06 September 2018 | Ernie Manning
Champion trainer Gary Hall’s talented four-year-old Speed Man looks a strong prospect for Perth’s Group 1 Golden Nugget later this year and he is the most popular best bet selection given by WA Harness Racing Guild members for Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Speed Man appears to have a class edge on older rivals in the Steelo’s Midweek Meals At Gloucester Park Pace (2536m) and gate four is a bonus as he attempts to notch his fifth win in seven starts since a spell.
His stylish win at Gloucester Park last Friday night had been preceded by two victories there in July and a Pinjarra success on August 20.
Leading the band of Speed Man fans is long-time media guild member Stuart Lowe, who last Friday night was at his best when tipping nine of the 10 winners.
“Speed Man won convincingly last week,” Lowe said. “He will be hard to beat again, after four wins from his past six starts.
Ryan Havercroft, Matt McDermott and Ernie manning have also nominated Speed Man as their best bet.
“He broke his metro class maiden last week and can now rise further in class,” Havercroft said.
McDermott said: “His form this time in has been exceptional and he was outstanding from the breeze at Pinjarra. The distance is no concern. His only unplaced runs over 2500m have been in the WA Derby and Western Gateway.”
Manning said’ “Speed Man has the gate speed to go forward from barrier four and reinsman Gary Hall Jr is likely to put him in a commanding position during early stages.”
Long Shot King Pat Harding is naming Vampiro as his best bet, while Media Guild newcomer Hayden King has gone for Qtown Rip Roaring and consistent leading tipster Matt Young favours Whenmechief.
“Vampiro can overcome gate seven and record his third straight victory after being impressive last week,” Harding said
King said: “Qtown Rip Roaring, who has the speed to hold up and lead all the way, gets his chance to break a winning drought.”
Value Bets:
Stuart: Qtown Rip Roaring is racing better than his numerical form suggests and he has his best draw for a long time.
Ryan: Whenmechief is suited from gate one and he meets only moderate opposition.
Matt McDermott: Soho Chelsea is competing over the distance at which he last won and another victory is close.
Hayden: The Spinster has the early speed to clear rivals. He had quick closing sectionals and hit the line strongly last week.
Pat: Free To Air goes well for reinsman Chris Voak and will be suited by the journey.
Ernie: Algranco Under Fire ran an eye-catching first-up second last month after leg trouble had kept him out of racing for almost two years.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
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