Most members of the WA Trotting Media Guild expect punters to start Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park on a winning note if they invest their hard-earned on Walkinshaw in the opening event.
Veteran tipster Stuart Lowe has made the Ray Williams-trained six-year-old his best bet for the night.
“Walkinshaw, who resumes after four months off has won three times and been placed second twice from last his six starts,” Lowe said. “Classy type who is drawn to lead.”
Longshot king Pat Harding and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft believe El Jacko will make a winning return to the track in the York Cup.
“My best bet of the night comes up in the fifth with El Jacko coming out of barrier one,” Harding said. “He is resuming after a spell for the Bond camp but had some good placings before a spell. I think first up with Ryan Warwick aboard he can deliver the goods.”
Havercroft agrees.
“El Jacko had an outstanding last season, winning six races and being placed another 10 times,” Havercroft said. “He resumes in the York Cup and having drawn the pole, he should be hard to hold out.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas and last season’s leading tipster Matt Young are keen on the consistent Chiaroscuro as their best.
“The Murray Lindau-trained five-year-old Chiaroscuro will start from barrier one in the second qualifying heat of the Kersley Pace and I expect him to have the pace to hold up, even against the brilliant beginner Thereugo,” Casellas said. “And even if Dylan Egerton-Green decides to take the sit, I’m confident that Chiaroscuro will sprint home fast and notch his 11th win from 31 starts.”
Young is of the same opinion.
“Chiaroscuro has drawn the ace and is a superior frontrunner, he's likely to win well from the ace on Friday,” Young said.
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning believes punters should give the disappointing Bettor Finish one more chance.
“Bettor Finish has drawn barrier one and gets his chance to break a 10-start losing run,” Manning said. “A winner twice at Gloucester Park, he was placed there in 2130m events last month and showed glimpses of his best. He faced the breeze before finishing fifth last Friday night.”
Budding racecaller Hayden King has opted for Scoobys Delight as his best.
“Scoobys Delight went down fighting to the talented American Dynasty on Sunday at Bunbury when first-up from a spell,” King said. “I fancy this an easier assignment and he will lead once more. He should take all the beating.”
Guild president Wayne Currall is keen on Pick My Pocket.
“This Justin Prentice-trained and reined mare should be cherry ripe after two placed runs after a spell,” Currall said. “She’s found a race where she can dominate from the breeze or just sitting off the pace.”
VALUE BETS
Stuart: The value bet is Brotha Ofa Gangsta, who could not get into the race last week from barrier eight. Prior fourth was good. Drawn to play a part in the finish.
Pat: Leftrightgoodnight from barrier three stands as good a chance as any in this race and could get home at pretty good odds.
Ryan: Scoobys Delight resumed on Sunday from an eight-month break when just run down by American Dynasty. Drawn to lead again, he will be fitter for that outing and this isn’t a strong field.
Ken: For value, I suggest the rejuvenated Im Soxy in the TABtouch Pace in which he has drawn perfectly at barrier one and should be in a commanding position throughout.
Matt: Firebrace is racing well and the distance suits, a genuine tempo should see him sailing home to be a major player.
Ernie: Estocada can be prominent when he returns to Gloucester Park after having raced in the country at his past 25 starts. There was plenty of merit in his performance when he overcame a wide run to win at Bunbury last Sunday.
Hayden: Armbro Bliss is racing in career best form and he looks set to enjoy a run just behind the pace. With one-paced types ahead of him, there should be sufficient pace for him to get out and show his late finishing burst to win.
Wayne: Jaxon Fella is drawn to get the perfect run behind likely leader Sightseeing Anvil. He looks an excellent each-way chance in the fourth on the card.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
