Members of the Media Guild have labelled Herrick Roosevelt as the best of good things in the harness racing Book into the Beau Rivage Restaurant Pace (2130m) at Gloucester Park on tomorrow night.
Guild president Wayne Currall summed up the thoughts of the media guys by saying "Herrick Roosevelt leads and wins – it's as simple as that. He won't be much of a price but could act as a banker for all-ups."
Robbie Dewar, from the Sunday Times, said; "Herrick Roosevelt looks a standout in the first and should get punters off to a great start."
The West Australian's Ernie Manning is in the Herrick Roosevelt camp as well. "Gate one is a bonus for Herrick Roosevelt," Manning said. "After his last-start win over his quality stablemates El Barcelona and Runrunjimmydunn he looks the best of good things."
Leading tipster Stuart Lowe said Herrick Roosevelt should be too strong from the pole. "He hasn't raced for three weeks, but was a brilliant last-start winner, tramping wide from barrier seven to win over the 1730m in 1.53.9. Should be too strong for his rivals."
TABradio's race caller Matt McDermott is also a Herrick Roosevelt fan. "Hard to go past Herrick Roosevelt as the best bet," McDermott said. "He's got very good gate speed and should be in control from the front. Though not a lot of value he should be winning comfortably."
TABform's racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft has selected squaregaiter Im Havinaball as his best for the night. "Im Havinaball faces her toughest test since coming to WA," Havercroft said. "Having only missed a cheque once in her five local runs, I expect her race fitness will help the Ross Olivieri trained mare hold out the resuming backmarker Sunnys Little Whiz."
Longshot king Pat Harding has opted for Mcclinchie as his stand out. "Mcclinchie ran a good second last week, but I think he can bounce back for a win for Greg and Skye Bond," Harding said. The longshot maestro has waited until the last race to unveil his roughie for the night. "I have a good feeling that Excelnsucceed can get the money for driver Chris Voak and Pinjarra trainer Frank Vanmaris. Should be a good each-way bet." he said.
Dewar fancies Soho Wall Street as his best value. "This bloke can make it two on end after his gutsy win last week," Dewar said.
Havercroft is a fan of Im Mister Charlie and believes he could get out to a good price. "Im Master Charlie switches back to the mobile on Friday night," Havercroft said. "At his last outing he started off a 50m handicap at Narrogin and accounted for a weaker field than this. But in his favour is the coveted inside barrier which should see him well positioned in a field with much exposed form."
Manning likes Rycroft as his best value for the night. "Rycroft had a gear malfunction which caused him to gallop at the start last Friday and punters should ignore his eighth," Manning said. "He's the winner of eight races at GP and is capable of breaking an eight-run losing sequence."
Lowe's best value bet is Erskine Range. "Erskine Range is drawn to lead in his race," Lowe said. "Last time he led it took WA’s best pacer Heez On Fire to run him down. Although his subsequent form is only fair, this looks easier."
McDermott fancies the chances of Hidden Bad as his value selection. "She has had three runs in this prep and this is a slightly easier field," McDermott said. "It was a good run in the Breeders Stakes last start, making ground in the last lap to be only nine metres off the winner and is a main player here."
Currall likes Responder on an each-way basis. "This bloke's put in some good runs of late," Currall said. "If you can forgive him his poor effort last start then he could play a major part in the sprint from an inside alley."
Good punting.
Wayne Currall