WA Media Guild thoughts 11 September

A top night of pacing at Gloucester Park on Friday night with the highlight being the clash of Chicago Bull, Shockwave and Galactic Star in the $50,000 James Brennan Memorial Pace (2536m).

It promises to be a race for the ages.

But members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have steered clear of the Brennan when searching for their best bets on the exciting 10-event card.

It’s a mixed bag all right, with only two members opting for the same star bet.

The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft and longshot guru Pat Harding have made Kiwi Bloke their best bet.

“Kiwi Bloke was collared in the late stages a fortnight ago by Im Rocknroll Magic after leading from the outset,” Havercroft said. “He has been in great form in standing starts and should be able to find the top again with a safe beginning.”

And Harding agrees.

“Another interesting night of pacing at GP this Friday with the Bond stable again looking for a number of winners,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race eight with No. 1 Kiwi Bloke. This horse has been racing very consistently and with a 30 metre advantage over Wildwest in this stand start I think he should be able to lead from start to finish.”

Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas is keen on Jack William in the second race.

“Forget Jack William’s 10th behind Baylan Jett last week and support him to set the pace and win on Friday night,” Casellas said. “He started from out wide at barrier eight and was not suited by a slow first half of the final mile last week.  He’s my best bet this week when I’m tipping he will jump straight to the front and then hold his rivals at bay.”

Guild president Wayne Currall believes it could be a big night for the powerful Gary Hall stable.

“The Hall yard has a very strong team and it wouldn’t surprise to see them finish the evening with four or five winners,” Currall said. “I think Undercover Mac can get the ball rolling for them after he ran a great race to finish so close to the classy Howard Hughes last start at headquarters. Undercover Mac can get punters off to a flyer in the opening event.“

Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart is a fan of Intheskyrocket.

“My best bet comes up in the last in the form of Intheskyrocket,” Wishart said. “Looks a good race for her from the inside draw. She was third in a WA Oaks, which underlines her class. Should lead throughout.”

TABradio’s Matt Young is firmly in the corner of My Carbon Copy in race four.

“My Carbon Copy has the draw to work to the front and control the race,” Young said. “He can return to the winners’ circle for a well-deserved win.”

The West Australian’s Ernie Manning has opted for The Buckeye Bullet as his star bet.

“New Zealand import The Buckeye Bullet appears poised to notch a second-up win when returning to Gloucester Park for co-trainers Greg and Skye Bond,” Manning said. “The Bonds have handled him patiently and only one of his first seven WA wins was in the city. He then won twice at Gloucester Park, ahead of beginning a spell in May. The gelding recorded an impressive victory when resuming at Pinjarra on August 24.”

VALUE BETS

RYAN: Galactic Star could be the beneficiary if Chicago Bull and Shockwave cut at each other. Has returned in fine form and near peak fitness now.  

PAT: My value bet comes up in race two with No. 4 Art Tutor. Another consistent horse which ran a good third last week with a win before that. I think Aldo Cortopassi, who trains and drives this horse, can steer him to another victory and give punters a good return.

KEN: For value, I suggest Euphoric Moment from the back line in race eight. He will be charging home after several eye-catching efforts.

WAYNE: Always Arjay should get the run of the race behind likely leader My Carbon Copy in race four. Should be able to hold down a place from that position.

WARREN: Race five No. 1 As Happy As Larry. Following up with him after a lovely return last week. This draw gives him great each-way claims.

MATT: Euphoric Moment looks a wonderful chance. Drawn to be thereabouts and should go very close at some value.

ERNIE: Extreme Prince is capable of scoring a second straight win after breaking a 10-run losing sequence when he led and was successful last Friday night. Top trainer Gary Hall has persevered with the gelding despite him winning only twice in his past 20 starts.

To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.

Good punting. 

Wayne Currall