Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild believe the State's best harness racing pacer, Chicago Bull, can return from a freshen up and keep his winning record in tact when he steps out in the $25,000 Howard Porter Memorial at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Leading tipster Stuart Lowe, longshot king Pat Harding and Guild president Wayne Currall have all made the "Little Bull" their best bet on the 10-event card.
Lowe summed up the thoughts of his colleagues. "My best bet is WA’s best pacer, Chicago Bull, who resumes from a seven-week break," he said. "He has gate seven – the same number he has had at four of his last five wins. Won't be any fancy price, but looks too good for his rivals again."
Lowe has opted for Batavia Scooter as his value bet. "Batavia Scooter is awkwardly drawn in gate 12, but he has run good races at two of his last three starts at Gloucester Park and has each-way claims again," he said.
Harding believes it's another tough night ahead for punters with a battle looming between the leading stables of Skye Bond and Gary Hall in many races. He is keen on Gaz Wannabet in the fourth event. "At his first run after a spell he put the writing on the wall with a very creditable second place and I think punters can be rewarded this week with a good win," Harding said.
Currall likes Kissmecougar as his value selection. "This Collie-trained mare has a devastating sprint when held up for one run," he said. "Her last-start second behind Donegal Rundlescreek was full of merit and she should be at each-way odds again."
On-course announcer Ken Casellas is keen on Mighty Mr Sharkey. "He’s the youngest and least experienced runner in the Book Your Melbourne Cup Luncheon at GP Pace, but Mighty Mr Sharkey stands out as a star bet," he said. "The New Zealand-bred four-year-old maintained his splendid form when he began speedily from barrier four and set the pace before winning easily from Tanaka Eagle at Pinjarra on Monday afternoon."
Casellas also has a lot of time for Harry Hoo. "Five-year-old Harry Hoo gets my nod as the best value bet of the night when he contests the 2536m TABtouch Interdominion Starts November 24 Pace," he said. "He is racing with admirable spirit in stronger company and has the class to overcome the disadvantage of starting out wide in gate seven."
The West Australian's Ernie Manning has opted for Our Zac Whitby as his best bet. "Our Zac Whitby has drawn gate two and looks hard to beat after bouncing back to his best at Pinjarra last Monday," he said. "He set a solid pace and scored by 18.4m in the Pinjarra event, which was his second race after a six-week break."
Manning is a fan of Norvic Nightowl on an each-way basis. "Norvic Nightowl will be racing for the first time in 15 months and he has drawn gate eight, but his Perth tally suggests he should be respected," he said. "The New Zealand import’s 11 Gloucester Park races have resulted in five wins and five places. He scored 12 Kiwi victories and has notched seven WA wins since arriving here in 2015."
TABradio's race caller Matt McDermott is a fan of Bettor Not Bitter in the stand. "He has been in winning form, is a good frontrunner and he has 10m up his sleeve on most of his main rivals – I like Better Not Bitter as my best for the night," he said.
McDermott, like Casellas, is also keen on Harry Hoo. "He should appreciate meeting this company compared to his recent outings and was an eye-catching sixth last week, making ground up from last entering the straight," he said.
Veteran tipster Bill Brindley has opted for Lets Chase The Dream in the opening event as his best. "What an exciting program with the opening event providing plenty of interest," he said. "Lets Chase The Dream oozes class and has to be my best bet from the pole for new trainer Gary Hall.
"Mighty Mr Sharkey is another good bet in the second after an impressive Pinjarra win Monday and shapes up as a coming fast-class pacer. Another impressive Pinjarra winner was Our Zak Whitby who can win race nine. A return to fine weather should ensure a good night for punters."
TABradio's announcer Matt Young, who is the youngest member of the tipping panel, rejoins the fray this season. "My best bet is Lord Lexus who has been performing in stronger company and looks to have found his race and is worth waiting for in the last on Friday night.” he said.
Young is keen on Lovers Prayer as his best value. "Value bet at odds is Lovers Prayer, who has been racing well," he said. "The key will be to try and hold the front and I think she can be very dangerous."
To view all of the Media Guild Tips for this week click here.
Good punting.
Wayne Currall