Mandurah Friday Night – Great Western Heats (400m)
Race 6 – Great Western Heat 1
Plenty of different form lines to assess in the first heat of the Great Western, however I’m going to stick with the class runner in Sunset Ali (box 5), who to me finds the easiest race he’s contested since returning to the track. His box manners have let him down since returning but his efforts have still been credible and his run homes have been strong. Pumping Gas in box 4 has no speed and like Ali, Maximum Carnage (box 6) is more a mustering type, so think Sunset Ali can get some room to operate and if he does, I expect him to take care of this field.
Bo Cruz is an interesting runner in box 1 who is first up since June, but has to contend with Liberty Star and Distribution on his outside.
Bet: #5 Sunset Ali
Race 7 – Great Western Heat 2
Heat 2 is a competitive affair where opinions will certainly differ. Cherry Blue’s map from box 1 jumps off the page with Lil Bit Twisted directly outside her, however her form has been far from convincing, even when winning in 22.59 three stars back. Another James (box 4 – pictured) has been racing beautifully for Ian Bunny and had to work hard to get the cash last week to make it two on the bounce. He is a fairly reliable beginner and is every chance to lead again this week. If he does, good luck catching him.
Apache Havoc in box 5 is the one who could apply some pressure, but his box manners are very hit and miss. He’s had some better chances to salute in recent times, so I’ll be taking him on. Our Ozzie Opal (box 7) is the one I’ll be looking at for a saver depending on prices. She’s gone 22.36 and I think the outside draw will suit her. If Apache Havoc begins well and keeps Another James occupied early, she’s every chance of sailing down the outside and is a live hope in the race.
Bet: #4 Another James, look at #7 Our Ozzie Opal for a save
Race 8 – Great Western Heat 3
Another even heat to finish, however I’m quite keen on the prospects of Lip Tricks in box 2. I like Lip Tricks over 400 metres when she draws inside and the last time she did, she posted 22.23 which would be comfortably winning this. What A Ripper in box 1 has not been jumping well, so I think she can cross the red to find the fence. Good luck stopping her if that eventuates. Ned in box 3 could have something to say about that but is far from consistent early, whilst I don’t expect any pressure from West On Miley (box 4) and Chef’s Kiss (box 5).
Lip Tricks comfortably my best bet of the night.
Bet: #2 Lip Tricks
Mandurah Saturday – Group 2 All Stars Sprint Heats (488m)
Race 4 – All Stars Sprint Heat 1
Cracking heat to kick off one of our biggest series of the year. Bergelmir (box 1) has the map from heaven with Wise Barra (box 2) and Inside Scoop (box 3) both wanting to move up the track. Do you trust him? That is the question. He was far from convincing last start at Northam, and he’s never looked comfortable at Mandurah. Arguably won’t get a better chance, however.
Sunset Pepe in box 7 albeit lucky last week, has been racing well and could get a lovely cart into the race via Sunset Hornet in box 6. He’s capable from wide draws and with Hornet lacking strength at the moment, I think he can take over to find the front and prove tough to beat.
Saige Tenniele returns to the track but has been welcomed back by a horrible draw with wide runners inside, along with strong pace in 5,6,7. I think she may find herself too far back in this.
Bet: #7 Sunset Pepe
Race 5 – All Stars Sprint Heat 2
Heat 2 of the All Stars sees up-and-comer Iconic Jet take on some of our more seasoned sprinters in WA. He’s very promising Iconic Jet but I think he is screaming out for the return of Cannington, where he will have more time before the first turn to get into his work. He missed the start last week and with speed across the board in this race, there’s little room for error again.
I’m quite keen on Sunset Nightjar in box 8 who’s record form boxes 6,7,8 is outstanding. He’s flying at the moment and has even shown some ticker when finding himself off the arm. He is every chance to find the front here and I expect him to be strong enough to hold on. Emerald Guard (box 1) clearly has his box and is very strong late. He has been taking a while to warm up and I’m concerned one of Sunset Nightjar or Iconic Jet could sneak away in front. Looks an obvious threat, however. I’m taking on Molfetta Cruise and Hinto, I thought their draws made life very difficult.
Bet: #8 Sunset Nightjar
Race 6 – All Stars Sprint Heat 3
Last heat of the All Stars and I’m confident My Anarchy Boy (box 1) is drawn to produce his absolute best here. Recently, his box manners have let him down but is still going very well when provided with a decent draw. This was the case two starts back in a small field where he went 26.93 from box 2. With Spooky Hook (box 3) and Crumble Monelli (box 6) battling for the lead, My Anarchy Boy can sit behind those two and be far too strong late.
At the each way price, Crumble Monelli will get the attention of plenty of punters. He’s no certainty to cross Spooky Hook however and would need to lead to win over this trip. I’ll stick with the class runner over this distance.
Bet: #1 My Anarchy Boy
Other Selections for the Weekend
Mandurah Friday
Race 5 #3 Curious Georgia
Race 14 #7 Dark Lightning
Mandurah Saturday
Race 3 #2 Motor City Rossi
Race 8 #8 Coin Counter (each way)
Race 13 #3 Ditalini Monelli