27 June 2019 | Wayne Currall
Outstanding youngster Double Expresso is expected to lead and win Friday night’s Group 1 $100,000 2YO Fillies Westbred Classic (2130m) at Gloucester Park, according to the majority of members of the WA Trotting Media Guild.
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, longshot king Pat Harding and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft have all made Double Expresso their best bet on the 11-event card.
Manning believes Double Expresso looks a top prospect for next month’s Golden Slipper and expects her to win on Friday night.
“Double Expresso, who has been freshened since she faced the breeze and finished third four weeks ago, impressed when winning a Byford trial by 10m last Sunday,” Manning said. “The Ross Olivieri-trained filly, to again be driven by champion reinsman Chris Lewis, has emerged as an outstanding juvenile when winning at six of eight starts.”
Harding agrees.
“My best bet of the night comes up in race five,” Harding said. “There is a great deal of talent in this race, but I think Double Expresso coming out of barrier two can win the 2YO Fillies Westbred Classic. She has been a model of consistency throughout the season and richly deserves to win the big one.”
Havercroft also is keen on the filly.
“Double Expresso will be fancied to add to her outstanding juvenile record when starting from barrier two in the 2YO Fillies Westbred Classic,” Havercroft said. “She has won at six of her eight appearances and from the draw should dictate terms and collect her second Group 1 trophy after winning the sales classic in March.”
Novice racecaller Hayden King is keen on Vincenzo Perrugia.
“Vincenzo Peruggia just needs to muster enough speed to hold Thereugo and he will lead all the way in the sprint,” King confidently predicted.
RWWA’s racing communications co-ordinator Tim Walker has made Aristocratic Star his best for the night.
“Aristocratic Star took out the Westsired event last week and has come up with another terrific draw here,” Walker said. “Tough night to find a best bet, but I think this horse is ready to win a big race and I think it can be this Friday.”
TABradio’s Matt Young, a clear leader in this year’s tipping competition after winning last year’s edition, fancies Saving Grace.
“Saying Grace was very much eye-catching, to say the least, last start and looks well placed this Friday,” Young said. “He looks the winner.”
Guild president Wayne Currall believes punters can cash in early by supporting Ideal Liner in the opening event.
“I know Ideal Liner will go around in the red, but his form is irresistible,” Currall said. “He’s destined for bigger and better things. It won’t be a walk in the park, what with his second-line draw, but he should still be able to put this field away.”
VALUE BETS
ERNIE: Carte Blanche, a winner at two of three starts before he was trapped three-wide and finished unplaced in his last appearance, is capable of bouncing back. The gelding has won five races in his current campaign.
PAT: My value bet of the night comes up in race eight with Black Jac Zac coming out of barrier seven. There’s not a great deal of form in this race and, with Kyle Harper aboard, Black Jac Zac should give punters a good showing.
RYAN: Vincenzo Perrugia will lob right on the pace from barrier two where he wants to be. Stuck on well last week in an honestly run affair.
HAYDEN: Star Of Diamonds is poorly drawn but could surprise. Her recent form is consistent and she is improving all the time.
TIM: Vincenzo Perrugia has been going fairly of late. Barrier two gives him a chance to find the front and I think he gives plenty of cheek here.
MATT: Cut For Ace is third up and drawn to get a soft run. He was luckless last start and looks a great each-way chance.
WAYNE: Countess Grace will be at each-way odds in the mares event and can run a race off a soft run from her backline draw.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
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