WA Media Guild thoughts 4th August

The John Higgins Memorial (2130m) is the feature harness racing event at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

The $50,000 Listed event has attracted an even field and finding the winner will be no easy task.

But that hasn’t distracted two members of the WA Trotting Media Guild from making their best bet in the feature.

Only trouble is they’ve selected different horses.

Ryan Havercroft, the racing co-ordinator, from The West Australian, believes Peter Petrify (Pet Rock) is the one to beat in the John Higgins.

“Peter Petrify could only manage third in his heat of the John Higgins Memorial at Bunbury, but was shuffled back in the field before finishing strongly,” Havercroft said. “He franked his credentials for this by winning in town last Friday night and will start favourite and be the hardest to overcome.”

However, Guild president Wayne Currall doesn’t see the race panning out that way.

“Paul Edward came from the same draw on the back line when he won his heat at Northam late last month,” Currall said. “Prior to that victory he finished an unlucky second behind Faster Than Dad at GP, before a close-up fifth behind Hoppys Way. Maddison Brown should have him in a position to strike when the heat goes on.”

Veteran tipster Pat Harding is keen on one in the first.

“The small fields persist at GP with the Bonds and the Halls looking to dominate,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race one with with No. 2 Master Yossi. Had a good win last week and should repeat the dose.”

Award-winning journalist Ken Casellas has singled out Henrik Larsson as his star bet.

“Henrik Larsson hasn’t enjoyed much luck when unplaced at his past four starts,“ Casellas said. “But he has excellent prospects of returning to the winning list for trainer Luke Edwards when he starts from the No. 1 barrier in the 2130m Garrards Horse And Hound Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night. He is a good frontrunner and I’m making him my best bet to beat the in-form pair of Master Publisher and Cloud Nine.”

TABradio’s Matt Young is convinced Watching Our Coin will prove his quality by winning race four.

“Watching Our Coin steps up to FFA company and can do his fair share of work,” Young said. “Not only that, the gelding can really run the arm hard and I am expecting him to work to the front and be able to keep them rolling to victory.”

VALUE BETS

RYAN: Henrik Larsson can improve on his poor numerical form from an inside barrier.

WAYNE: On a night where it’s hard to find value, I’m looking to add to the bank by playing an all-up. Rolling Fire into Lenora Jane into Bromwich. Go you good things.

PAT: My double comes up in race three with No. 3 Onesmartfella. Ran a good second at his last start and is well placed here to record another win.

KEN: For value, I suggest Paul Edward in the John Higgins Memorial. His effort to win a qualifying heat at Northam was outstanding when he thundered home from the rear and won easily.

MATT: Our Trump Card will get a soft run in the Higgins and power home strongly with clear running.

Click Here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.

Good punting.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Wayne Currall, for Gloucester Park