09 August 2018 | Wayne Currall
Three members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have labelled the consistent El Jacko as their best bet for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.
GPTV’s Ken Casellas, The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft and Guild president Wayne Currall are all keen on the Greg and Skye Bond-trained five-year-old gelding.
“El Jacko has exciting potential and he should continue his march towards open-class company by winning race three at headquarters on Friday night,” Casellas said. “He’s my best bet and is certainly capable of overcoming the disadvantage of starting out wide at barrier eight. He boasts a winning record of 43 per cent and impresses with his toughness and ability to unwind powerful finishing bursts.”
Havercroft believes El Jacko was most unlucky at his last start.
“El Jacko was just staking his claim in The Chandon Final when he locked wheels on the home turn,” Havercroft said. “After losing momentum he picked himself up to catch the eye when flying home for third.”
Currall agrees with his colleagues.
“El Jacko should relish the step up to 2536m and is the class horse in this 10-horse field,” Currall said. “He’s an M3-class horse taking on lesser-assessed pacers and with even luck in running should prove the testing material.”
Last season’s leading tipster Stuart Lowe is keen on the former Victorian mare Waltzingwithsierra, now in the stables of Kat Warwick.
“My best bet is Waltzingwithsierra,” Lowe said. “She has impressed with solid runs at three WA starts and looks well suited here. The pole draw gives her a chance to lead all the way.”
TABradio’s Matt Young, who has a healthy lead in this year’s tipping competition, believes the Kevin Keys-trained Tajies Girl could surprise at odds.
“My best bet is little out of the box, but I think Tajies Girl will find her way to the front in race eight with Soho Changeling crossing and then handing up,” Young said. “Junior is aboard and her form is solid enough to suggest she would lead and win.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning has opted for the classy Natural Disaster as his best bet.
“Natural Disaster was considered to be an Inter Dominion prospect after four wins in a sequence of five starts between May and August last year,” Manning said. “He encountered a setback and did not contest the series, but the gelding has bounced back after a lengthy spell. Pinjarra and Bunbury wins at his past two starts have been impressive.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding believes the Bonds will have a night out at GP.
“Should be another good night for the Bond camp this week,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race five with Rock Diamonds. This horse had a good win two starts ago and I think he can step up to the plate again in this race. Barrier five should not be a problem.”
VALUE BETS
Ken: For value, I suggest the Debbie Padberg-trained Bad Round, who is poised for a bold showing in race two at his 100th start. He has a losing sequence of 13, but has been performing soundly against stronger opposition.
Ryan: Courage Tells improved lengths last week to lead throughout. Loves this draw and can repeat the feat.
Wayne: Always Arjay can run a cheeky race in the Marathon Handicap. He has finished second at his last four starts at headquarters, including an unlucky second in the BOTRA Cup. Will give them something to chase if he can find the front.
Stuart: The value bet is Fizzing who ran a great race to win easily in fast time at Pinjarra on Monday. Drawn to get a good run.
Matt: Say It Now in race two has been competitive as of late, meets a moderate line-up and has Chris Voak back aboard. Could be a big price.
Ernie: Chuck Norris has not won in his past 31 starts, but he showed a glimpse of his best when running on to dead-heat for third at Bunbury last start. The New Zealand import has won at Gloucester Park.
Pat: The Bonds should get a race-to-race double in race six with Courage Tells. From pole position I expect him to be in front and salute the judge.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
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