It was the two-year-old fillies last week, and this week it’s the two-year-old colts and geldings who get their opportunity to star on the big stage.
The $100,000 Hoist Torque Australia 2YO Pearl Classic (2130m) headlines a stellar 10-event card at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The Group 2 event has attracted a star-studded field and the barrier draw has been kind to unbeaten colt Waverider, who came up with the ace and will be sent out a hot favourite.
The Group 3 $50,000 August Cup (2536m), for the fast-class pacers, is another race full of intrigue.
Members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have had a good look at the meeting and are confident they can steer punters into a few winners.
Ryan Havercroft, the racing co-ordinator at The West Australian, is keen on one in the opening event.
“The well-travelled My Ultimate Baxter has won at nine of 20 starts in three States prior to making his local debut here on Friday,” Havercroft said. “His resume includes a victory in the Group 2 Simpson Memorial at Menangle early last year and the son of Sweet Lou is drawn to make an immediate impact for trainer Debra Lewis.”
Award-winning journalist Ken Casellas and Guild president Wayne Currall believe Whos The Dad can go one better than last week’s second.
“An eye-catching performance from Whos The Dad in charging home from last at the bell to finish second to Master Publisher last week makes it a simple choice to select him as my best bet at Gloucester Park on Friday night,” Casellas said. “The Kevin Charles-trained four-year-old has the ability to overcome the wide draw at barrier eight to win the 2536m HTA Reaching For The Top Pace.”
And Currall agrees.
“Whos The Dad finished determinedly last week at headquarters over the 2130m journey,” he said. “The longer trip on Friday night will suit him down to the ground and I’m banking on Shannon Suvaljko having him in a striking position when the heat goes on.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding expects Waverider to keep his unbeaten record in tact in the Pearl.
“With spring on the way it’s good to see bigger fields emerging at GP,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race five the Pearl Classic with No.1 Waverider. He is the class horse in the field with the number one barrier and should record yet another good win.”
TABradio’s Matt Young has made his best bet in the night’s only stand.
“Chal Patch is very smart and looks well suited in the standing-start event,” Young said. “He is freshened up but is versatile and extremely talented.”
VALUE BETS
RYAN: Ten To The Dozen has gate seven in the Pearl Classic, but the good youngsters have a habit of overcoming bad barrier draws, evidenced by the win of Water Lou last week. The Bonds have four runners and they are sure to test the undefeated Waverider.
KEN: For value, I suggest Watts Up Sunshine in race two. He raced without cover over the final 1050m when an excellent second to Arma Xfactor over 2536m last Friday night.
WAYNE: Old Galactic Star “grows a leg” in front and he gets that scenario on Friday night. Looks a great each-way play from the pole.
PAT: My double comes up in race three with No. 4 Robbie Easton. He has been very consistent and should win.
MATT: Muzstang was solid on his debut run in the west and can’t be taken lightly in the opening event. Should run well.
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.