WA Media Guild thoughts 22 May

Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have different opinions on their star bets for Friday night’s meeting at Gloucester Park.

Only The West Australian’s Ernie Manning and the paper’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft have agreed on a best bet for the 10-event card.

Both Manning and Havercroft have labelled Balcatherine as their best.

“Balcatherine impressed when winning last Friday night and looks set for a string of victories before she is aimed at the Mares’ Classic,” Manning said. “The four-year-old joined Gary Hall’s stable after New Zealand wins at her first two starts. She won once from three appearances in her first WA campaign, but seems better this time in . She has recorded two wins and three places from her past five starts.”

And Havercroft agrees with his colleague.

“Balcatherine has been racing superbly from wide or backline draws and comes up with the pole this week,” Havercroft said. “Rated 1.54.3 to win here last week coming off the pace and is drawn to dictate here, which should make it hard for her rivals to get over her.”

Veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas is keen on Valbonne in race two.

“Forget Valbonne’s ninth placing behind Just Rockon Bye last week,” Casellas said. “That’s my message as I label the Mike Reed-trained four-year-old as my best bet on Friday night. He has the ability to overcome the awkward draw in barrier six in which he will clash with another talented four-year-old in Dracarys. Valbonne travelled smoothly in the one-out one-back position last Friday night before being hopelessly blocked for a run in the final circuit.”

TABradio’s Hayden King believes those punters who burnt their fingers on Chicago Bull last week should butter up again on Friday night.

“I have pegged Gary Hall Jr down for six winners again this week, so here's hoping he can emulate his previous feat,” King said. “I think the best has been saved until last and Chicago Bull will make amends and reverse the result on Our Jimmy Johnstone this week. There was no shame in getting run down after working and running a 26.8 third quarter last week.”

Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart says Gotta Go Gabbana will atone for recent defeats.

“Gotta Go Gabbana is my best bet on what looks a punter-friendly night,” Wishart said. “With at least six odds-on favourites, Gotta Go Gabbana looks the standout of the night.  Easily the best credentialed mare in the race, she comes up with a lovely draw in two and will shoot straight to the top and from there she will be too good.“

Guild president Wayne Currall has formed a clear idea of how race three will be run and won by Machlani.

“Dominate The Dojo is one of the quickest beginners from the mobile in WA,” Currall said. “He will take up the early lead but usually surrenders the top to the first horse that arrives on the scene – and I’m tipping that horse will be Machlani from his cosy draw in gate two. He ran a creditable fourth behind Bletchley Park last week and is poised to end a losing sequence of five.”

Longshot guru Pat Harding is keen on Marquisard in race seven.

“Well punters and tipsters did a little better at GP last week and hopefully the trend will continue,” Harding said. “My best bet of the night is No. 2 Marquisard. He had a good win three starts ago and with Shannon Suvaljko  aboard and a good barrier I think he can win again.

VALUE BETS

ERNIE: Bolta has not won in his past six appearances, but he could run a big race at his second start from a stand. He finished second at Pinjarra when making his standing start debut on May 11.

RYAN: Mon Lillies is unplaced at her last eight outings but loves to lead. The inside draw gives her a chance to return to form.

KEN: For value, I suggest Star Fromthepalace in the Diamond Classic. She is competing with admirable zest and looks set to be in the lead or close to it throughout the 2130m journey.

HAYDEN: Mister Bushido is listed at $6, which looks stupendous value. He is in search of the hat-trick and won a shade cosily last start.

WARREN: On a difficult night to find anything of value with any chance, I’ve gone for Dracarys at the indicative price of $4.50. After a great first-up run nothing has gone right for this mare, but this is as weak a race as she has found in her time here and she can bounce back to winning form.

WAYNE: Lavra Joe has drawn the outside of the front row in the opening event and most punters will put a line through his name because of the awkward draw, but not me. He will relish a fast pace and will be charging late.

PAT: My value bet comes up in race two with No. 6 Valbonne. He has been knocking on the door and was unlucky last week, but I think Michael Grantham can steer him to victory for trainer Mike Reed.

To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.

Good punting from home.

Wayne Currall