09 May 2019 | Wayne Currall
It’s a mixed bag served up by members of the WA Trotting Media Guild for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.
Only two members – multiple winner of the Guild’s tipping competition Stuart Lowe and RWWA’s racing communications co-ordinator Tim Walker – have agreed on a best bet for the nine-event card.
Lowe and Walker believe King Of Swing can get punters off to a winning start in the first race.
“I think King Of Swing is the star bet,” Lowe said. “He was an impressive close-up fourth last week from barrier 12. The former star juvenile meets a similar field here, with the advantage of the pole draw, and is likely to lead throughout.”
Walker agrees.
“Race one, No. 1 King Of Swing is my best bet,” Walker said. “Get in early here. He should be able to bounce back to his best and win here. Looks a class above the rest.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is keen on The Bucket List.
“The Bucket List is switching back to 1730m after winning over 2536m on April 26, but the versatile veteran has notched victory at a sprint journey and he should not be troubled by the shorter trip,” Manning said. “The gelding, a winner of 24 races, has scored two victories and run two places in his past five starts.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding is banking on Miss Sangrial continuing on her winning ways.
“My best bet of the night comes up in race five with Miss Sangrial drawing pole position,” Harding said. “She had a great win last week and I believe she can make it three wins in a row and give punters a bit of joy.”
TABradio’s newest racecaller Hayden King, who did a magnificent job calling four races at last Friday night’s Northam meeting, believes punters should keep their powder dry until the last race.
“The Midas Touch appears very well placed in the final event,” King said. “He has secured a dream draw and looks a very progressive type who can be winning country cups or graduating to FFA company soon.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas fancies Speed Man.
“Speed Man was a disappointing second-up ninth behind Vincenzo Peruggia last week, but I’m predicting he will bounce back to winning form on Friday night,” Casellas said. “He drops in class and I expect him to carry too many guns for The Art Form and Baylan Jett in the 2536m event.”
TABradio’s Matt Young is a Space Junk fan.
“Space Junk has class on his rivals here and should be able to win easily,” Young said.
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is keen on Dominate The Dojo.
“Dominate The Dojo rarely runs a bad race and he has the gate speed to capitalise on a good draw in a small field,” Havercroft said. “I expect him to cross Tuas Delight and lead from start to finish.”
Guild president Wayne Currall has tipped class mare Eden Franco to regain her top form.
“Eden Franco came off 50m when she finished like a train to go down by just over five metres when an unlucky sixth behind Miss Sangrial in the Race For Roses,” Currall said.
“She’s drawn to follow out Rosies Ideal and meets all of last week’s rivals on better terms.”
VALUE BETS
STUART: Eden Franco looks a strong value bet in the Breeders Stakes. She came off 50m last week and was beaten five metres when blocked for a run at the finish. Should be better suited here under mobile conditions.
TIM: As Happy As Larry faces a big task coming off 30m here, but going to back in his class to beat a moderate group.
ERNIE: Waimac Attack, a winner only once in his past 15 starts, impressed when he ran on to finish third after starting from the back line two weeks ago. He has recorded three Gloucester Park minor places in his last five appearances.
PAT: If you want a nice double, The Midas Touch in the last race should provide it. Couple it up with Miss Sangrial and get a nice return.
HAYDEN: Ruling Gold’s last two efforts have been outstanding. He is building into career-best form and will prove the testing material in the stand.
KEN: Carrera Mach is a smart four-year-old capable of overcoming the disadvantage of the outside barrier at his third run after a brief spell and following two unplaced efforts.
MATT: Thereugo has great gate speed and could cross the polemarker. If he does he’ll go close to winning.
RYAN: Im Full Of Excuses will drop out and be saved up for one crack at them. In a field of six he won’t sit too far off the pace and can run into the money if there is any speed in the race.
WAYNE: American Dynasty was in good form before going for a spell. He’s first-up in the stand, but can give them something to chase if he’s anywhere near his top.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting.
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