This week, guild president Wayne Currall is taking a thoroughly deserved break from the column for the upcoming fortnight.
I use the word “deserved” advisedly, considering he leads the competition and last week selected the opening first four in order.
The dividend for the exotic was a tidy $6 776.
Hats off, Wayne.
This week, the race names have been purchased to help fundraise for Tom Buchanan’s Ride For Ahlia.
Tom Buchanan works within the harness racing industry under various roles and lost his niece Ahlia to an incredibly rare cancer, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).
He will be undertaking a gruelling 260km cycling challenge to raise money for assistance with the illness.
All funds generated by the sale of race titles will be donated to the tremendously worthy cause.
If you care to donate or seek more information, you may do so at: https://rundipg-org.grassrootz.com/ride-for-ahlia
This week’s two features are the Group 3 $30 000 Retravision Past Presidents Cup (2130m) and the Group 2 $50 000 Ride For Ahlia 2022 Daintys Daughter Classic (2130m).
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft will be looking to get the ball rolling in the opener.
“Tenzing Bromac was brave last week when sitting in the breeze before going down narrowly to Strauny over 2536m,” Havercroft assessed.
“That was his first local defeat in nine runs since arriving from New Zealand and the drop back to 2130m, paired with a better barrier draw, should make this week’s task easier.”
Other members of the media guild have united early on the program, looking to provide a bank-builder for punters.
The man with an eye for a boilover, Pat Harding, admits it could be a popular night for the fancies and likes Booraa in the second.
“Looks like a good night for favourites this Friday at GP,” Harding said.
“My best bet comes up in race two with No. 7 Booraa. She has been so consistent in her last few starts and I expect her to win again.”
Journalist Ken Casellas is scribing for the same newspaper this week, agreeing that Booraa is the standout selection.
“There is an abundance of exposed form in the second event at Gloucester Park on Friday night and these 12 mares should provide a most competitive and exciting race in which I’m happy to make
Booraa my best bet, despite her awkward draw at No. 7,” Casellas said.
“Booraa has resumed after a spell in wonderful form and she caught the eye last Friday night when she thundered home from last at the bell to finish third behind Miss Limelight and Bettor Get It On.”
Pacing journalist Ernie Manning will be looking to give us the third leg of the early quaddie with Doc Holliday.
“New Zealand import Doc Holliday has been beaten at his past eight starts for trainer Michael Young,” Manning stated.
“But the five-year-old looks ready to break through for a win after close seconds at Gloucester Park in each of his three races since a spell. He has won six Perth races since joining Young’s stable last year, with victories on prominent Kiwi tracks to his credit.”
Guild president regent Hayden King thinks Glenledi Chief can overcome a significant deficit in the ninth.
“Glenledi Chief is a class act and, despite the 40m handicap, can be too good for rivals,” King said.
“Given the small field and the fact I don’t think the lead will be there for Joey James, he can express his quality and prove a class apart.”
For the second week in a row, race caller Matt Young calls upon patience from punters as he waits ‘til late for his NAP.
“Master Publisher faces a significant drop in grade,” Young said.
“I think he can do the work and win the last of the night.”
VALUE BETS
RYAN: Mcardles Gem is racing well and the inside draw helps his each-way claims.
PAT: My double comes in race six with No. 3 Machnificent – it won’t be favourite but is ideally placed to win in a small field.
KEN: For value, I suggest Glenledi Chief, the class runner in the ninth event in which he will return to action after a spell when he starts from the 40m mark. He simply does not know how to produce a poor effort.
ERNIE: Barrier two could bring Major Mucha into calculations after unplaced runs at his past six starts. The Chris Voak-trained gelding, who recorded a smart fourth two starts ago, can be excused for finishing last of nine when he faced the breeze a fortnight ago. Though he has won only once in his past 21 appearances, he should not be underrated.
HAYDEN: Athabascan breezed and was close up in solid time last start. He should not be dismissed lightly.
MATT: Soho Firestone ran into trouble last run. He will be close enough in an open race should go well here.
The first race gets underway at 5:24pm local time.
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.