Trent’s Tips – Gloucester Park 16th January

A full 10-race card returns to Gloucester Park on Friday night with heats of the Nights of Thunder and the Group 3 Trotters Sprint highlighting the program.

Here is our race-by-race Gloucester Park harness racing preview for Friday, January 16.

Race 1

We kick off the opening race with a mares event named in honour of trainer Barry Howlett who passed away. SWEET COCO NZ (9) appears to be a tricky horse for Gary Hall Jnr, but her talent is obvious when she does things right – barrier nine will not be easy to overcome, however, it may mean that we get a better price as she is the class horse of the field. Can be put into the race or look to come with one run.

ALTA ALLURE (8) won well last start and has strong claims of doing so again despite the wide barrier. XCITE ME NZ (11) is racing well and is suited racing this type of opposition, so each-way claims. SUGAR DELIGHT (7) was previously prepared by Howlett so it would be really fitting if she could get the job done for trainer Cameron Ross. HUNGER STRIKE (5) is also in the mix.

Tips: 9-8-11-5

SWEET COCO NZ (9) to win

Race 2

The first heat of the Nights of Thunder and they should carve out some fairly quick time here with good gate speed engaged here. ARMA BELIEVER (7) can let fly and that looks likely over the sprint distance. The five-year-old gelding has been racing well against My Watchlist and the Colin Brown-trained horse was a winner four starts ago. Should run a big race.

HUGOTASTIC NZ (9) returned well in the FFA ranks with a third placing behind My Watchlist and Better Eclipse. Can do plenty of work against this company and should be strong late. The testing material here. TRAVELBAN (2), LINCOLN RIVER NZ (4), BETTOR ARCADE (5) and MADAM PUBLISHER NZ (8) are the other chances in the race.

Tips: 7-9-4-5

ARMA BELIEVER (7) to win

Trifecta: 7,9 / 4,5,7,9 / 2,4,5,7,9

Race 3

Second heat of the Nights of Thunder and very keen on SEBASTIAN JAMES (1) who should be leading from the inside barrier for trainer-driver Dylan Egerton-Green. He was second after a big spell and then immediately got into the winner’s circle second-up from a spell, rating 1:53.7 at Pinjarra. It was a huge victory after doing a stack of work, and having the fence should see a nice advantage against rivals. If he repeats last run, he should win.

SOHO VESPER LIND (2) can drop straight in for a trail and she loves following speed. If they overdo it in front, she can run them down. THELITTLE MASTER (6) will win a race soon as his form is consistent for Team Bond, while SPYGLASS NZ (8) has a bad draw but a stack of class on his side. GAITCRASHER (4) is next best.

Tips: 1-2-6-8

SEBASTIAN JAMES (1) to win

Race 4

Third and final heat of the Nights of Thunder and the start is crucial. If able to lead, NATHAN STREET (3) won’t find a better opportunity to land a second victory at Gloucester Park. THE WILDCARD (7) is going to have a red-hot crack at him early, trying to cross or drop onto his back if unable to do so. The first quarter in this one could be quick, which could see a few others capitalise late in the race.

Not super confident in the race, so I am going to go with QUINTON (6) who will hopefully be a decent price – suggest each-way if the place price is good enough. Any extra heat early in the race will benefit Quinton who likely won’t spend a penny early. CHIVALRY NZ (8) was excellent last start in a harder race and can capitalise if they burn too hard.

Tips: 3-6-8-7

QUINTON (6) each way

Race 5

A very intriguing FFA event where the lone mare of the race, WONDERFUL TO FLY (1), has opened the early favourite – I am completely against her despite drawing barrier one. She hasn’t raced since November 21 and races the boys on this occasion. Especially at the shorter odds, I can’t have her.

HOTLY PURSUED (4) is the most likely leader in the race and will strip fitter after two runs this prep. Drops back from the 2536m to the 2130m which looks more suitable too. Maddison Brown picks up the drive for trainer Murray Lindau and Hotly Pursued has won nine races from 37 attempts at Gloucester Park.

Going to throw one out at massive odds in the form of NERANO NZ (7) who is yet to fire since arriving in WA. Lindsay Harper will be hoping for a draw soon, although this race could pan out if some of the inside horses get involved early, trying to find positions. Looking towards the more likely contenders now, both MY WATCHLIST NZ (10) and BETTER ECLIPSE (9) have strong claims, while IMA FIVESTAR GENERAL NZ (3) also has each-way prospects about him. Fantastic race!

Tips: 4-10-9-7

HOTLY PURSUED (4) to win

NERANO NZ (7) to win

Race 6

Feature race of the night is the Group 3 Trotters Sprint and keen on the David Young-trained GRUMPEE (3) who will be driven by top reinsman Aiden De Campo. Interestingly, three of the trotters were previously trained by Alison Alford and driven by Chris Alford in Victoria. Grumpee has found some form at Pinjarra, winning his last two by 21.5m and 14.5m. He speared across in that latest victory and will be keen to try and set the pace here. Clear top pick for me.

MAJESTIC GA GA (9) has copped a shocking barrier draw for the sprint journey. Her form is top notch and if you reversed the draw with Grumpee, she would clearly be the trotter to beat. Has a lot of class and can still play a part here. QUIGGLEY (4), MY LIGHTNING MCQUEEN NZ (5), YANKEE LOVER (10), PATCHED (11) and LUVAFLAIR (12) all have winning claims in the race too.

Tips: 3-9-11-10

GRUMPEE (3) to win

Race 7

A tricky race on paper with LEAVEAMESSAGE (1) looking to be a big improver for Nathan Turvey. Gets the services of Gary Hall Jnr which could see the former NSW pacer run a much better race after a spell.

FLY TO THE FINISH NZ (2) has had a let-up which does concern a little as I am not sure what sort of fitness he will carry into the race. His previous form against stronger fields was good and can run a big race here, hopefully at a nice each-way price.

CHACO EAGLE (10) is drawn to get a soft run and was a good effort when fourth last week. Needs some clear running late but will let them know he’s there if given that chance. CULLEN STAR (3) is racing well and can handle the class rise, while OH MIKI (6) can mix his form – best is good enough.

Tips: 2-1-10-3

FLY TO THE FINISH NZ (2) each way

Race 8

The final leg of the Quaddie and it’s a tough one. All the main chances have drawn poorly.  WICKED HUSTLER (6) was crossed from barrier one recently which is concerning given HI SUGA RUSH NZ (9) is in the race. Throw in the likes of LORD TITANIUM (8), PINNY NOIR (10) and RAKERO RAIDER NZ (12), and I have little confidence in this one.

Looks a good race to sit back and watch. I’d suggest having a few horses in this last leg of the Quaddie unless you are confident in something.

Tips: 12-6-9-8

Race 9

A standing start event where OUR VINNIE (5) off his 10m handicap will be pretty keen to try and find the front. Chris Voak did this four starts ago when leading throughout to defeat Skylou and GREVIS (3). As long as he can settle on speed, Our Vinnie is going to be dangerous in this field.

MAUNGATAHI (9) has plenty of class in the race and is the horse I am most keen on despite his first go at the conditions. He stepped well at the Pinjarra trials back in November and has been racing in strong form. He won two races in a row at Gloucester Park before stepping up in grade, which includes a second to My Watchlist.

ROCK ME OVER (8) is a 288-start veteran and he is thriving on racing for trainer Matthew Scott. Was a winner two starts back but has never won from a stand in 13 attempts. Each-way claims.

Tips: 9-5-8-7

MAUNGATAHI (9) to win

Race 10

The final race on the card is for the NR 40 to 55 pacers and happy to put my hand up and say this is too difficult. There is a stack of chances here after the barrier draw and no idea which way to go. I’d take my tips with a grain of salt for this event – prefer to let them run without a suggestion.

Tips: 3-7-5-11

Summary

Best Bet: Race 3 – SEBASTIAN JAMES (1)

Next Best: Race 6 – GRUMPEE (3)

Best Value: Race 7 – FLY TO THE FINISH NZ (2)

Best Roughie: Race 5 – NERANO NZ (7)

For complete Gloucester Park entries, click here.

by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink