Friday night’s blockbuster meeting at Gloucester Park features two Group 1 events for the “babies”.
The $80,000 Westbred Classic for 2YO Fillies (2130m) and the $80,000 Westbred Classic for 2YO C&G (2130m) highlight a star-studded night of pacing under the ribbon of lights.
Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have found several best bets on the 10-event card, with Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart believing classy filly Black Jack Baby can prove a reliable banker in the first of the Group 1s.
“Black Jack Baby’s recent efforts have been absolutely outstanding and from this draw she will lead and win again,” Wishart said. “Then on to the Slipper where she is a strong winning chance.”
Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas and longshot guru Pat Harding have labelled Lightning Jolt as their star bet for the night.
“Versatility is a key attribute of Lightning Jolt’s make-up and the John Oldroyd-trained seven-year-old should appreciate a slight drop in class on Friday night,” Casellas said. “Recent placings behind Mister Bushido and Valentines Brook have earned him the accolade of my best bet this week. He led and sprinted the final 400m in 27.6sec. when a splendid last-start second to Valentines Brook, two starts after his fast-finishing third behind Mister Bushido.”
And Harding agrees.
“Tipping and punting continues to be a challenge at the Friday night Gloucester Park meetings and this week is equally challenging,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race two with No.4 Lightning jolt. He has run a couple of good places and with Ryan Warwick aboard I think he can give a much-needed win to trainer John Oldroyd.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is keen on Mandy Joan in the last race.
“Mandy Joan, who faced the breeze when winning at Gloucester Park on June 12, has hit top form since a recent transfer to trainer Aiden De Campo’s team and looks hard to beat again,” Manning said. “The mare was placed at her first two starts for De Campo, ahead of winning at her third appearance after the stable change. She has won eight races, including four at Gloucester Park. Barrier two is a key advantage for her.”
TABradio’s form expert Hayden King has earmarked Robbie Easton as his star bet.
“Robbie Easton worked like a train last week and fought on doggedly,” King said. “Providing that effort didn't gas him out, he will take all the beating this week with the draw advantage over Ultimate Offer.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is confident Millwood Gucci can return to winning form in race seven.
“Millwood Gucci registered consecutive placings before a last-start failure when facing the breeze 11 days ago,” Havercroft said. “She forged to the front at those two seconds and I expect Im Batman to be happy to take the trail in a race where most runners have a long run of outs to their names.”
TABradio racecaller Matt Young believes punters can start the night on a winning note by supporting The Black Cardinal in the first race.
“The Black Cardinal has the perfect draw to start your night off right,” Young said. “He was unlucky last start and with a few runs under his belt he looks to lead and control the opener and add some extra dollars to your pocket for the exciting night ahead.”
Guild president Wayne Currall says punters will be dancing with joy if they back The Bird Dance in race four.
“The Bird Dance has won 15 of his 22 starts and is destined to progress to better races than this,” Currall said. “This is the best field he has met, but leading driver Ryan Warwick has options from gate six and the horse’s class should get him home in what appears to be a highly competitive event.”
VALUE BETS
WARREN: Things just haven’t gone right for Pradas Ideal Dahling lately and while the draw is a big blow this is about as weak a field as he has ever met. Worth a big each-way play at the indicative price of $21.
KEN: For value, I suggest 10-year-old Bettor Party in race eight, in which he will start from the No. 1 barrier. The veteran of 210 starts has a losing sequence of 21 and has managed just one win from his past 41 starts. But his recent efforts have been excellent and point to a win in the very near future.
PAT: My value bet comes up in race three with the Garry Hall-trained Our Rhythm N Blues. He had a good win two starts ago and with Junior aboard should give punters a good sight.
ERNIE: Neighlor has been unplaced at his past eight starts, but he possesses more ability than his form suggests. A winner of six Gloucester Park races, he is capable of figuring prominently if having luck.
HAYDEN: Bad Round is drawn to get a soft run on the pegs in a race where they should roll along. He is racing soundly and when the breaks arrive, he can shoot to victory.
RYAN: Caruba has drawn well for her return to racing and won from this draw before going out for a spell. Has gate speed and will be up on the tempo.
MATT: Bad Round was eye catching last start and has a beautiful trailing draw. Looks to be perfectly placed and just in need of some luck, but if he gets the breaks I think he’ll sweep over the top late for victory.
WAYNE: Euphoric Moment has two “duck eggs” next to his name, but his form is much better than that suggests. Should get a lovely run from the pole and looks a safe each-way investment in race two.
Good punting from home.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting from home.
