Western districts owner-trainer-breeder Dennis Barnes has had one of his most successful years and could cap 2016 with as many as four winners at Wentworth Park on Friday night.
Barnes' in-form quartet is Nangar Flame in box two in heat one of the Ladbrokes Monthly Medal Series (720m), Little Nangar (box three, Sky Racing Stakes, 520m), Nangar Bear (box one, Safe Travels Stakes, 520m) and Nangar Rock (box eight, Welcome In 2017 Stakes, 520m).
Nangar Bear's ideal draw makes him look the pick of the Barnes team, despite being beaten on his merits when third in Royal Turbo's Christmas Gift heat at Wentworth Park on December 10.
Royal Turbo went on to win the final and while Barnes admits to being "slightly disappointed'' with Nangar Bear's run, he expects him to do better this time.
"I have freshened him up since his Christmas Gift heat and in the dog's favour is that he is dropping from top grade to fourth class this week,'' Barnes said.
"Nangar Rock has won six of 13 provincial starts but has not been around Wentworth Park.
"I'm not sure how he will handle box eight because while he is a reasonably good beginner who has won from inside and outside draws in the bush, it's hard to predict how he will handle Wenty.
"I was pleased with Nangar Flame's second placing at Wentworth Park on Christmas Eve because the heavy track did not suit him.
"He is not strong at the end of 720m and for him to hang on and finish second, beaten only a length, was one of his best staying performances.''
Barnes is setting Little Nangar for the January 28 heats of the Group 1 National Futurity at Wentworth Park and she goes into her race this week boasting the perfect record at headquarters.
Little Nangar has won each of her three Wentworth Park appearances from boxes seven and eight but Barnes has always rated her best suited drawn close to the rails.
Trainer Andrew Mulrine considers Aqua Dragon well boxed in eight in the 520m AAA Radiator Specialists Stakes (520m).
Aqua Dragon had box four when he was second early and took the lead at the half-way mark before winning easily at Wentworth Park on Christmas Eve.
"He pulled up well after that race and looks a million dollars, having spent the last few days frolicking around a dam we have at home,'' Mulrine said.
"There are a few dogs in Aqua Dragon's race with similar ability but the wide draw suits him and if he jumps smartly like he did on Christmas Eve he should go well.''
Best value bet is Victorian stayer Azurite">Azurite, who has box five in heat two of the 720m Ladbrokes Monthly Medal Series.
When previously at Wentworth Park Azurite was competing in the Group 3 Sydney Cup series in October so she should relish the plunge in class from top to fifth grade this week.
Since returning to Victoria from her recent NSW trip, Azurite has recorded runaway wins over 725m at The Meadows and over 715m at Sandown.
For Wentworth Park Friday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
Jeff Collerson's Wentworth Park Friday picks:
Best Bet: Nangar Bear (Race 7)
Best Value: Azurite (Race 9)
Quaddie: Race 5 - 8, 1, 3
Race 6 - 3, 4, 7
Race 7 - 1, 5
Race 8 - 7, 3, 8
$20 for 37.03%
