AFTER two rounds of the Perth Inter Dominion, Kiwi superstar Lazarus is yet to post a win and emerging local Soho Tribeca is unbeaten.
The barrier draws say both those things could change in the third round of qualifying heats at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
ADAM HAMILTON dissects the feature races at Gloucester Park on Friday night.
INTER DOMINION HEAT 7 (Race 4)
Any doubts local star CHICAGO BULL (1) is a genuine contender for the final are out the window after his opening night win and eye-catching third at Bunbury. Now he’s drawn to lead and win this heat. There could be some early pressure from MAJORDAN (2) and CODE BLACK (3), but the “Bull” should hold the front and take a power of running down. TIGER TARA (6) looks the only danger. Fantastic second to Lennytheshark on night one, then smashed the track record leading throughout to beat Lazarus at Bunbury. Likely to sit parked here, but stays well so the 2536m trip suits. Sure to make CHICAGO BULL earn it. SHANDALE (5) deserves to make the final, but needs a big run here. Could land one-one from gate five. Respect.
SUGGESTED BET: TIGER TARA (6) looks value at $6 or better.
INTER DOMINION HEAT 8 (Race 6)
The best heat of the series – without doubt. Emerging Victorian SAN CARLO (1) gets his chance from the pole. Big run albeit well beaten when worked hard and third to Tiger Tara and Lazarus at Bunbury. Likely leader from the pole. Give this a big shake. LENNYTHESHARK (7) can lift. Sharp on night one, then all over the shop at Bunbury. Obvious prefers Gloucester Park. Will go forward and hard to beat on return to his best. SOHO TRIBECA (9) has been a revelation, but this is a much bigger challenge. And there’s no need for him to be given a gut-buster. Think he’ll go back and come with one run late. DEVENDRA (3) improved a mile from night one. Blocked for a run at Bunbury and would’ve gone close to an upset over Soho Tribeca. Will try for the lead. Respect. MAJOR CROCKER (6) is actually flying, but this draw is awful. Place only.
SUGGESTED BET: SAN CARLO (1) to win, but only if he gets close to $3.50/4.
INTER DOMINION HEAT 9 (Race 8)
It’s LAZARUS (7) time. Should work forward, find the front – maybe from main danger GALACTIC STAR (2) – and win as he likes. Solid night one then massive when worked so hard in staggering times at Bunbury. Stretch to 2536m suits ideally. GALACTIC STAR (2) worked and ran well night one, then had cosy trail and stormed home for upset Bunbury win. Underrated. Only threat. YAYAS HOT SPOT (8) may have to go for broke and try to blast to front from wide draw. Much better run at Bunbury. Big ask from draw. HAVE FAITH IN ME (9) not going well enough.
SUGGESTED BET: Trifeca LAZARUS to win/GALACTIC STAR second and 1,3,5,8 for third.
PARLIAMENTARIANS CUP – MARES’ (Race 5)
The big guns do battle again, but with a very different barrier draw to last week. I’m sticking with AMERETTO (7) even though she’s drawn outside main rivals A PICCADILLY PRINCESS (2) and IDEAL ALICE (1). AMERETTO’S past 11 starts have netted 10 wins and a second to Lennytheshark in the Victoria Cup. Will have to do it the hard way tonight, but $3.50 or better is value. A PICCADILLY PRINCESS (2) didn’t run the 3200m of the NZ Cup, then drew poorly, got back and ran home well last week behind AMERETTO. Hard to beat, especially if she leads. IDEAL ALICE (1) holds the key. Handed-up to AMERETTO last week and made good ground late. Will she lead or sit on A PICCADILLY PRINCESS? Keep her safe either way.
SUGGESTED BET: AMERETTO (7) to win at $3.50 or better
WESTRAL 4YO CHAMPIONSHIP
Not sure what to make of this with big guns Ultimate Machete and Herrick Roosevelt staying at home. ROCK DIAMONDS (1) is favourite with his gate speed, draw and drop in grade. Can’t take short odds though. MOTU METEOR (10) has the class and ran a bottler last week. Just needs luck from draw (inside back row). Huge chance. SPACE JUNK (2) is very exciting, but up sharply in grade. Great draw. Consider. IM ROCKARIA (11) has claims. And keep RUNRUNJIMMYDUNN (8) and WRAPPERS DELIGHT (7) safe despite their wide draws.
SUGGESTED BET: Something on MOTU METEOR (10) the win at $4.50 or better and hope for daylight at the right time.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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