Talk about a mixed bag. Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have come up with seven different best bets for the last night of the 2017/18 season at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
Unfortunately, they can’t all salute – unless, of course, there’s a dead-heat – as longshot maestro Pat Harding and Guild president Wayne Currall have made their star bets in the same race, the $20,000 Schrader Final (2130m).
Harding believes the in-form Simba Bromac can make it a hat-trick of wins despite his wide draw in gate eight.
“Looks like another night of short-priced favourites at GP on Friday night,” Harding said. “One of those comes up in the Schrader Final in the form of Simba Bromac. This horse won two of the three heats and is a quality performer and I don't believe his draw will be a problem. With Chris Lewis aboard, he should give punters an excellent result.”
But Currall doesn’t see it that way. He’s a big fan of Mitch Maguire and believes he can make it four on the bounce after being off the scene for more than 12 months.
“Mitch Maguire has a touch of class about him and was very impressive last week when he came home the last 800m in 55.4 after sitting in the breeze,” Currall said. “He’s big, tough and strong and I can see him outmuscling Simba Bromac.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is a fan of consistent three-year-old Speed Man.
“Speed Man has been most consistent, notching three wins from five starts since a spell,” Manning said. “It is a bonus he drew barrier one, in contrast to starting from gate eight when running third to classy stablemate King Of Swing last Friday. He should be a quality four-year-old next season.”
GPTV’s Ken Casellas is keen on classy filly Detroit Lily.
“Detroit Lily has an edge in class over her rivals in race two at Gloucester Park on Friday night and she is my best bet,” Casellas said. “She is capable of overcoming a back-line draw and is sure to have improved on her sound first-up effort a fortnight ago when she sustained a strong three-wide run from 10th at the bell to finish fifth behind Dontstopbelievin.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft believes Fake News can bounce back from a last-start sixth and score in the ninth event on the program.
“Fake News looked below her best when a fading sixth to Countess Grace two weeks ago,” Havercroft said. “Drawn to lead, she would only need to show modest improvement to salute in the final two-year-old race of the season.”
TABradio’s Matt Young has marked Vampiro as his star bet for the night.
“Vampiro has the draw advantage over his main rival (Natural Disaster) and can do plenty of work in his race which will hold him in good stead here,” Young said.
Last season’s leading tipster Stuart Lowe believes punters can start the night in winning style with Lincs Tiger.
“My best bet is Lincs Tiger, who got into severe trouble last week before finishing last to King Of Swing,” Lowe said. “Prior form was good, with three wins and four placings from seven previous starts. Draw brings him in with strong claims.”
VALUE BETS
Pat: The last race is wide open without a great deal of form visible. I think No.2 Fight Song for trainer John Graham with Chris Voak aboard stands an excellent chance. He has a few placings to his name and the barrier should suit.
Wayne: Sir Nicholas has been placed at his past three starts and is drawn to get a good run following the favourite Beaudiene Beaufighta. Could surprise at odds.
Ernie: Lady Lani, who came from three back on the pegs to run third when favourite at Bunbury last start, will have Shannon Suvaljko resume as her driver. The youngster confirmed her ability when a recent Gloucester Park winner.
Ken: For value, I suggest Kaptain Kenny, who goes up considerably in class in race seven, but has the ability to meet the challenge. He was unlucky last Friday night when badly blocked for a clear passage until the final few strides when second to Im Soxy.
Ryan: Aussie Jet has a run of 17 unplaced efforts heading into Friday’s meeting. He should take a sit behind short-priced favourite Beaudiene Beaufighta, giving him every chance to break that sequence.
Matt: Hello Hotshot is on debut after an impressive trial at Pinjarra. He has plenty of gate speed and looks a big chance to win on debut.
Stuart: My value bet is Tajies Girl, who has been placed once from three runs back from a spell. Speedy type who is well drawn and should be close to her top.
To view all of the Media Guild tips click here.
Good Punting
Wayne Currall