HEAT 1
The David Aitken-trained Lennytheshark will have his work cut out from barrier eight, as he kicks off his title defence in the opening heat of the night. Lennytheshark has brilliant gate speed, which was on display in the Victoria Cup last season meaning Chris Alford will have plenty of options. Lennytheshark is the best horse in the race and I expect him to be too classy.
Guaranteed is getting better with every start after more than 18 months away from the sport, but barrier one could prove to be tricky for the Emma Stewart-trained pacer. Gavin Lang takes the drive and if he can kick up early and hold his position he will give his rivals something to think about. Bunbury Cup winner Jimmy Johnstone is flying, and if he could cross Guaranteed at the start he could prove to be a threat on the fence. Beaudiene Boaz has a difficult barrier draw to contend with and he's a better horse in front. Tricky Styx is a wonderful mare and she won't be far away from the draw. New South Wales visitor Ultimate Art must also be respected.
HEAT 2
If the real Bettors Fire turns up at his best he should lead the second heat and be mighty hard to beat. He had excuses last start and he's a horse with several problems, but if Kyle Harper can get him right I think he's the one to beat.
Smolda is a great horse and is trained by the All Star team of Mark Purdon and Natalie Rassmussan. Mark Purdon has travelled with Smolda and said the old boy is loving the heat of Western Australia. He proved last season he's up with the best and he has performed well this preparation. He should handle the track and is still the horse to beat despite the draw.
Ohoka Punter is a class horse and proved that with a brilliant trial recently at Byford for Gary Hall Snr a few weeks ago. Since then he's had a major setback with an illness and its been a race against the clock to have him ready for the series. I would rather watch him to see how he goes after that setback before I back him with any confidence. Yankee Rockstar can be dangerous if he returns to his best form and he should be close to his best form after a few runs back this preparation. Phoenix Warrior, John of Arc, Major Crocker, Heez on Fire and Waylade are an even lot and luck will play a part in the search for valuable points.
HEAT 3
This is a great battle and the start will be all important. Exciteusinthecity , Restrepo, Franco Nelson and Hectorjayjay jump from gate one, four, five and eight respectively and can all motor from the gate. Hectorjayjay, if Josh Aiken decides to, would be a big chance to cross them early. The only horse with the potential to stop that is Franco Nelson, but he hasn't started in a mobile since he was crossed easily in the Victoria Cup. Hecotrjayjay has been in brilliant form and deserves favouritism. He looks the one to beat in the final heat.
Franco Nelson is very talented on his day and he proved that in New Zealand earlier this season beating the biggest names in Harness Racing. He doesn't have to lead to be dangerous because he has a brilliant turn of foot if he is saved for one last crack at them.
Bling It On defeated Lennytheshark last start in the Smoken Up at Melton thanks to a beautiful drive by Luke McCarthy. He can't be used off the gate in this class but if the speed is on from the outset, which is expected, he will be very dangerous in the concluding stages.
Restrepo has been a great horse for a long time and was first-up for more than a year when he defeated Hectorjayjay in the Yarra Valley Cup. He was unplaced behind Hectorjayjay after that at Bendigo and is a better horse in front, which would appear unlikely tonight. Simply Susational, Run Oneover, Flaming Flutter and Fryberg can be placed if the luck goes their way.
* Gareth Hall will be speaking to some of the leading trainers in the TABtouch Inter Dominion Series over the next two days for GPTV regarding their chances in the opening round of heats at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
