11 March 2021 | Wayne Currall
Rakasinc and Bletchley Park are two horses who have caught the attention of several members of the WA Trotting Media Guild for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas and longshot guru Pat Harding have all made Rakasinc their best bet.
“Barrier one is a bonus for Rakasinc and he gets the chance to break a six-run losing sequence after showing considerable potential,” Manning said. “The Nathan Turvey-trained gelding won at six of eight starts last August and September. He was at peak form in two Gloucester Park wins during early spring. The NSW import could be one to follow again.”
And Casellas agrees.
“Six-year-old Rakasinc is a renowned frontrunner and I’m making him my best bet on Friday night when he looks set to lead in the 2130m Get The Best Service Only Pace,” he said. “He is sure to have been improved by his stout-hearted effort last Saturday night when, at his second outing after a spell, he worked hard in the breeze and fought on determinedly to finish fifth, less than a length from the winner Walsh.”
And Harding is also in the Rakasinc fan club.
“I am sticking to my best bet rom last week – No.1 Rakasinc in race three,” he said. “He didn’t run too bad a race last week and with the advantage of the pole I think he can give punters a return.”
TABradio’s Matt Young and Guild president Wayne Currall are keen on Bletchley Park in the $50,000 4&5YO Championship (2130m).
“Bletchley Park is beautifully drawn in the feature,” Young said. “He was second in this race last year to Shockwave and I believe he will go one better on Friday night. He faces a good field but excels as a frontrunner and the middle distance is perfect for him to roll throughout and kick on strongly.”
Currall is on the same page.
“Lindsay Harper should be able to get an easy lead with Bletchley Park,” he said. “This horse can carve out some slick sectionals and he’ll take a power of running down over the trip. He’s the horse they all have to get over … and I don’t think they will.”
TABradio’s Hayden King believes punters can profit by getting on Black Jack Baby in the last race on the 10-event program.
“Black Jack Baby has a special turn of foot,” King said. “In the small field, I think she can exploit this asset and be too fast for rivals en route to the WA Oaks.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is keen on the promising Papinik in race nine.
“Papinik looks set for a fine racing career on what we have seen of him so far,” Havercroft said. “He has won at his last eight appearances, including at both runs since resuming and he looks classes above his rivals again.”
Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart has made Matai Geordie his best for the night.
“This is a nice class drop for Matai Geordie,” Wishart said. “He was vying for favouritism in the Pinjarra Cup and copped interference. Back to this grade – based on his win two starts ago – he will be too good.”
VALUE BETS
ERNIE: The Ross Olivieri-trained Boom Time has contested three races since a spell and looks ready for his first win this time in. A winner of three Gloucester Park races, he drew attention when finishing fourth last Saturday night.
KEN: For value, I suggest Bettor Finish, who is ideally drawn at barrier two in race six. He was an $81 outsider last Saturday night when he was ninth and last at the bell before finishing solidly, out four wide, to be fifth behind Quick Stride.
PAT: My value bet is also the same as last week, Carrera Mach. He ran a good third last week. He’s at good odds and with Chris Voak aboard I think he can provide some joy for punters.
MATT: Blue Blazer is going better than his form suggests, has a wonderful turn of foot and looks a great place chance behind Papinik.
WAYNE: J B Mauney returns to the track after a three-month spell, but if he’s anywhere near fit I’d expect he’d give this race a shake. Should appreciate the expected “hot speed” and can finish over the top of them.
HAYDEN: I’m trying an all-up again this week. Matai Geordie oozes class and has an edge over rivals in race two; Black Jack Zac loves the pegs in the fourth so I’m taking him place only; Papinik is a rising star in race nine; finally, Black Jack Baby in the last.
RYAN: Extradite has improved lately including two recent wins, both when leading. He has quick beginners on his outside, but I expect him to hold up from the inside draw and take beating.
WARREN: The Bird Dance made a great return when winning, then beaten but not disgraced in the Bunbury Cup as favourite. It’s a hot race but he opened at $26 and he will be stalking the speed. Will give a sight at odds.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting.
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