Australian Analyst – Gloucester Park Preview 29th May
Race-by-race Gloucester Park harness racing preview.
Gloucester Park will have a 10-race program on Friday night with the Ray Duffy Memorial being the highlight on the card.
An even race on paper, the Ray Duffy Memorial sees last year’s WA Derby winner Runkle Crunch renew his rivalry with Mad Monday. Im Lightning Banner, Lincoln Lou, Youre So Fine and Sweet Pins will also compete in the fast-class race.
The Westbred 4YO & 5YO Mares event is another competitive clash with Loch Tay, Lucky Copy, American Eyes and Delulu set to battle.
Gloucester Park Preview – Friday, May 29
Race 1
SOHO THE REAL DEAL (3) is the horse to beat at his second start in WA. He brings strong form over from the east and won at his first start in the state when racing wide over 1140m. If he finds the front and maintains his form, he will lead and win. There is a risk that JAXON MORGAN (1) tries to hold the lead and that makes the $1.50 a bit dicey.
JAXON MORGAN (1) has options from the good draw and he simply improves on the fence. While he doesn’t have the talent of the favourite or the same speed as MAJOR MIKI WHITBY (9) or ROX THE WORLD (12), the draw ensures he can be competitive at big odds so happy to be with him each way. The two horses also mentioned here are the dangers and outside of that, I’d be surprised if any others could win.
Selections: 3-9-1-12
JAXON MORGAN (1) each way
Race 2
BLAZE AWAY (5) is getting fitter with three runs under the belt now and Emily Suvaljko picks up the drive. This is an awkward barrier and I am not sure where the gelding will settle, but his recent form has been solid and if there’s a bit of pressure in the race, he is good enough to capitalise. Looks a good each-way price in the race.
BOY BLUE NZ (8) looks the biggest threat after a dominant victory at Pinjarra first-up. If he settles close to them, he will be hard to hold out. ATLANTIC GEM (2) looks an improver from the good draw and she had good form last prep. She looks the likely leader with WHEN IN VEGAS (6) the other gate speed horse in the race. Both can win this race. WALL STREET GIRL (4) and SUN PUBLISHER NZ (11) have smaller claims.
Selections: 5-8-2-6
BLAZE AWAY (5) each way
Race 3
OUR CRUNCH TIME NZ (3) resumes for Team Bond and Deni Roberts and has drawn to lead. He won his first two starts in WA, leading on both occasions before facing the breeze at his most recent before a spell. He will need to be sharp here because he meets a couple of big threats in the race, but with the draw advantage, he should be hard to catch.
LAST HARD COPY (12) follows the favourite through at the start and could land outside the leader early. He is talented and will be a huge threat with fitness on his side. HUGOTASTIC NZ (8) is the class runner and has copped the wide draw as a consequence. I am not sure if they stick to driving him with one run or put him into the race in this class. Either way, can win with the right run. LUCCA NZ (5) is a horse to follow this campaign. Tonight may not be the night but keep him in mind for future runs.
Selections: 3-12-8-5
OUR CRUNCH TIME NZ (3) to win
Race 4
HALE SAINT LOUIE NZ (4) should be looking to fire out here with leading in mind. The last time he did so he ran a big race but was collared late by Illawong Mustang. He has been beaten quite a few times when leading, so that could be a factor in Dylan Egerton-Green’s decision making with DOUBLE PARKED NZ (6), HILLVIEW BONDI (7) and MUNROES MATE NZ (8) all drawn outside – some of these will go forward to race on the speed.
MUNROES MATE NZ (8) is having his first WA start and brings good New Zealand form. He will most likely be the breeze horse in the race. DOUBLE PARKED NZ (6) could be the beneficiary of going forward and then either forcing the issue by running to the top or taking cover when it arrives. From either position, the former Kiwi should run a big race and that’s who I will side with here in a competitive race.
Selections: 6-8-4-11
DOUBLE PARKED NZ (6) to win
Race 5
RUNKLE CRUNCH NZ (5) finished fourth in the 4YO & 5YO Manea Classic and it was a really good effort when forced to race wide late as he recorded a 54.8 last half at Bunbury. He had gate speed in New Zealand and this looks the perfect opportunity for Aiden De Campo to use that to try and hold MAD MONDAY (7) out who flies the gate. One of the pair should find the front with IM LIGHTNING BANNER NZ (2) likely to take a sit on one of the leading contenders. With his versatility, RUNKLE CRUNCH NZ (5) goes on top.
MAD MONDAY (7) looks the winner if he can cross at the start but that won’t be easy with gate speed inside him. His winning run came to an end last start and he has been freshened up. YOURE SO FINE NZ (8) won at his return before finishing ninth last start but the effort was perfectly fine. He will need a lot of luck and if the tempo is against him, then he will struggle to make up the ground. IM LIGHTNING BANNER NZ (2) has each-way claims and should be behind the leader, while LINCOLN LOU NZ (6) and SWEET PINS NZ (10) can also win.
Selections: 5-7-8-2
RUNKLE CRUNCH NZ (5) to win
Race 6
LUCKY COPY (3) is having a funny campaign as she has led twice and been beaten as favourite. She then won from the 1 out 2 back position and outside the leader, crushing Manhattan Ruby at her most recent. She has sprinted home strongly in both recent wins and looks ready to tackle a rise in grade. I am expecting her to have a look at LOCH TAY (1) early to see if the lead is up for grabs. Both mares have strong claims from their good draws.
AMERICAN EYES (8) and DELULU (9) are the sectional stars of the race and they will have to show that again. Despite the poor draws, both are fast enough to win if things pan out. Blowout hopes to RUBY LOU (11) and OFFICIAL ROCK (12).
LUCKY COPY (3) to win
Race 7
One of the better handicapped standing start events with plenty of winning hopes. This race is so competitive that I can’t find a selection without changing my mind and settling on another. Way too many chances so I will let this one go around without a suggestion.
Selections: 11-7-8-9
Race 8
MACHANE SAID (1) gets the perfect draw to be competitive and some of his recent defeats when beaten 5m by Lucky Copy and 3.8m by Girl Of Brightness have been good. It would be great if he could land behind the leader. Has each-way claims in a very tough race.
SUGAR STREET NZ (5) smashed the clock last start when racing out of his class but the veteran may be allergic to winning at the moment. It would be wonderful to see the horse and Debbie Padberg land a win, but the price is short enough here. TAKE A HIKE NZ (8) and UNDER THE ALTA (12) are racing well so could win this. AMBITSIYA (2) is hard to work out her form, so she could win this easily or run nowhere.
Selections: 1-5-12-8
MACHANE SAID (1) each way
Race 9
ALTA ALLURE (6) is going to need luck as always, but she is an each-way bet to nothing in this race at double figures for Annie Belton and Chris Lewis. Hoping she can map 1 out 2 back at worst and look to sprint over them late. Her last win came over the 1730m distance at Group 3 level, winning in 1:53.5. She consistently runs 56 last halves and if BEETASTIC NZ (1) and HUNGER STRIKE (3) have any sort of battle for the early lead, then ALTA ALLURE (6) is a mare that can make them pay.
STARLIGHT DREAM (4) is racing well at big odds and gets another chance to run well. Her recent placing behind Copy Cat Queen and Aardiebytheseaside was good. RUBY LOVERA (2) should drop straight behind BEETASTIC NZ (1) and the fence runs enhance both horses’ chances. I wouldn’t be shocked if any horse won this race.
Selections: 6-4-2-1
ALTA ALLURE (6) each way
Race 10
CHUGACH (3) can lead over the 1730m and should take some catching after finishing fourth when leading over 2130m and running a personal 1:55.8 mile rate. He lacks the class of the better 3YOs in the state but this is easier. Reverse the draws with KATAMA NZ (4) and that horse would be prohibitive odds. With the draw advantage, he is probably the horse to beat but I couldn’t take odds on.
KATAMA NZ (4) has the best form in the race and the filly has some good speed about her, ripping home in 55 flat. The draw makes this a contest at least. THE FINAL OFFER NZ (1) gets the soft run and should acquit himself well. WAVES OF FORTUNE (2) and GENTLEMANS PROMISE (5) are next best.
Selections: 3-4-1-2
Trifecta: 3,4 / 1,3,4 / 1,2,3,4,5
Wagga
Race 9
A race that deserves mention in the fast-class race at Wagga. Talented mare GUNNA RELOAD (2) clashes with BAINBRIDGE (3), DANGEROUS (7) and WHEREYABINBOPPIN (9). This is the perfect lead up to tomorrow’s Nutrien series at Wagga.
BAINBRIDGE (3) win at this track two starts back, breezing in 1:53.4 before heading to Menangle when sixth behind Ripp and Jilliby Nitro. He can rocket out when asked and if he can find the fence, either leading or trailing GUNNA RELOAD (2), he looks hardest to beat for James Rattray.
GUNNA RELOAD (2) is the obvious danger. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (9) joins Jackson Painting and has each-way prospects. DANGEROUS (7) has been freshened up and defeated Bulletproof Boy five starts back, so his talent is evident. Just the tricky draw to overcome.
Selections: 3-2-9-7
BAINBRIDGE (3) to win
For complete Gloucester Park entries, click here.
by Trent Orwin for Harnesslink
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