07 March 2019 | Wayne Currall
Before we launch into this week’s thoughts from the WA Trotting Media Guild for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park, three members deserve an honourable mention – The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, longshot guru Pat Harding and our youngest member, budding racecaller Hayden King.
All three found Robert The Bruce last week at the juicy odds of 33/1.
Hats off to Manning, Harding and King and let’s hope those reading our column lined their pockets with cash.
And speaking of Manning, all members of the Guild wish Ernie all the best on Friday night when his namesake contests the $100,000 2YO Colts & Geldings Sales Classic Final.
Ernie has three shares in Manning and from gate four and with Gary Hall Jr in the cart, the Justin Prentice-trained Sportswriter gelding has a great chance of landing the winner’s cheque of $60,450.
Double Expresso also will start from gate four when she attempts to keep her winning record intact in the $100,000 filly’s final.
“Double Expresso looks set to maintain an unbeaten record when tackling the 2YO Fillies Sales Classic after winning by decisive margins at her first two starts for trainer Ross Olivieri and reinsman Chris Lewis,” Manning, the writer, not the horse, said. “She rated 1.55.7 in a sales classic qualifier at Gloucester Park last week. The filly was clearly faster than other sales classic heat winners and she has enough early speed to quickly overcome the gate.”
Guild president Wayne Currall, TAB radio’s Matt McDermott and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft all agree with Manning.
Multiple winner of the Guild’s tipping competition Stuart Lowe and RWWA’s racing communications co-ordinator Tim Walker are keen on Bronze Seeker in the opening event.
“Bronze Seeker was checked and broke at the 500m mark last week,” Lowe said. “He finished like a train when a close-up third at his previous start. With the pole draw here he gets his chance to break through for a win.”
Walker agrees.
“Bronze Seeker can start the night off in style here for punters,” Walker said. “He’s in good form and drawn the pole in what is a good race, but I think this looks the right race for him.”
King fancies Cracka Star, who should go around at each-way odds.
“Cracka Star is set to secure a dream trip throughout,” King said. “He’ll be on the pegs close to the speed over the long trip. Last season’s champion reinsman Shannon Suvaljko can pick through and win.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas is sticking firm with Liberty Rose.
“She’s been placed at eight of her past 10 starts and Liberty Rose continues to find a way to be beaten,” Casellas said. “But I’m sticking with her and am making her the star bet for this week. Liberty Rose should enjoy a favourable passage from the inside of the back line in race eight over the sprint trip. Just watch her storm home to win from She Could Be Good.”
TABradio’s Matt Young has made the consistent Caviar Star his best for the night.
“Caviar Star has drawn beautifully in a decent field here and should be leading and winning,” Young said. “The depth of the race could allow a decent enough price.”
Harding believes Manning will do his namesake proud.
“I think Manning, named after our erstwhile colleague and tipster Ernie Manning, can get the job done,” Harding said. “He had a great win in the heat and I think he can bring home the bacon here, particularly with Hall Jr aboard.”
VALUE BETS
ERNIE: Bettor Finish has been beaten at his past five starts, was only a distant fifth at Albany last week and has now drawn gate eight. But he is capable of being prominent if reproducing form that has won him three Gloucester Park races.
PAT: Brookies Jet is my value tip. Shannon Suvalkjo has made a habit of winning from barrier one and with not much form in this race Brookies Jet should give punters a good sight.
HAYDEN: Soho Wonder is racing deceptively well and while it still might not be his night yet, it will be soon. Pay to follow.
WAYNE: Kimani has been off the scene for a couple of months, but he’s drawn to get the run of the race behind likely leader Bronze Seeker. Could blow them all away.
MATT M: Mister Spot is racing consistently well this season with a strong third at Bunbury on January 3 and a barnstorming 10m win at Pinjarra last month. If he can position close enough he will be hard to hold out.
RYAN: Major Catastrophe was strong when runner-up in the Northam Cup three starts ago. His effort in the Governors Cup last time out was sound. Blowout chance.
STUART: I think the value bet is Our Jimmy Johnstone, who was held up in the run to the line in Monday’s Pinjarra Cup. He has his hoof on the till and is well drawn in barrier one here.
TIM: The enigmatic Luis Alberto has struck a rich vein of form over the past month and is now winning with authority. Tricky draw, but he’s in form, so don’t see any reason why he can’t make it four on the bounce.
KEN: For value, I suggest James Butt in race two in which he faces an acid test against several talented, in-form and better-drawn rivals. He is a pacer destined for bigger and better things.
MATT Y: Cracka Star is racing decent and drawn to get a good run. Could be a swooper late with some luck.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting!
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
