Call him the “Crazy Burglar”, the “Deranged Intruder” or the “Insane Thief” - whatever tag you put on Mad Robber, you can add another one.
On-top selection with all nine members of the WA Trotting Media Guild, with five making Mad Robber their best bet at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Former RWWA chief handicapper and now Radio Great Southern’s form expert Warren Wishart best sums up the thoughts of his colleagues and fellow Mad Robber fans - The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, TABradio’s form analyst Hayden King, Guild president Wayne Currall and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft.
“The best bet of the night comes up in race two with No.1 Mad Robber,” Wishart said. “This is astute placement by master trainer Gary Hall - it sees this horse meeting inferior opposition from the best draw. Should lead and win on a night many short-priced favourites should salute.“
Longshot guru Pat Harding believes another Hall-trained horse - the unbeaten Wildwest - will make it eight on the bounce.
“ It should be a good night for favourites at GP this Friday,” Harding said. “Many have drawn favourably. My best of the night comes up in race five with Wildwest. He is without a doubt the best four-year-old in the State and while there is quite a bit of talent in the race, Wildwest from barrier six should bring home the bacon.“
Former president of the Guild and renowned form expert Ken Casellas is keen on Mighty Conqueror from the leading yard of Greg and Skye Bond.
”Mighty Conqueror was gallant in defeat a fortnight ago when he did all the work in the breeze and was nabbed in the final couple of bounds by Motu Premier,” Casellas said. “He certainly lost no admirers after that effort and he’s my best bet at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he should set the pace and prove too smart for his rivals in the Pat Cranley Memorial.”
And TABradio’s racecaller Matt Young agrees.
“Mighty Conqueror has the gate speed to lead and I’m expecting the five-year-old gelding to re-announce himself as the best in the State on Friday night.” Young said.
VALUE BETS
WARREN: I’m expecting an improved showing from Sarah Goody on Friday night. Well drawn and her best form would see her go close. Worth an each-way ticket.
PAT: Simba Bromac is a talented horse due for a win. This week could see him fulfil his promise.
ERNIE: Overboard Again will appreciate a class drop after running seventh last Friday night when he had difficulty getting a clear run in the JP Stratton Cup. He has won eight Gloucester Park races.
HAYDEN: Mighty Flying Deal should be at an each-way price and is racing in august fashion. If he can lead he will be hard to beat.
WAYNE: Eloquent Mach will get out to a ridiculous price in the 4YO Championship. He’s often been the giantkiller and he’s drawn to get a drag into the race.
RYAN: Mon Lillies takes on some in-form mares this week but will enjoy an inside draw over the sprint trip. Could surprise.
KEN: For value, I suggest a solid each-way wager on Captain Mannering from barrier three in the opening event. He is a good frontrunner and his strong finishing burst to win easily from Justasec at Pinjarra on Monday afternoon was an impressive performance.
MATT: Dennis has been racing well without much racing luck. He’ll be a decent price and looks a chance in an open first race to start the night.
Vale “Pommy Mick”
The Gloucester Park community is sad to farewell Michael “Pommy” Ditchfield. The part-owner of Destined To Rule had been battling cancer, but despite his failing health he was usually on course to cheer his horse on.
And the Gods were smiling when Destined To Rule delivered for Mick at odds of 20/1 in a stand at headquarters last month. My last memory of Mick was him hooting and hollering for Destined To Rule all the way down the straight and hugging trainer and part-owner Sonia Zucchiatti as their horse saluted.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
