05 April 2018 | Wayne Currall
It’s a mixed bag of best bets from the members of the WA Trotting Media Guild for Friday night’s $200,000 Group 1 WA Derby meeting at Gloucester Park.
Punters will be sporting broad smiles if all, or even some, of the star bets get the cash.
Last year’s leading tipster Stuart Lowe is keen on Lord Willoughby in the last event on the action-packed 10-event card.
“My best bet is Lord Willoughby who is racing in terrific form,” Lowe said. “Has won three and run second twice at his last five runs. Should lead from the pole and should win.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning believes punters can line their pockets if they support Heez Manly.
“Heez Manly is a consistent performer for the powerful Gary Hall stable, with his Perth tally standing at four wins and four places from 11 starts,” Manning said. “He won at Gloucester Park four starts ago and was again at his best there in a front-running victory last week, when he beat the talented Courage To Live.”
TABradio’s Matt Young is a fan of fast-class star Bettors Fire.
“Bettors Fire was a very good run in the stand last Friday and his gate speed should be used here to lead and win this,” Young said.
GPTV’s Ken Casellas says punters can get their money early doors with Ladys Are Ideal in the opening event.
“Versatile five-year-old Ladys Are Ideal has been plagued by unfavourable barriers in recent weeks and she should appreciate starting from the No.2 barrier on Friday night,” Casellas said. “Trainer-reinsman Clint Hall should have Ladys Are Ideal in the lead or in a prominent forward position in the 2130m event and the New Zealand-bred mare is my best bet on the card.”
Veteran tipster Bill Brindley says it’s a tough program and finding winners will be hard.
“Hot Fraternity is my best bet as he is racing with zest and can lead throughout in race two,” Brindley said.
Longshot king Pat Harding agrees with his colleague.
“It’s going to be a very tough night for punters and tipsters alike this Friday night at GP,” Harding said. “I believe the WA Derby will prove to be the highlight on the night and that King Of Swing coming out of barrier three can get the cash for the Hall stable. Last week I tipped Ocean Ridge to beat King Of Swing because he had not raced at GP previously. However, this week, after a very creditable second, I believe he is the horse to follow.”
The Western Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft has made Art Keeper his star bet for the night.
“Art Keeper made a nice impression at his local debut when a runaway winner defeating Ctheballerina here three weeks ago,” Havercroft said. “No doubt he has trained on since that effort and will utilise the inside draw.”
Guild president Wayne Currall has earmarked Military Master as his best bet.
“Military Master has drawn awkwardly in gate seven, but I think he can account for this field,” Currall said. “The horse has won and placed at all three starts since a spell and with the services of A.C.Lewis should prove too strong for his 11 rivals.”
VALUE BETS
Stuart: My value bet is the luckless Our Zak Whitby, who broke through for a long overdue win at Pinjarra last start. In a good field, but well drawn and should figure in the finish.
Ernie: The Bucket List has a 20m handicap, but appears to face an easier task than when unplaced in the Pinjarra and Narrogin cups at his past two appearances.
Matt: Rosies Ideal could run a very big race this Friday. It was a big win first-up and she could handle this class.
Ken: For value I suggest Sheer Rocknroll in race two. The Ross Olivieri-trained five-year-old mare drops appreciably in class and should fight out the finish
Bill: Ladys Are Ideal is the value bet in race one from an improved barrier draw.
Pat: Hot Fraternity from the Frank Bonnett stable with young driver Bailey McDonough aboard has been very consistent and this is his best barrier for a while.
Ryan: Courage Tells’ numerical form doesn’t read well, but he does grow a leg from the inside barrier. Expect him to be near the action on the pegs and he could run into a placing at a long quote.
Wayne: There is nothing wrong with Bechers Brook’s form leading into the derby. He’s drawn out wide but will be finishing hard off a hot speed.
To view all of the Media Guild Tips for this week click here.
Good Punting.
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