3 minute read

Progressive Sydneysider Betterzippit brings the X-factor and a sense of excitement to the inaugural running of The Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

The five-year-old gelding is one of three interstate raiders for the $1million slot race which forms part of the Western Trilogy across the three codes of racing.

Former Kiwi Betterzippit has been flying since crossing the Tasman, winning five of six starts for boom trainer Jason Grimson.

It was hard not to be impressed by his last-start win at Menangle when he drew wide but pushed forward to lead before putting his rivals to the sword in the latter stages. 

He is well served by a draw closer to the pegs that will see him in the firing line from the mobile.

He looks the horse on the up and as the second favourite in early betting markets offers decent value.

Fellow Sydneysider Spirit Of St Louis is the query of the race.

A topliner at his best, he was below that level when making his Gloucester Park debut last week but just last month was runner up in the Miracle Mile for the second straight year.

His cause isn't aided by the wide draw but if he brings his A-game it is certainly good enough.

Loyalist is the third of the NSW representatives and while he takes a step up in grade he does bring consistent form from Menangle.

They come up against a strong team of locals headed by Magnificent Storm and things do look to have fallen his way.

Probably WA's best pacer, he went off the boil over the summer but is back in form at the right time with a terrific last start win where he drew wide and was just too good.

He gets the right draw so has plenty in his favour.

Lavra Joe is the other local in peak form. He won the Bunbury Cup last month – beating Magnificent Storm – then chased that rival when runner-up two back when drawn wider.

He beat several of his Nullarbor rivals in winning last week and from this draw looks likely to feature in the finish.

Diego hasn't fared the best at the barrier draw but he was the form horse of the summer so could feature if things pan out his way while Mighty Ronaldo has proven the giant killer a few times in the past and while the draw is against him he has shown he can step up on a big occasion.

TOP PICK: Betterzippit (4)

DANGERS: Magnificent Storm (2), Lavra Joe (3)

BEST ROUGHIES: Diego (6), Mighty Ronaldo (9)