31 October 2019 | Wayne Currall
Punters take heed – backing Bettor Reward in the opening event at Gloucester Park on Friday night will give you a great start to the evening’s proceedings.
That’s according to several members of the WA Trotting Media Guild, who have made the Clinton Hall-trained pacer their best bet on Parliamentarians Cup night.
Form expert Ken Casellas, TABradio’s form analyst Hayden King, TABradio’s racecaller Matt Young and Guild president Wayne Currall all believe champion reinsman Chris Lewis will steer Bettor Reward to an all-the-way victory.
Casellas summed up the thoughts of his colleagues when assessing the merits of Bettor Reward.
“Eight-year-old Bettor Reward is a speedy beginner and he should give punters a flying start to Friday night’s meeting by relishing the No. 1 barrier in race one and leading all the way over the sprint trip of 1730m,” Casellas said. “Bettor Reward has been unplaced at his past three starts since he started from barrier one and set the pace before winning by three lengths at a fast 1.52.7 rate over 1730m seven weeks ago. He’s my best bet this week to repeat the dose.”
Class mare Dracarys is another horse many members of the Guild have made their star bet on the 10-event program.
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft are all confident she’ll return to the track a winner.
Manning’s comment echoed the thoughts of his colleagues.
“Four-year-old Dracarys, looking set for victory at her first start in six months, has shown outstanding potential by notching 10 wins from 14 appearances since joining trainer Justin Prentice’s stable,” Manning said. ”The Kiwi import opened her WA account with wins at five consecutive appearances. She again struck top form last autumn, when recording four straight victories. The $125,00 Mares Classic (2536m) in December will be among her Gloucester Park summer carnival targets.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding believes it could be a good night for the Michael Brennan/ Michael Grantham combination.
“My best bet comes up in race two with Braeview Bondi coming out of barrier two,” Harding said. “He’s looking for three wins in a row and I think he has an excellent chance off doing just that.”
VALUE BETS
KEN: For value, I suggest Waltzingwithsierra in race seven in which she is ideally drawn on the inside of the back line. She is a talented sit-sprinter who is sure to be charging home at the business end of proceedings.
HAYDEN: Phar From Kalahari has strung a few impressive runs together and has been assigned a cosy draw. She is a live chance, regardless of what happens.
MATT: Waltzingwithsierra is getting better with every run and represents each-way value with some racing luck.
WAYNE: Black Jack Zac is drawn to get the run of the race behind likely leader Bettor Party in the fourth. Can fly late at an each-way quote.
ERNIE: Absolution is on an 11-run losing streak and has won only twice in his past 44 races. But he looked ready to break the drought when third at Gloucester Park on the past two Friday nights. There was plenty of merit in his $30,000 Preux Chevalier Pace effort a week ago.
WARREN: Race six, No. 5 Mighty Conquerer. If the indicative price of $7 is correct then it will be Christmas in November for punters as Mighty Conqueror, despite the rise in class, looks a cups class horse and can account for his rivals.
RYAN: Diamond Geezer has a habit of finding his way into the minor money often enough for him to be an each-way chance in the last.
PAT: My value bet comes up in race six with the Brennan/Grantham team with The Bucket List. He is ideally placed in barrier two and although his recent form isn’t that good I think he can give punters a great sight.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
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