28 March 2019 | Wayne Currall
The majority of WA Trotting Media Guild members believe that former Kiwi pacer Major Trojan will open his winning account on Friday night at Gloucester Park.
Now in the stables of leading trainer Gary Hall, Major Trojan has finished second twice and third last week (all behind stablemate Eloquent Mach) in his three starts in WA.
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, TABradio’s Matt Young and Guild president Wayne Currall have all made Major Trojan their best bet at the meeting.
Manning believes Major Trojan gets the chance to confirm his favouritism for next week’s $200,000 WA Derby.
“Major Trojan was most impressive when he fought on and held third after facing the breeze last Friday,” Manning said. “Trainer Gary Hall has declared the colt is his best Derby prospect.”
Young and Currall agree.
“Major Trojan showed last week he has good staying power and gate speed,” Young said. “He should be leading and winning the Prelude on Friday night quite comfortably.”
Currall likes what he’s seen of Major Trojan.
“Gary Hall has an uncanny knack of identifying young Kiwi pacers and turning them into superstars,” he said. “Major Trojan is in that ilk and I expect him to easily account for this field.”
Multiple winner of the Guild’s tipping competition Stuart Lowe has made Eden Franco his star bet.
“My best bet is Eden Franco, who is the class runner in the Empress Stakes,” Lowe said. “She has the most win dollars in the race and is drawn to lead from barrier two.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding believes Herrick Roosevelt will make it successive wins.
“My best bet comes up in race three,” Harding said. “At long last the Hall-trained Herrick Roosevelt finally broke through for a win last week. This week, coming from barrier two, I think he can make it two in a row and keep punters happy.”
Budding racecaller Hayden King is keen on the consistent Lord Willoughby.
“Lord Willoughby will sit just off the pace and use his brilliance to overhaul the leaders and stave off closers late,” King said.
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft thinks punters can start the meeting off on a winning note by supporting Ace Bromac.
“Ace Bromac has finished runner-up twice from wide draws since resuming from a let-up,” Havercroft said. “From barrier two he will settle close to the speed and looks a chance to go one better this Friday.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas has selected Caviar Star as his best bet.
“It’s always a difficult task to win from a 30 metre handicap, but I expect Caviar Star to be up to the challenge by overcoming this disadvantage and winning on Friday night,” Casellas said. “His form this season has been exceptional and he’s my best bet this week.”
VALUE BETS
ERNIE: Eden Franco, freshened by trainer Colin Brown, has the exceptional record of nine wins and six places from 18 Gloucester Park starts. She impressed when a front-running winner at headquarters last November.
MATT: Forever Remembered is a sniper and in a competitive standing start might be the late swooper at big odds.
WAYNE: Madame Meilland is drawn to get the run of the race behind likely leader Eden Franco, who loves to bowl along in front. Could run a race at odds.
STUART: The value bet looks to be Back To The Beach. He covered a heap of ground, from a wide draw, before finishing a close-up fourth last start. Has the pole draw here in a similar field.
PAT: My value bet comes up in race eight with No. 3 Lord Willoughby. This horse had a win four starts ago and I think he is well placed with Chris Lewis aboard to record another win.
HAYDEN: Baylan Jett wasn’t disgraced at his latest start and could be at a hefty price. Has claims.
RYAN: Vincenzo Perrugia is racing in fine style and from barrier one on Friday he will give you a sight. Ran second to Handsandwheels after breezing four starts ago and could upset more fancied rivals.
KEN: For value, I suggest Handsandwheels at an attractive quote in race four, in which he is the sole back-line runner. His recent form has been hard to fault.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting!
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