Highroller Joe Excites Howlett

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Trainer Jamie Howlett believes progressive three-year-old, and his latest stable acquisition, Highroller Joe can deliver him his maiden Group 1 success in the Westbred Classic Final (2130m) for the three-year-old Colts and Geldings at Gloucester Park tomorrow night.

Highroller Joe will be looking to complete the two-year-old and three-year-old Westbred double, after he won last year’s two-year-old feature at just his third race start.

Just five of the 12 runners engaged in tomorrow night’s Group 1 competed in the two-year-old edition last year.

However, Highroller Joe won last year’s event under the care of Justin Prentice, and will be having his first start for Howlett tomorrow night.

The gelding was transferred to Howlett’s stable by owner and breeder Craig Lynn, who is also Howlett’s nephew.

Howlett said the stable change was largely due to Lynn wanting to learn more about the training caper from Howlett.

“Craig wants to get some more knowledge of the game because he wants to take up training,” he said.

“He has a stable now, and he often comes up and gives me a hand.”

Highroller Joe has had five starts as a three-year-old for just one win, but three of his defeats came in the Caduceus Club Classic, WA Country Derby, and a prelude of the WA Derby.

Howlett said he still had confidence Highroller Joe could rediscover his best form tomorrow, despite the string of unplaced runs last campaign.

“The horse is pretty good,” he said.

“I’ve had him for five weeks, but we have had to hurry his work to have him ready.”

Howlett had his first look at Highroller Joe in a 2185m trial at Pinjarra last Sunday, where he rated 1.58.8.

Howlett said he hoped the Roll With Joe gelding would rate below two minutes, and was pleased with how he came through the hit out.

Consistent performer One Off Delight for the Gary Hall Snr and Jnr combination has been installed a $1.80 TABtouch favourite for the $100,000 event from barrier one, while Thisbeachrighthere for Greg and Skye Bond is $2.90.

Highroller Joe is on the third line of betting at $6, and has barrier 10, which Howlett said would give the gelding every chance to upset his the fancied duo.

“I’m very confident he will be right there…he will definitely earn something,” he said.

“The key will be to get away from the rail.

“I can’t see how Gary Hall Jnr won’t lead with One Off Delight, so we will sit back and hope they spread out a bit down the back straight and we get out.”

The Gloucester Park meeting kicks off at 5.20pm on Friday.

Tim Walker