The consistent Lawrence and the promising Hampton Banner are two horses earmarked by members of the WA Trotting Media Guild as star bets at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Longshot guru Pat Harding and TABradio’s Hayden King have made Lawrence their best bet on the 10-event card, which features the running of the Group 2 $50,000 2YO Champagne Classic (2130m).
“After a pretty good night last Friday, there looks like a few more odds-on favourites this week,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race eight with No. 8 Lawrence. This Greg and Skye Bond-trained horse has been so consistent and should continue on his winning ways. He is ideally placed one out on the 10 metre line and should run home well.”
And King agrees.
“Lawrence won a shade cosily last start,” King said. “He still looks progressive and this race could develop in his favour. I think he is classy and will be winning better races.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning and that newspaper’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft are keen on Hampton Banner in the last race.
“Classy import Hampton Banner looks set to complete a winning hat-trick after front-running victories at Gloucester Park in his last two appearances,” Manning said. “The gelding arrived in Perth with a classic mission last year after three New Zealand wins. He finished sixth in the 2020 WA Derby at his second Gloucester Park start. Returning last month after a lengthy spell, he ran a first-up fourth ahead of the two wins. He looks a carnival cups prospect.”
Havercroft is thinking along the same lines as his colleague.
“Hampton Banner produced another dominant display last week when leading all-the-way in 1:55.2 over the sprint trip and the lightly-raced four-year-old looks hard to beat again,” Havercroft said. “He appears to have the ability to overcome a wide draw and bring up a hat-trick of wins on Friday night.”
Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart has made Vultan Tin his best for the night.
“I fancy Vultan Tin’s chances on Friday night,” Wishart said. “He won the Pinjarra Cup from this draw and his recent efforts have been solid. I think he looks a really good chance in this race.”
Award-winning journalist Ken Casellas believes punters can prosper by supporting Classic Choice in race two.
“Four-year-old Classic Choice is a versatile gelding with a winning percentage of 40, and he should make a bold bid for victory in the 2130m Garrards Horse & Hound Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night when he starts from a favourable barrier at No. 2 on the front line,” Casellas said. “He sustained a spirited three-wide burst from ninth at the bell when fifth behind Boom Time a fortnight ago, and he is my best bet this week to notch his ninth win from only 21 starts.”
Media Guild president Wayne Currall has made My Carbon Copy his best for the evening.
“You don’t need to be Einstein to realise My Carbon Copy is poised to record his first win this preparation,” Currall said. “From gate two, Gary Hall Jr should be able to take up the running with this guy and from there it should be all over. Will be deep in the red but together with Jumpingjackmac and Vultan Tin, will act as a reliable banker for all-ups.”
VALUE BETS
PAT: My value bet comes in race 10 with No. 1 Machlani. He has been knocking on the door and is due for a win.
HAYDEN: Going to return to my trusty all-up. Lightning Jolt is a model of consistency in the third for the place; Our Sequel is nearing a win (not Friday) and going better than numerically suggested also to place; Lawrence in the eighth to win.
ERNIE: Barrier one gives Blissfullabbey a solid chance after Pinjarra fourths from gate six at her first two starts of a campaign. She showed plenty of ability when winning twice and running three places at five consecutive starts in her previous preparation.
RYAN: Lightning Jolt is racing well since returning from a spell. I think he represents value at a suggested price of $6.50 after winning last time out.
WARREN: Beach Start was beaten by a star last start, but his first-up win was full of merit. At double-figure odds from the good draw can give a sight.
KEN: For value, I suggest veteran performer Extreme Prince, who, from the No. 2 barrier should either lead or race in a prominent position throughout in the TABtouch Pace. He has been placed at his past five starts, including an encouraging second to Diego over 2536m last Friday night.
WAYNE: Bettor My Dreams is an interesting runner in the stand. He’s owned by Merv Butterworth and trained by Ross Olivieri – a combination that has produced many winners. Jumped out well in a Byford stand trial recently and could be a good play at each-way odds.
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.
