20 September 2018 | Ernie Manning
The consistent Speed Man looks set to have a solid following at Gloucester Park on Friday night after being nominated as the meeting’s best bet by prominent WA Trotting Media Guild tipsters Matt McDermott and Ryan Havercroft.
Speed Man, to start from gate two in the Gloucester Park Junior Driver Of The Year Michael Grantham Pace (2130m), has won five of his eight races for trainer Gary Hall Sr since returning from a spell.
He ran second by a half-head to Motu Premier after setting the pace over 2536m last Friday night.
“Speed Man has a better barrier than his main rivals,” McDermott said. “He looks hard to beat.”
Havercroft declared Speed Man lost no admirers last week.
“He was collared within shadows of the post by the strong Motu Premier,” he said. “This is an easier assignment and he can be back in the winners’ list.”
Mitch Maguire, to contest the Gloucester Park Driver Of The Year Gary Hall Jr Pace (1730m), also carries dual best bet status. He was nominated by Stuart Lowe and Ernie Manning at the top of their selections.
Co-trained by Greg and Skye Bond, he won his first three races following a spell and then ran a last-start second in the Schrader Final after striking early interference and facing the breeze.
“He had no luck in the Schrader Final, but still ran second.” Lowe said. “He had been a brilliant winner at his previous three starts and looks too good for his Friday night rivals.”
Manning said Mitch Maguire had proven his class by winning at 17 of 27 starts, which have been highlighted by six victories from eight Gloucester Park appearances.
Ken Casellas, fresh after a holiday, is keen on Im Stylish’s Friday night prospects.
“Im Stylish has a vastly superior winning record (36 per cent) over this week’s rivals,” Casellas said. “She maintained consistency for trainer-reinsman Justin Prentice with an excellent all-the-way victory at her last start.
“She is the solitary back line starter this week and Prentice and will have many options with the mare, who is capable of unwinding a powerful finishing burst.”
Hayden King, nominating Machrie as his best, said: “Is in his easiest race for some time and should lead. He can send punters home on a winning note from the final race.”
Pat Harding, staying with star pacer Chicago Bull, said; “He is the meeting’s stand-out after racing in superb form. Barrier seven should not be a worry and he can win by a big margin on his way to major races, headed by the Inter Dominion.”
Matt Young has nominated Ideal Diamante as his best bet
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Ryan: Kaptain Kenny has been in consistent form and possesses gate speed which should put him in a handy position. Capable of surprising at an each-way quote.
Pat: Machrie, who ran a good fourth last week, has drawn barrier one. I expect the Chris King-trained pacer to go well for reinsman Chris Voak.
Hayden: Im Lisart is drawn to be on the leader’s back and could be hard to beat if getting out.
Matt: Bhagwan has run minor places behind talented horses since last winning. Has very good gate speed and this will to his advantage.
Stuart: Davinci Diamond is a handy type having his fifth start back from a spell and should be close to his top. Beautifully drawn.
Ken: Im Lisart is sure to appreciate a class drop and he should get an ideal passage from the back line. Can follow likely front runner Jason Rulz and is capable of breaking a 15-run losing sequence.
Ernie: Davinci Diamond has been beaten at his last nine starts, but impressed when recently third at Gloucester Park and again when he ran a last-start fourth to Benhope Rulz.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
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