by Wayne Currall
Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild believe Maczaffair is a good thing in Friday night’s Happy Birthday Tanya Smeeth WA Oaks Prelude (2130m) at Gloucester Park.
Leading tipster Stuart Lowe, The West Australian’s Ernie Manning and TABradio’s race caller Matt McDermott have all made the star filly their best bet after she drew the pole.
“Maczaffair is a top-class filly, who is perfectly drawn to lead all the way,” Lowe said.
And Manning and McDermott agree.
“Gate one gives Maczaffair a big advantage in the Oaks Prelude,” Manning said.
“The Mike Reed-trained filly impressed when winning the Daintys Daughter in February.
“She then confirmed her class with seconds in the Caduceus Club Classic and Western Gateway Pace.
“Maczaffair drew awkwardly at gate five in the WA Derby and her unplaced run can be overlooked.”
McDermott said Maczaffair had been really good in defeat when taking on the boys recently.
“Forget her last run in the WA Derby where she was hammered at the 450m when working into the race with three-wide cover,” he said.
“Prior to that she was narrowly beaten in the Western Gateway by derby fancy Mitch Maguire.
“From the pole, with her main danger Red Hot Roxy drawn the outside of the backline, Maczaffair looks the best bet.”
GP’s on-course announcer Ken Casellas has opted for Galactic Star in the stand as his best for the night, while Guild president Wayne Currall has singled out Mon Lillies in the mares event as his star bet.
“Galactic Star should appreciate a considerable drop in class on Friday night and the talented New Zealand-bred four-year-old looks a class above his 11 rivals,” Casellas said.
“He was gallant in defeat when overhauled in the final couple of strides by his stablemate Assassinator in last week’s Easter Cup.”
Currall believes Mon Lillies can use her speed out of the machine to lead all the way.
“Mon Lillies will appreciate dropping back to mares grade after two solid placings behind the boys,” he said.
“She flies the gate and should have no trouble holding up for driver Kyle Harper.”
It was a mixed bag when the media guys were asked for their value tips for the night.
For Lowe, it’s Erskine Range. “He’s an evergreen pacer, who looks to be returning to his best. The favourable draw brings him in with each-way claims.”
Manning has gone for Bravo Tex as his best value. “He won stylishly after facing the breeze last Saturday night at Bunbury and the performance suggested he should not be underrated when stepping up in class.”
McDermott has nominated Tenniele Erin as his best after Maczaffair. “I really like what she has shown in her four-start career. She can run good consistent quarters and will be hard to beat.”
Casellas believes James Galleon can run a cheeky race at odds. “He’s been rather disappointing, finishing ninth, seventh and 10th at his past three outings. But he looms as a solid each-way prospect after drawing the coveted No.1 barrier.”
Currall has singled out Star Armbro in the opening event as his best value for the night. “This bloke hasn’t won for a while, but he’s drawn to lead from his good draw and could give them something to catch.”
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