23 November 2017 | Wayne Currall
The Inter Dominion has finally arrived and the “Fab Four” – Lazarus, Lennytheshark, Soho Tribeca and Chicago Bull – look set to dominate the series.
Most members of the WA Trotting Media Guild, along with betting agencies throughout Australia, believe Kiwi superstar Lazarus will have his colours lowered by Soho Tribeca in the opening heat at Gloucester Park on Friday night and they have labelled 2015 Inters victor Lennytheshark and reigning Fremantle Cup and WA Pacing Cup champ Chicago Bull as the best of good things after both pacers drew ideally in their respective heats.
While most Guild members have tipped Soho Tribeca to halt Lazarus’ winning run, TABradio’s announcer Matt Young and GPTV’S Ken Casellas have made the Kim Prentice-trained and reined pacer their best bet.
Young explains. “Soho Tribeca has finally come up with a marble but against the best horse in the Southern Hemisphere in Lazarus,” he said. “I’m still very keen and believe he will lead and win this and make his mark as a genuine threat in the final. If Lazarus beats Soho Tribeca on Friday, the series is as good as over.”
And Casellas agrees. “The five-year-old Soho Tribeca is drawn to lead and he should carry too many guns for the brilliant Lazarus, who faces an acid test from the outside barrier in the field of nine,” he said. “He is my star bet on what should prove a dazzling night of pacing action.”
Leading tipster Stuart Lowe, longshot king Pat Harding, Guild president Wayne Currall and veteran tipster Bill Brindley are all keen on Chicago Bull.
Lowe spoke for his colleagues when he declared Chicago Bull WA’s best pacer. “Chicago Bull has won 13 of his last 20 starts and looks a live chance in the final,” he said. “Set a new Gloucester Park track record for 1730m of 1.51.6 two starts ago. Looks hard to beat here from barrier two.”
The West Australian’s Ernie Manning, TABradio’s race caller Matt McDermott and Sunday Times columnist Robbie Dewar have all made Lennytheshark their star bet.
Manning spoke for his colleagues when he said Lennytheshark was a genuine superstar. “Lennytheshark has drawn ideally at gate three and has proven he can handle Gloucester Park,” he said. “His three wins there have been highlighted by the 2015 Inters final and he looks a major chance to take the title again this year. He has looked back to peak form in Victoria wins at his past three starts.”
The West Australian’s racing co-ordinator Ryan Havercroft is keen on Kiwi pacer Ultimate Machete. “Ultimate Machete was impressive in winning the Woodlands NZ Free-For-All last Friday defeating Tiger Tara, who is a $13 chance for the Inter Dominion series,” he said. “This week he has drawn the pole for his assignment in the Yes Loans 4YO Classic and will be very short but should be winning.”
VALUE BETS
Matt Young: Sheer Rocknroll gets the perfect draw to have a soft run in a race with plenty of depth.
Ken: The Trilogy, to be driven by his trainer Kristian Hawkins, is racing with great enthusiasm.
Stuart: Superfecta, who had very good form in New Zealand before a solid second here at only WA run, is well drawn and should be respected.
Pat: Livura hasn’t had much luck in his last two races, but with Chris Lewis aboard and a good draw should be hard to beat.
Wayne: El Jacko is drawn to get a soft run behind likely leader Bettor Be Lively and can be dangerous late.
Bill: Costa Del Magnifico has drawn the pole and will take a power of beating in the lead.
Ernie: Mr Mojito, a winner at 11 of 23 starts, covered extra ground from a second-row draw when unplaced in strong company last start. Can bounce back here.
Matt McDermott: Lazarus was at $2.25 with TABtouch midweek. While Soho Tribeca himself is going great guns and has the favourable draw, better than evens for the New Zealander is hard to ignore.
Robbie: Noted frontrunner Thereugo’s class could see him overcome an unfavourable back-line draw.
Ryan: Sokys Bigbullet has impressed since joining the stables of Tony Svilicich and looks to have a bright future as outlined by his success in the Bunbury Cup last Saturday.
To view all of the Media Guild Tips for this week click here.
Good punting.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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