A week after delivering trainer David Hobby a late Christmas present, well-performed stayer Magpie Bob will be on the hunt for more silverware when he tackles heat one of the Distance Gift (715m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
After having his position as WA’s staying supremo put in question in recent months by the up-and-coming Reverberate, Magpie Bob (pictured with trainer David Hobby) responded in the best possible fashion to finish 2013 with two impressive victories, including in last week’s Christmas Gift where he clocked a personal best time of 41.77.
Magpie Bob meets some familiar opposition in his heat in the form of Pedro’s Finest and Freeway Ace but he should have those dogs covered and be able to ease himself into the final.
In heat two (race six) Reverberate looks a likely winner unless Houdini Monelli can muscle his way into the race.
There’s not a lot to get excited about in the third heat (race seven) although from the rails Sassy Bullet should be able to dictate terms and go on to record his first victory since November.
Mr Rooster has won several races over the ‘700’ but he hasn’t had much to crow about lately as he’s been winless for over six months.
Love Of Lauryn is having her second attempt at the distance and if she doesn’t run out of puff like she did last week she can be prominent, while Decta has been a consistent placegetter over shorter trips but his is first crack at the journey.
Dannie Bale’s wretched run of box draws continues in the Jumpin’ January Mixed Grade 5 over 530m (race one).
Against this level of opposition the strong running veteran is a big chance but his hopes of breaking a nine-race losing sequence are made difficult by the fact he’s launching from out wide again, this time from the pink.
Fellow Paul Stuart-trained kennelmate Dyna Sandy and West on Polly from the rails alley are big threats.
Best Bet: Reverberate (Race 6)
Best Value: Nice Lil’ Earner (Race 8)
Quaddie: Race 5 – 3
Race 6 – 3
Race 7 – 1, 8
Race 8 – 4, 5, 6
$20 for 333.33%
