06 February 2020 | Wayne Currall
Another mixed bag of best bets from members of the WA Trotting Media Guild for this Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.
Only two members – longshot guru Pat Harding and Guild president Wayne Currall – have agreed on a best bet on the 10-event card.
Harding and Currall believe punters can start the night off on a winning note by supporting Sir Galahad.
“So pleased to see some capacity fields at GP this Friday night compared to last week,” Harding said. ”My best bet of the night comes up in race one and should get punters off to an excellent start on what promises to be an exciting night. Coming out of barrier six, the Garry Hall-trained Sir Galahad looks the goods and should make it four wins in a row.“
And Currall agrees.
“I searched high and low for something to beat Sir Galahad in the opening event,” Currall said. “In the end, I surrendered to logic and went for the horse with winning form. Sir Galahad won’t have it as easy as last week, but the 2536m race gives champion reinsman Gary Hall Jr plenty of time to slot the horse in and then come with one strong run. He’s the one they all have to beat.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is keen on the consistent Theo Aviator in race seven.
“Theo Aviator is showing toughness by holding top form after having raced prominently in a series during November and December,” Manning said. “He won the 4YO Championship, then ran third in the 4YO Classic and fourth in the Golden Nugget. A fortnight ago, the gelding fought on gamely to finish fourth after facing the breeze. He looks ready for his 14th win.”
This season’s leading tipster, TABradio’s Hayden King, believes James Butt gets his chance to return to the winner’s list.
“On a highly competitive night of pacing, James Butt gets his chance to lead and win,” King said. “He was his own worst enemy last time and can bounce back this time.”
Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart, who is running a very close second behind King after tipping eight winners last Friday night, has opted for Tiffany Rose as his star bet.
“Tiffany Rose looks well placed here with the low draw,” Wishart said. “Should find the lead and in that role I can’t see anything getting over her.“
TABradio’s Matt Young has made As Happy As Larry his best bet.
“As Happy As Larry is racing very well and is suited in this grade,” Young said. “He should be able to breeze and be too strong here.“
Veteran tipster Ken Casellas likes the chances of Bettor Pack It.
“On a highly competitive program on Friday night when selecting more than a couple of winners will be a notable feat, I have earmarked Bettor Pack It as my best bet – to lead all the way from barrier one in race eight,” Casellas said. “The Terry Ferguson-trained four-year-old led when a fighting second to Culpeka in the Albany Cup at her most recent appearance.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft believes Culpeka can continue on his winning ways.
“ Culpeka has been racing in fine form, winning at his last five outings, including a last-start win in the Albany Cup when going from last-to-first in the final lap,” Havercroft said. “This is tougher and he is drawn awkwardly, but he has the services of Chris Lewis, who will extricate him from inside of the back line.”
VALUE BETS
PAT: My value bet comes up in race six with No.1 James Butt. With Chris Voak aboard and a couple of good places after a spell, I think he is ready to win and I expect a forward showing over the 2130 metres.
WAYNE: Parsisian Partygirl should appreciate a trailing draw in the eighth race. She has a paralysing burst when held up for one sprint and can win this, especially if the sparks fly early.
ERNIE: Charlie El has not been placed in his past 12 starts, but gate two gives him the chance to bounce back and be a first-three prospect. He drew the back line when finishing ninth and fifth on the last two Friday nights.
HAYDEN: Dontstopbelievin went around at odds on last time and should be a much better price this week in a similar field. She will be hard to hold out.
WARREN: Vampiro would have to be the unluckiest horse in the State drawing nine for the third consecutive time. While there is speed underneath him, I can see him racing handy. He could have won all three of the features, so he clearly brings the best form in. The offer of $6 is available on fixed odds. I think he is a great bet.
MATT: Jilliby Jake is a solid chance of rolling to the top and is suited in this class.
KEN: For value, I suggest Mister Bushido in race seven. He was most impressive first-up last Friday night when he thundered home to be second to Touch Of Success.
RYAN: Twoandahalf Tigers trailed Sokys Bigbullet all of the way to finish second in the Village Kid Sprint at Northam on Saturday. Drawn well behind a fast beginner and can get the same run here into the placings.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting.
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