The $50,000 Hoist Torque Australia Chandon 4YO Classic (2130m) is the feature event at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The race is shaping up as a two-horse war between Hotly Pursued and Rolling Fire, who is the sole runner on the back line.
However, award-winning journalist and longtime member of the WA Trotting Media Guild Ken Casellas believes Hotly Pursued is the horse they all have to get over.
“When you’re on to a good thing, stick to it,” Casellas said. “So, I see no reason why I shouldn’t name Murray Lindau’s speedy Hotly Pursued as my special at Gloucester Park on Friday night, after making him my best bet for the two previous weeks. He should set the pace from barrier No. 2 and complete a winning hat-trick.”
Ernie Manning, the pacing expert from The West Australian and The Sunday Times, and TABradio’s Matt Young are firmly in the corner of Ira Poole.
“Melbourne import Ira Poole, trained by Gary Hall Sr, looks set to maintain an unbeaten record run in his current preparation,” Manning said. “The five-year-old impressed when winning first-up at Pinjarra on February 5 and he demolished opposition to score by almost 17m at Gloucester Park last Tuesday week. The gelding won six Victorian races ahead of arriving in Perth last year and was placed at headquarters in his WA debut. He was spelled soon after and benefited from his five months out of racing.”
And Young agrees with his colleague.
“Ira Poole has returned in dazzling form and looks to have been in cruise mode with both wins back,” Young said. “This is a suitable race and given the barrier draw you might get a little bit of extra meat on the bone.”
However, longshot guru Pat Harding sees a different scenario playing out.
“Another interesting night at GP this Friday,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race two with No.7 Mighthavtime trained by Greg and Skye Bond. Has been out of the winners’ circle for a while but I think she can bounce back this week.”
Guild president Wayne Currall believes race four can be won at the start.
“I’m hoping Chris Voak lights Pinny Tiger up off the arm when the starter says go,” Currall said. “The Michael Brennan-trained six-year-old gelding is quick out of the machine and if he can cross likely favourite Franco Ecuador then he’ll be the one to beat.”
Ryan Havercroft, the racing co-ordinator at The West Australian, is keen on in-form mare Steno in race seven.
“Steno has been in sparkling form in recent times, leading on her ear and proving untouchable once in that role,” Havercroft said. “It’s a small but strong field with the likes of Wonderful To Fly and Rumour Has It engaged, though I cannot see how they get around her again.”
VALUE BETS
KEN: Lucca continues to shine and is getting the hang of racing in stands. With a safe getaway off 10m in race six, he will prove mighty hard to beat.
ERNIE: Six-year-old Maddy Rocks has not won in her past 24 starts, but is shaping to break a victory drought after being placed at four of five recent races. Barrier one this week will be a key advantage for the mare, who started from the back line when running Gloucester Park thirds on the last two Friday nights.
MATT: American Bullitt is always an each-way chance and, in what looks to be a very competitive stand, he looks a play at odds.
PAT: My double comes up in race seven with No.1 Wonderful To Fly. Had a win four starts ago and is overdue for a change of luck.
WAYNE: The Kim Prentice-trained Hector returns to the track after a six-month break, but he shouldn’t be underestimated in the stand. He’s a quality animal and can win if his fitness levels are there.
RYAN: Deeorse was a last-start sixth in a rare mobile appearance but gets back behind the strands where he does his best work. Each-way again.
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.
