Chicago Bull, the State’s best pacer, looms as a good thing at Gloucester Park on Friday night but he’ll be at very skinny odds again.
Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have all put the “Little Bull” on top but only two have made him their best bet at the meeting.
Longshot maestro Pat Harding and Guild president Wayne Currall believe Chicago Bull will continue on his winning ways and have made him their best for the night, despite the short quote.
“Could be a good night for our leading trainers - Gary Hall and Greg and Skye Bond,” Harding said. “They have the possibility of winning two thirds of the program between them.
“After a spectacular return to racing last week, Chicago Bull is poised to strike again in the seventh race. With only a small field of seven it should be a good race between the “Little Bull” and Bettors Fire.”
Currall agrees with Harding.
“Chicago Bull couldn’t have been more impressive in his return to the track last week after a four-month spell,” he said. “He faces a bit more opposition from the likes of Runrunjimmydunn, Bettors Fire, Beaudiene Boaz and Galactic Star than he did last start, but he seems to have the measure of the locals and should be winning again.”
Last season’s leading tipster Stuart Lowe is keen on Simba Bromac in the opening event.
“My best bet is the ever-consistent Simba Bromac, who has won 14 times and been placed five times from 20 starts this season,” Lowe said. “Was a massive run from a wide draw in a strong field when a close-up third at Narrogin last start. Drawn two and should be able to lead all the way.”
On-course announcer Ken Casellas has advised punters to be patient and wait until race nine on the 10-event card to unleash their hard-earned.
“Itsnotova has yet to win a race from 14 starts, but he is knocking hard on the door and gets a great chance to break through on Friday night,” Casellas said. “The son of former champion pacer Mr Feelgood gets the nod as my best bet. He is handily drawn at barrier two on the back line and will follow out speedy beginner Flash Hunter.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning believes the Mike-Reed trained Our Angel Of Harlem can continue on her winning ways.
“High-priced New Zealand import Our Angel Of Harlem bounced back to her best and was most impressive when winning the Daintys Daughter Classic by 12m at Pinjarra on Monday,” Manning said. “The filly showed big potential in two Christchurch victories, but struck setbacks after a transfer to Perth. She won only once in her first seven WA starts and was unplaced in three appearances leading up to the Pinjarra triumph. But she now seems assured of more success.”
TABradio’s Matt Young is a big fan of Chok Chai, which is a province in north-eastern Thailand. It’s certainly a topical tip in light of the recent dramatic cave rescue in that part of the world.
“Chok Chai is second up and strips fitter,” Young said. “Over the longer trip he can overcome the bad draw with ease and should go on his winning way again.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is waiting until the last race to launch into his best bet.
“Majorpride was racing well prior to running seventh in the Gold Bracelet,” Havercroft said. “This is much easier and she should return to form in the last event on the card.”
VALUE BETS
Pat: The Halls and the Bonds do battle again in race five, but I think that El Jacko with Ryan Warwick aboard should prevail over the favourite Lets Chase The Dream.
Wayne: Punters should forgive Forever Remembered her unplaced runs at her past two starts when she couldn’t get into the race. Prior to those efforts, she charged home from well back to finish a close second behind Michael Joseph and could get the fast pace she needs to show her best.
Stuart: My value bet is Celestial Ruler, who worked hard and finished with a flat tyre when sixth here last week. Placed at two of previous four starts. Pole draw gives him good claims here.
Ken: For value, I suggest Motu Premier in the BOTRA Cup, in which he will start off 40 metres at his second appearance after a spell. It is well worth considering that two starts ago Motu Premier ran on to finish fifth behind Soho Tribeca and Chicago Bull in the WA Pacing Cup in January.
Ernie: Motu Premier is capable of running a bold race when racing second-up. He proved his class by finishing fourth in an Inter Dominion heat last November and he later ran fifth in the WA Pacing Cup.
Matt: Motu Premier is second-up and has good standing-start form, gets the trip and should show his best.
Ryan: Space Junk has won at six of nine local starts and has hardly put a foot wrong since resuming from a spell. A rise in class and an awkward draw means he should be near an each-way quote.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
