WA Trotting Media Guild Friday’s Thoughts 8th February

Prolific winner Franco Edward and the promising Caviar Star are just two of the best bets from members of the WA Trotting Media Guild for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.

The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, multiple winner of the Guild’s tipping competition Stuart Lowe and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft have all made Franco Edward their star bet for the night.

Manning aptly summed up the thoughts of his colleagues.

“Franco Edward can further boost his WA Derby prospects by beating older rivals on his return to Gloucester Park,” he said. “The colt, a Pinjarra winner in his past two appearances, was most impressive when he led and scored by 13.5m last week. The colt has won eight of his past 10 races and five of the victories have been at headquarters.”

Last season’s leading tipster Matt Young and RWWA’s racing communications co-ordinator Tim Walker are keen on Caviar Star.

“Caviar Star has been dazzling since resuming and this race looks to suit him down to the ground to land the victory here,” Young said.

And Walker agrees.

“Caviar Star looks to be a really progressive horse and the win here two weeks ago was impressive,” he said. “Draw is probably a slight concern here, but banking on his class to get him through.”

GPTV’s Ken Casellas and budding racecaller Hayden King believe Miss Sangrial can atone for an unlucky fourth last week.

“Miss Sangrial was unlucky last Friday night when she trailed the pacemaker and eventual winner Mary Catherine and was inconvenienced approaching the home turn and then was hampered for room in the home straight,” Casellas said. “The speedy four-year-old is my best bet.”

King is singing from the same hymn sheet.

“Miss Sangrial appears well placed to score this Friday from the ace draw,” he said. “She was unfortunately hampered late last start and should lead all the way here.”

Longshot guru Pat Harding fancies last-start winner James Butt.

“James Butt’s win two weeks ago was impressive and over the longer distance of 2536 metres I expect Chris Voak to have him well placed to record three wins in a row,” Harding said.

Guild president Wayne Currall thinks punters can get their money early doors with Back To The Beach.

“Last time this bloke drew a barrier he ran down Bright Diamond late to record a gutsy victory,” Currall said. “He’s drawn the ace on Friday night and champion reinsman Chris Lewis will be looking for an all-the-way win. Topical tip too with our run of hot weather.”

VALUE BETS

ERNIE: Talktomeurmattjesty has not won in his past 11 starts, but gate one gives him a chance to break the drought. He has proven his ability by winning five Gloucester Park races and should be fresh when having his first start for almost a month.

STUART: My value bet is The Trilogy, who had no luck when he ran last in the Albany Cup last start. Prior form was better than it reads and he is perfectly drawn here.

RYAN: Arma Indie was an eight-start maiden before winning twice in New Zealand last month. Was driven like the best horse and duly saluted last time out. Not seen locally but looks to have ability.

MATT: Anime has got the nice draw and is racing well. Could be some mid-race pressure and he looks a 1×4 bet in this.

TIM: Arma Indie, now in the Mike Reed stable, is first-up in Australia. Hoping to see a strong showing tonight in what is a pretty nice field of 3YO fillies.

KEN: For value I suggest Bettor Not Bitter in the first event in which he should appreciate barrier two. He led until the final couple of strides when a close second to Soho Wonder over 2536m last Friday week. The 2130m trip should be more to his liking this week.

HAYDEN: Come Dance With Me will be flashing late if there is a generous speed. I think she is the best horse in the race and and with a fair share of luck is the winner.

PAT: My value  bet of the night comes up in race 10 with Atmospherical. Chris Voak is making a habit of winning the last race and I think he can do so again.

WAYNE: Liberty Rose has an awkward backline draw to content with, but she will be rattling home if Gary Hall Jr gets her into the clear in time.

To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.

Good Punting!