Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park features the running of the Group 1 $100,000 2YO Golden Slipper (2130m).
Most members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have found their best bets in other races, but longshot guru Pat Harding has made Black Jack Baby, the only filly in the Slipper, as his star bet for the night.
“After a very tough night last Friday at GP, punters and tipsters alike are looking to fightback,” Harding said. “My best bet of the night comes up in the Golden Slipper. In my view Black Jack baby is the best two-year-old in the State and coming out of barrie two I think she will continue on her merry way and make it four wins in a row.”
Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas and The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft believe Cyclone Banner can record an all-the-way victory in the third race on the card.
“Race three at Gloucester Park on Friday night abounds with pacers blessed with excellent gate speed and splendid frontrunning capabilities,” Casellas said. “And I’m tipping that Cyclone Banner will be able to take full advantage of the No. 1 barrier and turn the tables on Infatuation. I am expecting Cyclone Banner will be able to defy any early challenges from fellow four-year-olds Infatuation, American Delight and While They Pray, and I’m happy to make him my best bet.”
And Havercroft agrees.
“Cyclone Banner is drawn to repeat his success of two starts ago and is undefeated in Western Australia when starting from the inside gate,” Havercroft said. “He stuck on well to run third last week when unable to cross Infatuation at the start, but the draw is reversed this week making Cyclone Banner the one to beat.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning has opted for smart squaregaiter Mr Sundon as his best bet.
“Victorian import Mr Sundon appears to have a class edge in the trotters event after seven wins from 11 starts since his WA arrival late last year,” Manning said. “He has not raced for more than three months, but boosted his fitness with a third at Pinjarra trials last Sunday. He is adding to a list of wins by horses that Melbourne owner Merv Butterworth has sent to trainer Ross Olivieri.”
TABradio’s Hayden King believes the speedy Lord Rosco can bring his winning country form to town.
“Lord Rosco should sizzle off the mobile and I think he can find the lead,” King said. “If he does lead, he won't be stopped. He has been untouchable recently.”
Media Guild president Wayne Currall is keen on Gee Jay Kay in race two.
“Gee Jay Kay has been a non-winner of late,” Currall said. “The four-year-old gelding hasn’t saluted since November last year, but this race appears to map well for him. He’s drawn handily in gate three, should relish the longer trip and has champion reinsman Chris Lewis in the gig.”
Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart has made Mandy Joan his best for the night.
“On what looks a good night for the No. 1 saddlecloth, Mandy Joan appeals as the standout of the night,” Wishart said. “Drops in class and is better drawn. Should lead and win easily.”
VALUE BETS
PAT: My value bet comes up in race three with No. 5 Infatuation. Despite an excellent win last week he is at a good price this week. I believe he can make it five wins from six starts and give punters a nice return.
KEN: For value, I suggest Stephen Reed’s speedy Lord Rosco in race seven, a 1730m sprint. Lord Rosco continues to excel on South-West tracks, impressing with his sparkling gate speed and as a freewheeling pacesetter.
RYAN: In the same race as my best bet, Anime will drop in behind Cyclone Banner and will get the perfect chance to follow the favourite and run into the placings.
ERNIE: Tuas Delight has won only once from his past nine starts, but is holding a place in Gary Hall’s strong stable and another victory could be imminent. The gelding has drawn better than when he ran seventh last Friday night.
HAYDEN: Our Rhythm N Blues started near enough to favourite last run and could be at long odds this time. He breezed and stuck it out valiantly on that occasion. He doesn't win often but will be in the mix.
WAYNE: Euphoric Moment appeared to have every chance last start when finishing a disappointing fourth. However, this horse isn’t a sit and sprint type - he takes time to wind up and can motor home off a hot hot pace. Can surprise at big odds.
WARREN: Lord Rosco is on the quick back up after an impressive win at Bunbury on Tuesday. His early speed will put him in a forward position and the indicative price of $9 is most appealing.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting.
