18 October 2018 | Wayne Currall
It”s a mixed bag of best bets for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park from the members of the WA Trotting Media Guild.
Only two of the crew – veteran tipster Stuart Lowe and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft – have agreed on a best bet.
Lowe and Havercroft believe punters can start the night off on a winning note by supporting classy four-year-old Bechers Brook in the opening event.
“My best bet is Bechers Brook, who won easily at Pinjarra on Monday at his first start for five months,” Lowe said. “Previous form was outstanding and he looks too classy here.”
Havercroft agrees with Lowe.
“Bechers Brook looked to have plenty in reserve in accounting for his rivals on Monday,” Havercroft said. “He looks set for a big four-year-old season.”
Budding racecaller Hayden King is keen on brilliant mare Maczaffair making a winning comeback in the $50,000 Mount Eden Sprint (1730m).
“Maczaffair has excellent gate speed and will comfortably hold the lead,” King said. “She should be able to lead all the way over the short distance.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas believes Soho Chelsea can make a mockery of his last two efforts where he has finished at the tail of the field.
“Soho Chelsea is capable of bouncing back and winning on Friday night,” Casellas said. “The Glenn Elliott-trained six-year-old will appreciate a drop in class and the No. 1 barrier.
He is a noted frontrunner and Corey Peterson is sure to take full advantage of his excellent gate speed.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning has made prolific winner Mitch Maguire his best for the night.
“Mitch Maguire, who is switching from mobile starts, has won at three of his four appearances in stands and it is anticipated he will begin smoothly,” Manning said. “He should be able to overcome a 20m handicap, judging by the quality shown in 19 wins from 30 starts.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding is pinning his hopes on Arthur Lowe.
“My best bet comes up in the fourth race in Arthur Lowe,” Harding said. “He has been about the place for a while and is due for another win. With Kyle Harper aboard, barrier four should be ideal and I expect him to put up an excellent showing for punters.”
TABradio’s Matt McDermott has labelled Bettor B Chevron as his best.
“Bettor B Chevron meets an easier line up than at her previous starts and with barrier two and excellent gate speed she should be bouncing back to winning form,” McDermott said.
McDermott’s compatriot at TABradio Matt Young is going head-to-head with Casellas by making Tisadream his best bet.
“Tisadream is my best bet,” Young said. “I think this horse will return with a win over the short course. Aiden De Campo will try to lead but I think the horse can lead or breeze to win here.”
Guild president Wayne Currall is keen on the chances of Scotlynn Beach.
“This Gary Hall-trained pacer was responsible for a huge effort when he finished a close fourth behind Thereugo after doing all the work in the breeze with broken gear,” Currall said. “He’s drawn the pole on Friday night and can make a bold bid for an all-the way victory.”
VALUE BETS
Stuart: My value bet is Rock Me Over, an ever consistent pacer who is racing better than his numerical form indicates. Drawn well in barrier two and is likely to lead here.
Ryan: Maczaffair resumes from a spell and is drawn ideally in the Mount Eden Sprint. She will be camped just off what could be a hot speed, and would only need luck to be emerging at the finish.
Hayden: Ultimate Major would be nigh on impossible to roll if he can lead. He has brilliant early dash, while short-priced favourite Scottlynn Beach has questionable gate speed. The winner should be established by the first turn.
Ken: For value, I suggest Sea Me Smile in race seven in which should be prominent from the No. 4 barrier. Her past couple of efforts have been most encouraging.
Ernie: Fanci A Dance is expected to be forward in condition when resuming for trainer Barry Howlett. He scored his second Gloucester Park win when overcoming a tough run last June.
Pat: I like Absolution over the sprint journey in the ninth race. With two wins under his belt and Shannon Suvaljko in the sulky, I expect him to complete the treble.
Matt M: Scotlynn Beach has the perfect barrier draw to control affairs over the shorter distance.
Matt Y: Millwood Brandy could find herself in front here and should run a good race at each-way odds.
Wayne: Kasey John ran a bottler of a race at huge odds to finish a close second behind the classy Rocknroll Lincoln last week at headquarters. Just needs to repeat that run for Emily Suvaljko and he’s each-way all day.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
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