02 April 2020 | Wayne Currall
Three members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have labelled As Happy As Larry as their best bet on a night when the State’s best three-year-olds contest the Group 1 $200,000 WA Derby (2536m) at Gloucester Park.
Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart, The West Australian’s Ernie Manning and TABradio racecaller Matt Young all believe the Robbie Williams-trained and driven As Happy As Larry will salute.
“As Happy As Larry has been placed to perfection by the stable, dropping back from open class to this restricted-class event and on top of that comes up with a good draw,” Wishart said. “Leads easily and don’t see any dangers. Would be happy as Larry to be on at the indicative price of $1.90.”
Manning agrees.
“A sharp class drop will be appreciated by As Happy As Larry after running third to the brilliant Shockwave in strong company on the past two Friday nights,” Manning said. ”As Happy As Larry, a New Zealand winner before he was imported to WA by trainer-reinsman Robbie Williams, should be able to secure a commanding position from gate two. He has notched eight Gloucester Park victories.”
Young also is singing the same tune.
“As Happy As Larry has come back down in grade and he is flying,“ Young said. ”Should be speared off the arm to lead and win.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft and longshot guru Pat Harding are firmly in Marquisard’s camp.
“Marquisard grows a leg from the inside draw and only just went down last time out from the same gate,” Havercroft said. “He over-raced in the middle stages on that occasion and held on until the last few strides before being claimed by Mcardles Gem. Has had a short freshen-up for this assignment and should give a bold showing.”
Harding is of the same opinion.
“WA Derby night should be a fascinating night at GP this Friday with a few favourites coming home,” Harding said. “My best bet of the night comes up in race two with No.1 Marquisard. This horse has been knocking on the door and has found it hard to win, but this might be his best opportunity. With Chris Voak aboard, he is likely to be a short-priced favourite but I think he can break through for a good win.“
Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas is keen on Dennis as his star bet.
“Dennis has struck top form for trainer Ross Olivieri and he looks ideally placed at barrier three in race nine at Gloucester Park on Friday night,” Casellas said. “He’s my best bet to notch his third win from his past seven starts. Dennis sustained a strong burst from 10th at the bell to finish fourth behind Miracle Moose last Friday night and he should give punters a great sight this week.“
TABradio’s form expert Hayden King, who is a narrow leader in the Guild’s tipping competition, believes Talktomeurmattjesty can get the chocolates in the fifth.
“ Talktomeurmattjesty equaled the track record under very similar circumstances to these only weeks ago,” King said. ”He can roll forward, lead, keep rolling and win.”
Guild president Wayne Currall has opted for Madame Meilland as his best for the night.
“This will be Madame Meilland’s fourth start since a three-month spell,” Currall said. “She should be cherry ripe for this race, has drawn a perfect gate and has the services of master reinsman Chris Lewis. I can see her rolling to the top and from there she’s the horse to beat.”
VALUE BETS
WARREN: Madame Meilland had no luck in the feature mares race at Pinjarra, then wasn’t beaten far in the Empress Stakes last Friday. Perfect draw and the indicative price of $5 is great each-way value.
ERNIE: Chris Lewis has been booked to take over driving Destined To Rule and the veteran, a winner only once from his past 40 starts, is capable of improving. He drops in class after a ninth when clashing with tough opposition last Friday night at his first appearance for more than four months.
MATT: Patronus Star was impressive on debut in the west and he has the perfect draw and distance form. A big player.
RYAN: Mach Da Vinci isn’t liking the tight Gloucester Park circuit, but he won on class last week and is worth an each-way play from a wide draw.
PAT: My value bet of the night comes up in the WA Derby. I have a feeling that No. 6, Double Expresso can bring home the bacon. She should be at good odds and, with Chris Lewis aboard, I reckon she can make it five wins in a row in what should be an excellent race.
KEN: For value, I suggest Mister Bushido from the No. 3 barrier in race two. He is racing with plenty of enthusiasm and his was a splendid effort last week when he ran on from the rear with a three-wide charge to finish fifth behind Mach Da Vinci.
HAYDEN: Disco Under Fire is fairly flying since joining Giles Inwood. Although drawn slightly awkwardly, if he can roll forward and maintain his advantage over One For Dave Andme he should win.
WAYNE: Bettor Party might surprise a few people in the second. He is quoted at 50/1 in early markets, but his form is better than it reads. Can run a race at huge odds.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting and stay safe.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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