There’ll be a few shorties running around at Gloucester Park this Friday night and members of the WA Trotting Media Guild are confident of landing their respective best bets on the nine-event card.
Last season’s winner of the Guild’s tipping competition Warren Wishart and award-winning trotting journalist Ken Casellas believe Newsy can lead from go to whoa in the Group 2 $50,000 Diamond Classic Final (2130m) for the 3YO fillies.
Wishart, who starts a new job with RWWA next week as betting supervisor and unfortunately has to leave the Media Guild, is upbeat about Newsy’s chances.
“Newsy is a very talented filly who looks well placed now from the draw,” Wishart said. “She ran well in her heat but does get conditions to suit. We got both best bet and double up last week so let’s hope that for my last column I can go out a winner.”
Casellas sees the race being run in a similar vein.
“Newsy was gallant in defeat in a qualifying heat of the Diamond Classic and I’m making her my best bet this week to turn the tables on Always An Angel on Friday night,” Casellas said. “Newsy worked hard in the breeze and refused to give in when beaten by a narrow margin by Always An Angel on Tuesday of last week. She looks set to lead in the final and will take plenty of catching.”
TABradio’s Hayden King has thrown out one at odds on a night when red will be the dominant colour.
“Our Sequel did a lot of work last start and disappointed,” King said. “However, his previous handful of runs when driven conservatively were top-notch. I think he clearly represents the class and, from a softer run, will prove too classy for rivals.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is keen on Jaspervellabeach in the second race.
“Jaspervellabeach was an eye-catcher when finishing quickly down the outside fence to finish seventh behind Parmesan in the Group 3 Pure Steel last week,” Havercroft said. “The inside draw for this assignment is a massive plus.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding has opted for Nota Bene Denario as his best for the night.
“Horses from barrier one look like dominating this week at GP,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in the last race of the night. I selected Nota Bene Denario as my best bet last week and he duly won, and I think he can win again. He has been very consistent and barrier seven shouldn’t worry him.
Guild president Wayne Currall is showing his age by resurrecting the popular ad I’m Louie The Fly from the early ‘60s in his selection.
“My best for the night is Louie The Horse,” Currall said. “Apologies to the late Bryce Courtenay, who came up with the idea for the famous jingle. Here’s my version – sung to the tune of Louie The Fly.
“I’m Louie The Horse, I’m Louie The Horse, Straight from Kiwi land to you.
Running at speed, with the greatest of ease, Straight from Kiwi land to you.
I’m fast and lean, from the Bond machine
Afraid of no one, ‘cept that Dylan Egerton-Green
He can make me scream
Brrrrrrrrr, wheeeeeeee!
One flick and Louie The Horse
Run’s to the line, quick of course
That’s my Louie
Louie The Horse
Another winner for that Green,
Dylan Egerton-Green.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning is a fan of the returning To Fast To Serious in race three.
“First-up runner To Fast To Serious, who made an big impression when he rocketed through the classes with eight wins from 10 starts, is expected to have another prosperous campaign,” Manning said. “The Ray Williams-trained gelding was near the end of his preparation when reaching top company late last year, but he ran third in the RWWA Cup and finished a creditable sixth in the WA Pacing Cup.”
VALUE BETS
WARREN: In one of the highlight races of the night, I think Back in Twenty is a great each-way play. Almost crossed them last week from the wide draw and subsequently faded, but his form prior was outstanding. If he leads, and I think he will, should give a good sight and will be at generous odds. Thanks to all for the last few years. See you at the track.
KEN: For value, I suggest The Stars Above in the Channel 7 Handicap, a 2503m stand. The Stars Above excels in standing-start events and he is poised for a strong effort.
HAYDEN: Vespa is drawn awkwardly but he has been frightfully eye-catching, rocketing home of late. The draw may inflate his price and with some luck he will be in the finish.
RYAN: Otis follows out the talented Lavra Joe in the 3YO Pearl Classic and just needs to hold onto his coattails to figure in the money. At a suggested price of $21 he looks a good each-way investment.
PAT: My value bet comes up in race three with No.10 Papinik. He should get a good run behind the leaders and Chris Voak should be able to bring him home strongly.
WAYNE: The Black Cardinal, a last-star winner, is drawn to get the run of the race behind likely leader Jaspervellabeach in race two. He can run a race at odds for trainer Tommy Sheehy and driver Mark Reed.
ERNIE: Bettys Lass should not be underrated despite having won only once in her past 35 starts. She has been beaten at her past seven appearances, but showed a glimpse of being ready to turn the tide when third on May 7. She was not far away in finishing fifth last Friday night.
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.
FOOTNOTE: On behalf of the members of the WA Trotting Media Guild, I would like to thank Warren Wishart for his work with the group. “Wishy” is a very knowledgeable man on harness racing and his expertise will be sorely missed. We wish him all the best in his position as betting supervisor at RWWA.
