THE SCHEDULE
Friday night: First round of heats at Gloucester Park
Next Tuesday night: Second round of heats at Bunbury
Friday week: Third round of heats at Gloucester Park
Sunday, December 13 (afternoon meeting): Grand Final at Gloucester Park
NIGHT ONE – FIRST ROUND HEATS
HEAT ONE: The draw makes WAYLADE (2) a standout. Likely he’ll push forward and take the front from stablemate MACHTU (1). If he leads, he should win. Can’t see much midrace pressure. JASON RULZ (10) starts from inside the back row and should be three-pegs. Will be finishing strongly, but need luck. Respect DEVENDRA (4) and SHANNONSABLAST (3) but they will need luck if they can’t cross WAYLADE early on.
HEAT TWO: LENNYTHESHARK (7) is simply too short to back at $1.50 from the wide draw. Yes he’s the best horse and, yes, he might win, but those are crazy odds unless he’s going to stroll to the lead (which I’ll be stunned if that happens). Value with FLAMING FLUTTER (2) and BILLIES A STAR (5). Also watch on MY HARD COPY (4) who I expect to drift back from gate four and power home.
HEAT THREE: This is the heat I’m most looking forward to. Give my love for PHILADELPHIA MAN (6), this will really tell us where he’s at. Most likely he will have to sit parked outside MACH BEAUTY (4), who should get the lead from BETTORS FIRE (2). It’s a huge ask, but I think PHILADELPHIA MAN (6) is up the challenge and could make a big statement here. AVONNOVA (10) will need luck from inside back row.
HOW THE FINAL SHAPES UP
THE BIG THREE
PHILADELPHIA MAN: OK, I’m a self-confessed huge fan. But I have no doubt, on sheer talent, he is the best horse in the series. Forget the Queensland runs where he jarred-up. If he’s on song, he is THE horse to beat in the series.
Current Aussie TAB final odds: $8
LENNYTHESHARK: Wonderful talent hitting the prime of his career at right time. Benefitted from a dip into big league last season. Blazing speed and stunning win last time. Could make this series his own.
Current final odds: $3.20 favourite
WAYLADE: Largely untapped local. Roared through the ranks this year and even trainer Gary Hall Sr isn’t sure what his limit could be. Versatile, home ground advantage and sure to be a major player.
Current final odds: $8
THE LURKERS
JASON RULZ: Highly-talented former Kiwi who has run two very encouraging races since joining Michael Brennan’s barn. Needs to keep improving and get the right draws, but the signs are good.
Current final odds: $21
FLAMING FLUTTER: Don’t forget this guy ran second to Beautide in last year’s Sydney final. Hasn’t quite reached the heights expected since, but trainer Geoff Webster has been focused solely on having him primed for this series. Will thrive on the four runs in a fortnight.
Current final odds: $21
MY HARD COPY: Last season’s WA Cup winner and stablemate of Waylade. Good when leads, but at his absolute best when parked away and saved for a late dive-bomb. Needs things to go right, but he makes the final and it’s a war … look out.
Current final odds: $12
THE ROUGHIES
DEVENDRA: There’s something I love about this former Tasmanian. Showed glimpses during a stint with James Rattray in Sydney last season. Has gate speed, loves the small tracks and could be a surprise packet.
Current final odds: $51
SHANNONSABLAST: Underrated NSW visitor. Ran better than form reads during luckless Queensland campaign. Loves truly run races and has gate speed. Don’t sell him short.
Current final odds: $51
SMOKEY THE BANDIT: Gee I (and many others) hope he makes it into the series. He is currently first emergency. Wonderful “feel good” story. Developed from bush battler into genuine classy sit-sprinter. Not many could match his zip over 200m.
Current final odds: $51
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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