Talk about forgiving souls. Two members of the WA Trotting Media Guild are that and more after nominating American Brave as their star bet on an action-packed 10-event card at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
American Brave has got any amount of ability, but he has proved extremely costly for punters at his last three starts when defeated as an odds-on favourite. Racecaller Richie Bell has even labelled him the “money muncher”, but that hasn’t stopped TABradio’s Hayden King and veteran trotting journalist Ken Casellas making the Gary Hall-trained pacer their best bet.
“I think the market may shy away from American Brave this time as he is becoming costly for favourite punters,” King said. “However, he had a flat tyre last start and did well considering. He has enormous potential and I think it's a matter of time before he puts it all together.”
And Casellas agrees.
“American Brave has been beset by misfortune at his four runs after resuming from a spell, and he is long overdue for a change of luck,” Casellas said. “He fared poorly in the random draw in race two on Friday night, but he has the ability to overcome barrier seven. He is my best bet this week after his gutsy effort last Friday night when he raced for almost the entire event with a flat offside sulky tyre, was seventh at the bell and badly blocked for a run in the back straight before getting clear and charging home, five wide, to finish fourth behind One For Dave Andme.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning and Radio Great Southern’s form analyst Warren Wishart are keen on Perfect Major in race six.
“Perfect Major drops in class after winning the RWWA Cup and running a creditable fifth from gate eight in the WA Pacing Cup,” Manning said. “The Ross Olivieri-trained Victorian import impressed when recently scoring wins at his first four WA starts and he earned cups runs when a Pat Cranley Memorial placegetter. Should be hard to beat now that he is back in grade.”
Wishart supports that view.
“Perfect Major just looks a good thing here,” Wishart said. “Drops massively in class from the WA Pacing Cup. Defeated Chicago Bull two starts ago and despite the wide draw and gap between runs should win.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft believes Lawrence can continue add to his impressive form.
“Lawrence hasn’t done anything wrong since arriving from New Zealand,” Havercroft said. “Led and won easily at Narrogin at his local debut before chasing home Diego at this track a fortnight ago. He is drawn to find the top and has experience in standing-start races.”
TABradio’s Matt Young has opted for Justasec as his star bet.
“Justasec was eye-catching last start,” Young said. “The gelding has the draw advantage with plenty of gate speed and should lead and win in a slight class drop.”
But longshot guru Pat Harding doesn’t see it that way.
“Finding winners at GP is as tough as ever and this week may not be any different,” Harding said. “I am sticking with Liam Neil as my best bet of the meeting. Coming out of barrier five in race three, I think Hall Jr can have him well placed to blitz this field in the final lap.
Guild president Wayne Currall believes punters can add to their bank early doors by supporting Mighty Ronaldo in the opening event.
“Mighty Ronaldo returns to the track after a five-month spell,” Currall said. “But he’s drawn to get an economical run just off the pace and impressed with an easy trial win earlier this month. He’s a classy colt who just might pack too many guns for his rivals.”
VALUE BETS
HAYDEN: I'm going to try something a little different this week – a place all-up. Quick Stride to run a place in the fifth race into Bad Round a place in the sixth. They both are good sit-sprinters and have good draws in races where there is a standout selection, so they should get good runs.
KEN: For value, I suggest Extradite from barrier two on the back line in the third event. He fought on tigerishly to be second to Blue Blazer last week after working hard in the breeze all the way.
ERNIE: Triroyale Brigade has been beaten at his past seven starts, but he was placed in four of those defeats. He fought on gamely to finish fourth after facing the breeze a fortnight ago.
WARREN: Advance Your Dream hasn’t had clear running at her last two starts. I can see some early pressure here and at bolters’ odds I can see her flashing home into the money.
RYAN: The $100,000 earner Mighty Ronaldo resumes in a strong two-year-old race. Trailing draw helps and could show-up if the fancies engage each other.
MATT: Mister Ardee has the perfect draw but no gate speed to use it. He should be cuddled up and saved for one run again. His form is continuously improving and he is ready to win.
PAT: My value bet comes in race two with the ever consistent Queen Shenandoah coming out of barrier two. She ran a good second last week but I believe Chris Voak can drive her to a much-needed victory.
WAYNE: Gran Chico is not suited from 30m behind in the stand, but he’s racing “out of his skin” and could surprise with a clean getaway.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good punting.
Wayne Currall