10 December 2020 | Wayne Currall
Three members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have made Henwood Bay their best bet at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas, host of TABradio’s One Out, One Back program Matt Young and Guild president Wayne Currall have all made the Collie-based pacer their star bet on the 10-event card.
“Tough four-year-old Henwood Bay took 15 starts to notch his first win, when he led and scored by a half-head at Busselton in December 2018, and he has managed just one win (by a head) from 38 starts at Gloucester Park,” Casellas said. “But it is with considerable confidence that I happily declare the Errol Ashcroft-trained gelding my best bet on Friday night when I’m sure he will overcome the awkward No. 6 barrier in the 2536m eighth event and prove too strong for his seven rivals. Henwood Bay has revealed considerable strength in finishing second at each of his past three runs at Gloucester Park after working hard in the breeze.”
And Young agrees.
“Henwood Bay has been racing well for a very long period of time,” Young said. “I believe this is his race for the taking on Friday night. He should push his way to the breeze and over the longer distance will pound them into submission. Anything better than even money is good shopping.”
Currall makes it a clean sweep.
“The consistent Henwood Bay is overdue for a win,” Currall said. “He loves the longer trip and Deni Roberts will be keen to put him in the death outside of likely leader Dominate The Dojo. From there she can dictate the race and Henwood Bay should prove too strong in the charge to the line.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is keen on American Arma.
“Classy two-year-old American Arma is in line for her fourth Gloucester Park win for trainer-reinsman Colin Brown,” Manning said. “The filly has abundant speed and led in two of her victories. She has clearly inherited the ability of her dam Arma Xpress, who won the 2012 Golden Slipper and 11 other races in her first 14 starts.”
TABradio’s Hayden King likes the chances of One For Dave Andme in race six.
“One For Dave Andme was traveling like a contender on the turn last week before it all went awfully wrong and he suffered significant interference,” King said. “He will press forward here and if he can find the front he will take any amount of beating.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft and Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart have made Magnificent Storm their star bet.
“In eight WA starts, no runner has managed to finish within 5.3m of Magnificent Storm,” Havercroft said. “From barrier four he is drawn to press forward to lead, though he did show versatility when cruising to victory from the breeze at Pinjarra 11 days ago.”
And Wishart agrees.
“Magnificent Storm looks set to keep his winning sequence in tact here,” Wishart said. “Nice win over subsequent winner The Notorious One at his last run. He should pack too many guns again from the low draw in this line-up.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding sees a good night ahead for punters.
“Should be a good night for punters and tipsters alike this week at GP,” Harding said. “There are a few standouts. My best bet comes up in race three with No. 1 Rock Me Over. He is ideally placed and as the top earner in the race should add to his winnings here.”
VALUE BETS
KEN: For value, I suggest Carrera Mach, who is poised for a strong first-up performance from out wide at barrier No. 8 in race two. He is working in fine style and has the ability to seriously test the likely pacemaker and hot favourite Sightseeing Anvil.
MATT: Im Rocknroll Magic has a lovely draw and won’t be far off them in the run. Looks a suitable race
WAYNE: Baylan Jett has been about the place of late and with Gary Hall Jr in the bike I expect him to be driven positively. Could outstay them in the sprint to the line.
ERNIE: Queen Shenandoah has not won in her past six starts, but she’s proved her ability with 12 wins. She could be excused for an unplaced run when caught three-wide in the Mares Classic a fortnight ago.
HAYDEN: Blue Blazer has terrific gate speed when they decide to use it. Those drawn inside generally like to sit and, if driven aggressively, he could spring a summer surprise.
RYAN: Gary Hall Sr thought Balcatherine should have been in the WA Pacing Cup. She has won since and her times stack up. Each-way prospect.
WARREN: Galactic Star wasn’t disgraced in last week’s WA Pacing Cup finishing fourth after doing some early work. I think the market will drop off him from this draw, but I’m expecting him to bounce back strongly.
PAT: My value bet comes up in the opening event with No. 7 Queen Shenandoah. She has been knocking on the door and with Chris Voak aboard it could be just the race she has been looking for.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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