The late, great racecaller Ken Howard had a saying that summed up last Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park - “don’t bet on odds-on shots and don’t run upstairs”.
With five odds-on chances all biting the dust - Thereugo ($1.60), Cott Beach ($1.90), Better Scoot ($1.70), Lucky Sensation ($1.60) and Jack Mac ($1.40) - Howard’s words are still ringing in the ears of members of the WA Trotting Media Guild and punters who ventured into the red.
Let’s hope Friday night’s best bets have more success than last week’s selections.
It’s a mixed bag of star bets for the card with every one of the seven tipsters coming up with a different selection - a couple even clashing with their best bets.
Last season’s leading tipster Stuart Lowe is keen on polemarker One Off Delight in the $100,000 Westbred Classic for the 3YO Colts & Geldings.
“My best bet is One Off Delight , who is a very consistent pacer and has drawn barrier one here,” Lowe said. “Led all the way to win at GP in 1.56.4 four starts ago. A repeat of that run will probably be good enough to win this.”
But The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is at odds with Lowe and has opted for Thisbeachrighthere as his star bet in the very same race.
“Thisbeachrighthere has impressed since heading west from Sydney, winning at three of five local appearances,” Havercroft said. “His last two wins suggest he is up to the rise in class and a 17-day break should have him primed for this assignment.”
And the clashes don’t stop there.
TABradio’s Matt Young has made Infinite Symbol his star bet in the $100,000 Westbred Classic for the 3YO Fillies.
“Infinite Symbol has excelled this prep and looks beautifully placed to work forward and go close to finding the top or being positioned close and I think she’ll get the job done,” Young said.
However, longshot maestro Pat Harding is at odds with his younger colleague.
“Another tough night coming up at GP, however it could be a great night for trainer Annie Belton,” Harding said. “My best bet for the night in an excellent field is the Belton-trained Lady De La Renta. Fresh after a good win at Bunbury with regular driver Chris Voak aboard, I think punters will be able to smile if they follow her.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning believes Dior Mia More, another Belton-trained pacer, can salute in the eighth race.
“Dior Mia More possesses the gate speed to take advantage of barrier three and can further boost trainer Annie Belton's impressive strike rate,” Manning said. “The mare, a winner at nine of 17 starts, has set the pace in her two wins from three races since a spell.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas is keen on Fanci A Dance in the ninth race on the card.
“Five-year-old Fanci Dance has resumed after a spell in fine form and his fourth behind Carter Micheal last Friday night was extremely meritorious,” Casellas said. “He raced three wide for most of the 2130m trip and still fought on determinedly. From barrier six, the Barry Howlett-trained gelding is likely to cover extra ground again, but he should take plenty of beating. He’s my best bet this week.”
Guild president Wayne Currall is banking on Bettors Fire continuing on his winning ways.
“Bettors Fire is in top form with five wins at his past seven starts,” Currall said. “He’s drawn awkwardly in gate eight in the Winter Cup, but this rising 10-year-old knows where the winning post is and whatever beats him will win.”
VALUE BETS
Stuart: I think the value bet is Deflector, who has run solid races at his last two starts. This looks easier.
Ryan: Sokys Bigbullet promised plenty when he arrived in the Svilicich stables. Resuming after a break following just one run last prep, don't be surprised if Tony produces him in good order.
Matt: Highroller Joe has drawn beautifully and off a good trial win on Sunday just needs an ounce of luck to make them pay.
Pat: Should be an Annie Belton double with Dior Mia More in the eighth. With leading reinsman Gary Hall Jr aboard, this horse has a great deal of class and should continue on her winning ways.
Ernie: Rockin The Boys has drawn much better than when she ran fifth after being dropped out last Friday night. She is capable of bouncing back to score her seventh Gloucester Park win.
Ken: For value, I’m suggesting Thisbeachrighthere. He possesses good gate speed, is versatile and looks set for a successful career for owner-trainers Greg and Skye Bond.
Wayne: On a night where there looks to be plenty of value, I’m thinking Soho Wonder has an excellent each-way chance in the opening event for trainer-reinsman Kaiden Hayter.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
