The ABR Summit Bloodtsock J.P. Stratton Cup (2130m) heads a stellar 11-event card at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
The $100,000 feature has brought together a top-class field with the Gary Hall Sr-trained Diego coming up with the pole for driver Maddison Brown.
However, members of the WA Trotting Media Guild have sidestepped the cup when assessing their best bets for the night.
TABradio’s Matt Young is confident Infinite Sign can return to the winners’ list in race nine.
“Infinite Sign has the draw advantage to push to the top and this looks a perfect race for him,” Young said. “He can be the third winner for the Infinite family in a week.”
Longshot guru Pat Harding is keen on Jett Star.
“Looks like a good night for both the Greg and Skye Bond and Gary Hall Sr camps this Friday night at GP with the possibility of seven winners between them,” Harding said. “My best bet comes up in race three with the Bond-trained Jett Star from barrier four. Unlucky at his first start back after a spell but can atone for that with a good win.”
Guild president Wayne Currall believes punters can get the night off on the right foot by supporting Ima Fivestar General in the opening event.
“The Robbie Williams-trained and driven Ima Fivestar General should be cherry ripe after three runs back from a three-month break,” Currall said. “He ran a neck second behind Thomson Bay last week at headquarters in a blistering 1:55.9 mile rate. Has his hoof on the till and this looks to be his race.”
Ryan Havercroft, the racing co-ordinator for The West Australian, has opted for Mighthavtime as his best for the night.
“Mighthavtime was an eye-catcher last week when finishing strongly to miss by 1.6m in the Group 3 Schrader, placing third behind Taking The Miki,” Havercroft said. “She falls back in class this week and comes forward to barrier two, ensuring she will be closer to the speed and a good chance of recording her first local success.”
Ernie Manning, the pacing expert from The West Australian and The Sunday Times, believes Watts Up Sunshine can atone for his last-start disappointment.
“Watts Up Sunshine has a barrier one bonus and drops in class after finishing last of 12 last Friday night,” Manning said. “The gelding led and won easily when last drawing the pole at Gloucester Park on September 29. He has generally been out of luck in subsequent races and last week endured a tough run in the breeze. Looks a top prospect to record his sixth Gloucester Park win.”
VALUE BETS
MATT: American Bullitt has the perfect draw to play his favoured sniper’s role in the opening event. He’s an each-way chance.
PAT: My double comes up in race two with No.1 Withoutthetuh. With an excellent barrier and Chris Voak aboard I think he can record a win.
WAYNE: I’m tipping Pinny Tiger to launch at the start in race three. Chris Voak will be looking to take the advantage at the start and if he’s successful then this bloke will prove hard to run down.
RYAN: I’ll stick with Alcopony again on an each-way basis. Chris Lewis has options again at the start, being the sole second line runner.
ERNIE: Icy Winds has won only once in her past nine starts, but she is another pacer who can bounce back with a barrier one advantage. The Kim Prentice-trained four-year-old drew unfavourably when unplaced in her last four races. Her five wins include two at headquarters.
Click Here to view all of the Media Guild tips for this week.
Good punting.