Welcome to our harness racing preview and betting tips for Gloucester Park on Friday, May 31st.
The Group 1 Diamond Classic Final (Race 5) headlines the meeting, with the 2YO Fillies doing battle over 2130m.
We've previewed the feature and three other races we're keen to bet into below!
Gloucester Park Harness Tips: Friday, May 31st
Race 1 – 6:52pm AEST
The quickest beginner on the front line is (8) Thereugo and he looks a strong chance of finding the front for trainer-driver Donald Harper. (1) Mighty Flying Deal should get a good run on his back and his form reads the best in the race. Placed in two of his last three starts, the Wayne Justins-trained 6YO gelding finished 2.6m from Tact Major last week. He finished powerfully to record a 56.2 last half. His last win came six starts ago when put into the race and facing the breeze. Should have plenty to offer late. (2) Madame Meilland also has strong claims.
My Rated Price: $3.00
(1) Mighty Flying Deal
$3.50
Race 2 – 7:20pm AEST
A tricky race to decipher. I am confident that (4) Bechers Brook is not an odds-on chance in the race. He is the class horse but doesn’t jump off the page as the definitive winner. (3) Veiled Secret is versatile and can either try and push for the lead off (1) Breach The Beach or look for cover behind (5) Dominate The Dojo or (7) Mad Robber. She comes off a third behind Our Alfie Romeo in a fillies and mares’ FFA. Expect her to run well. (2) Baylan Jett has surprised a little since taking the step to Friday night company and I think he’s worth a small bet also at huge odds from barrier two. (11) Cott Beach is also in the mix.
My Rated Price (Veiled Secret): $5.50
My Rated Price (Baylan Jett): $17
Value: (2) Baylan Jett $61
Race 5 - 2YO DIAMOND CLASSIC FINAL – 8:55pm AEST
The Group 1 Diamond Classic Final (2130m) for 2YO Fillies looks a fantastic race with odds-on favourite (7) Double Expresso drawing wide in barrier seven. She looks under the odds at $1.60 and I can make a case for several rivals. One of the Kat Warwick-trained runners is the likely leader with (4) Askmeilltellya or (5) Rockin The Trend most likely to find the front. The breeze will likely be occupied by Double Expresso or (8) Blockjorg who was impressive when three-wide the first 1000m in her heat. (11) Some Copper Beach has terrific form and her speed was on full display at Bunbury with a 54.5 last half. (12) Run For Mercy and (10) Soho Whisper won’t have to do work in the race and can sprint home strongly. I’ll go with my top pick, Some Copper Beach in the race. Barrier 11 could be a blessing in disguise as she won’t have to do work but could make a move if required as shown by facing the breeze in her heat. She has beaten home Run For Mercy a couple of times and just needs to conquer the stablemate Double Expresso.
My Rated Price: $4.00
(11) Some Copper Beach
$5.00
Race 9 – 11:05pm AEST
Open-class fillies and mares’ race over 2130m and there has been early support for (8) Lady De La Renta. She heads to the USA soon but would love another victory before heading over. On my figures, she rates on top in most categories. The price no longer appeals to me though and happy to go with (4) Come Dance With Me who is snapping at her heels. She has the quickest 1200m sectionals in the race and her last 1600m ones are second to Lady De La Renta. Barrier four can be tricky but she should be in front of a couple early in the moving line. She hasn’t been far away behind Our Alfie Romeo at her past couple and looks to be right in this race.
My Rated Price: $4.50
(4) Come Dance With Me
$7.50
