The Daintys Daughter Classic 3YO Fillies Pace (2130m) is the feature event at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The $50,000 Group 3 feature has attracted a top-class field, with the Luke Edwards-trained August Moon shooting for six in a row.
But the random barrier draw hasn’t been kind to the daughter of Captain Trecherous and she’ll start out in gate eight.
However, that obstacle has not dimmed the enthusiasm for August Moon’s winning hopes from one member of the WA Trotting Media Guild.
Ryan Havercroft, the racing co-ordinator at The West Australian, believes Gary Hall Jnr can continue building picket fences with the in-form filly.
“August Moon has won eight of nine this season, including a last-start victory in the Westbred Classic, with most of those coming from middle draws,” Havercroft said. “Starting from barrier eight this week, she has clashed with Castella Dellacqua once and defeated her, with her main rival here having barrier one on that occasion too.”
Award-winning journalist Ken Casellas also has made an in-form horse with a tricky draw as his best bet for the evening.
“Acharne Girl has produced a spirited finishing burst to win at her first two appearances after a spell,” Casellas said. “And I’m making her my best bet again this week when she will need to overcome an awkward draw at No. 7 in the 2130m Oyster King Pace.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding is keen on one earlier in the program.
“Looks like a good night ahead for the Gary Hall Snr stable and some excellent drives for Gary Hall Jnr,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race two with No. 2 Lamandier. Unlucky at his last start but with Hall Jnr aboard should record a good win.”
Guild president Wayne Currall has placed his faith in Diego in the night’s free-for-all.
“Pacing Cup winner Diego has been the victim of bad draws since returning from a spell,” Currall said. “That’s all changed on Friday night when he lines up from his favourite draw in gate one. Maddison Brown should have no trouble leading on this bloke and she can ‘stack them and rack them’ before sprinting clear in the charge to the line.”
VALUE BETS
RYAN: Master Publisher is my value play for the second week in a row. He overcame adversity to win last week and three of the five horses he defeated then are in this race. Each-way here.
KEN: Seven-year-old Cheer The Major is proving to be a model of consistency and he is capable of making his presence felt from an awkward barrier in the Team Bond Pace. He ran home solidly from sixth at the bell when an excellent second to Lusaka last week.
PAT: My double comes up in race four with No. 5 Steel The Show. Has been very consistent and I expect a great showing.
WAYNE: Junior looks to be in for another big night at headquarters. I’m sticking with an all up with the champion driver in the cart. Lamandier, into August Moon, into Acharne Girl and Blameitonthenight bringing it all home. Go you good things!
Click here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting