggressive type riding your money home.

Race 7

Ron Sallis’s #3 Man From Braavos is surely in it to win it. He was favored last time he was at Redcliffe and may find the joint more comfortable for his style.

#1 Live Atom enjoys being awake in the meaningful steps of a race, and has picked up many checks for Greg Elkins.

Race 8

Eleven-year-old #2 Spondooley has inherited the speed of his sire (Grinfromeartoear) and sometimes maintains leads. Still, even when caught, Wayne Graham’s gelding usually doesn’t fade enough not to earn a buck.

Jack Butler has brought #5 Sam Is Perfection back to Redcliffe, a serious move after little support from Albion bettors.