Odds In Bell’s Favour
Trainer Ryan Bell is confident smart two-year-old Whataretheodds can qualify for the Pearl Classic Final (2130m) when he lines up in the third and final heat at Gloucester Park this evening.
The gelding has built a formidable record in six career starts, winning three times and finishing second twice.
Whataretheodds has drawn barrier three and has a big part to play in the early speed battle.
APG Gold Bullion winner Rock On Top has drawn alongside Whataretheodds and looms as the obvious danger.
Griffin Lodge and Jackpot Joe have drawn barrier eight and nine respectively and also look to have claims.
Bell said tonight was the perfect opportunity to test Whataretheodds’ gate speed.
“It’s a good draw for him,” he told TABradio.
“By the looks of it, it’s not an overly strong heat.
“Obviously Rock On Top has good gate speed.
“Our bloke has got it too, but we haven’t used it and any questions he doesn’t have it they should see it tonight.”
Bell also has Speedwagon in the second heat, where he will start from barrier eight.
The gelding finished third in February’s APG Sales Classic Final and Bell said it had been a big effort to get him back racing.
“We had that drama around the APG Sales where he got quite crook,” he said.
“We actually nearly lost him and he spent two weeks in hospital.
“He’s bounced back really well.
“His trial was super.
“He didn’t go overly quick but his middle 1000m was really good.
“I haven’t driven one for a while that’s jogged along like it for a long time.
“It’s a shame he’s drawn the car park and it looks the strongest heat.”
In a further dose of good news for Bell, stable star Shockwave will move another step closer to a racetrack return when he trials at Pinjarra tomorrow.
The five-year-old hasn’t started since November’s Retravision-Fremantle Cup, where he finished third to Chicago Bull.
Bell said he couldn’t be happier with Shockwave’s progression.
“He looks a million dollars,” he said.
“I had the vet check him last week and everything is the best it’s ever been with him.”
Tonight’s meeting at Gloucester Park starts at 5.20.
Tim Walker
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