Friday night at Gloucester Park promises high drama and quality pacing, with several standout performers stepping out in key lead-up races and feature events.
In the Group 3 Western Gateway Pace, all eyes will be on unbeaten star Bettor Fortune, who has cruised to five wins in WA and now faces his toughest test yet from the back line. Deni Roberts remains confident: “I wouldn’t swap my drive behind Bettor Fortune for any other horse.”
But stablemate Troubadour, drawn barrier one, could be the surprise packet. “Hopefully Troubadour can show his true colours this week,” Roberts added. Trainer Skye Bond echoed the sentiment: “Troubadour is getting better and better all the time, and on their work at home there is not a lot between him and Bettor Fortune.”
Troubadour will be driven by Stuart McDonald, who partnered him to a strong third behind Bettor Fortune and Chase Me in a Derby prelude, despite racing in the breeze throughout. Belly Up, another Bond runner, returns with a powerful finish and a Group 1 win to his name, while Chase Me, drawn well at barrier two, will be looking to bounce back after a tough run last week. “I thought he was the winner at the 400m, but he didn’t handle the final bend,” said Gary Hall Jnr.
Copper Head Lady, the only filly in the race, adds intrigue from barrier three, with Ryan Bell confident: “She should acquit herself well.”
Check out the final field for the G3 Western Gateway Pace here
In the Taste Of WA Janette Donnelly Pace, Never Ending continues his comeback after a long layoff. Jack Callaghan is upbeat: “Another wide draw is not ideal, but Never Ending is definitely on the way up, and he can win.” His two runs this prep have been full of promise, including a fast-finishing fourth last week in a hot field.
(Image: Star pacer Never Ending - credit: Pacepix)
Swingband, drawn perfectly in barrier two, will be hard to beat. “I’ll be leading and Swingband will take some beating,” said Ryan Bell. He was luckless behind Captain Ravishing last start but had previously run third behind Magnificent Storm.
Captain Ravishing, despite a back-line draw, remains a major player. “I’m still learning about him… whatever he does on Friday night he will improve,” said Lindsay Harper. Lusaka, drawn wide, is another Bond runner with claims. “If he goes like he did in the breeze, he’ll be a good chance,” said Roberts.
The Heather and Blackie Kulin Bush Races Winner Pace sees Hotly Pursued looking to make amends after a costly early gallop last week. Kyle Harper was impressed with the recovery: “He gave them almost 200 metres start and still finished close… it was a pretty impressive performance.” He’s confident the gelding can bounce back in a slightly easier field.
Rock Artist, drawn barrier six, is a genuine threat. “He handled Lusaka and Otis like they were maidens,” said Chris Voak. Other contenders include The Iron Duke, unbeaten in WA, and last-start winners Sweet Lucifer and Rockandrollartist.
In the Electrolux Golden Nugget Prelude, Mike Reed has five runners, but Shannon Suvaljko has opted for Bettors Pride from barrier six. “He’s more versatile than the others… he can sit and sprint and has good closing speed,” Suvaljko explained. Mikis Pride is working well, while Lion Queen and Quinton are expected to get soft runs from inside draws.
Blaze Away, trained by Michael Young and driven by Emily Suvaljko, is another to watch. “He got to the line very well last start… he’s also a good frontrunner,” said Suvaljko. Alta Tribute and Franco Motu represent the Hall stable, with Hall Jnr sticking with Franco Motu, a winner of six from eight.
The Group 3 Schrader Pace features birthday girl Emily Suvaljko aboard Penny Black, drawn awkwardly on the inside of the back line. “Her work at Byford was awesome… she’s very versatile and tough,” said Suvaljko, who turns 25 on Thursday. She’ll weigh up whether to stay on the pegs or make an early move. Aardiebytheseaside, Heavenly Gipsy, Wonderful To Fly and Little Darling round out a strong field.
Suvaljko also drives Majestic Ga Ga in the final event, the Retravision Trot, and is hopeful of turning the tables on Aldebaran Boyd. “Her run last start was huge… she galloped early and still hit the front in the straight,” she said.
All Friday night's fields at Gloucester Park can be viewed here
Ken Casellas