Finding you a winner at Tabcorp Park Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

The return to a favourable draw will enhance the winning prospects of the Amanda Turnbull-trained and driven ONE TWO MANY (3). Following wins either side of a closing half-head 2nd to Petes Said So, the Bathurst-based son of Captaintreacherous has drawn out in gate nine for his past two Menangle encounters, which have resulted in a 4.5m 4th to Total Diva, then a gritty 10m 5th behind the classy Focus Stride a couple of weeks ago, when the 4yo worked in occupying the role outside of the leader. With the prospect of receiving a kinder run this time around, courtesy of drawing gate two, which is less the reserve, One Two Many should have every chance presented to him by Amanda, and that should result in a winning display, despite the depth involved in this race. With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, the Dean and Kerry McDowell-trained MAJOR OBAHMA (1) should be ready to produce a competitive showing after two unplaced efforts. Following a pleasing 4.9m 5th to Total Diva when resuming, the Art Major 6yo then posted a 15.4m 7th to Focus Stride. Fitter and with a far better draw next to his name, Major Obahma is bound to record a more productive display. YIANNI (5) had been racing consistently before posting an 18.6m 6th to stablemate Reactor Now a week ago. The 5yo son of Changeover was restrained at the start, resulting in a midfield role, however, trainer Jack Trainor has indicated in an interview with National Trotguide that he will be looking to have Yianni closer to the action and, that should see him making a bold bid for a deserving win. Gritty mare TOTAL DIVA (6) is coming off a 6.4m 3rd to Tuppence a week ago when she worked home stoutly from a rearward role after drawing out deep. Slightly better drawn for this engagement, the Terror To Love mare can never be ignored as a threat in a race of this nature. When forming exotic investments, LETS GET ROCKIN (4) stays in the mix at his first run back, although he was well-beaten in a trial, however, they are a called a trial for a reason. The Michael Doltoff-trained 4yo certainly has the talent to be a threat, despite lacking the race-fitness of his rivals. Last-start winner SOHO SINATRA (9), despite the tricky draw, along with SPIRIT OF ANZAC (10) and CHEVRON ART (11) also remain in the multiple mix, although the draw hasn’t been kind to the pair.

ONE TWO MANY 1, Major Obahma 2, Yianni 3, Total Diva 4.

RACE TWO:

With the spelling paddock looming, promising 4yo HEAVEN ON HIGH (5) appeals as one of the ‘better bets’ on the card. The former Kiwi debuted for David Thorn with an emphatic win, prior to a couple of subsequent placings in a heat of the Carousel, then the Final two weeks ago when the son of Rock N Roll Heaven was held up at a vital stage in posting a 4.6m 3rd to Port Au Prince and Tay Tay, both being quality performers. Handily drawn in five, Jack Trainor has indicated that Heaven On High should find the lead and the winning post, with Jack keen to jump back in the sulky after Blake Fitzpatrick had the driving duties in the Carousel Final. CASSIUS DECK (2) draws ideally in two and that should result in the Steve Turnbull-trained 4yo receiving every chance, courtesy of Mitch Turnbull, who celebrated a birthday during the week. The in-form Bathurst reinsman will be looking to add further ‘icing to the cake’ with a winning performance. MACHS LEGACY (6) had been racing in fine fashion for mentor Cameron Ross, prior to a disappointing and costly 18m 8th to Orchid Stride a couple of weeks ago. The mare is capable of being prominent from the outset and is deserving of further consideration when it comes to the multiples. LOUIS LITT (4) came from a deep peg role when a creditable 11.2m 6th to Port Au Prince in the G2 Carousel Final. The Laurence Dawson-trained son of Art Major had been placed in three of his previous four encounters and he will again argue a good case for his inclusion in the exotics. Despite the outside gate WATTLEBANK LASS (10) warrants consideration as the mare has been consistent of late and is coming off a pleasing 3.2m 2nd to Romanee a week ago. FEAR CRUISIN (8) is also a multiple player while a newcomer to the Trevor Munday stable in JUSTANEXTRAGRAND (9) is worthy of keeping safe at this stage as the former Victorian has been racing well of late and he will have the services of Cam Hart, who is coming off a wonderful display last week when he guided home five winners. WESTERN STYLE (3) posted an improved 7m 6th to Romanee a week ago and from the better draw, the son of Western Terror is a value runner for the exotics. Cam, at this stage, is also listed as the driver so his choice will be a good guide.

HEAVEN ON HIGH 1, Cassius Deck 2, Machs Legacy 3, Louis Litt 4.

RACE THREE:

Impressive G2 Carousel winner PORT AU PRINCE (11) will be confronted with an interesting challenge when the KerryAnn Morris-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere faces the starter from the outside gate. The former Kiwi has drawn close to the pegs in each of his three starts for the Lucky Lodge, the past two wearing the number one saddlecloth. That has allowed Robert Morris to present Port Au Prince with suitable runs in both a heat and then the final of the Carousel, with wins being posted on each occasion. In proving too good for Tay Tay and Heaven on High, the 4yo stamped his potential, and although the wide gate is a concern, Robert is confident of further success and the ‘master tactician’ has indicated that he is likely to drift back at the start before overpowering his rivals in the home straight. POPS BOY (5) had been racing consistently prior to finishing a 14.4m last to Masons Delight last week when always back in a deep peg role. Prior to that run the Alistair Copps-trained son of Blissful Hall had recorded a pleasing 15.9m 3rd to the classy Cantfindabettorman. Handily drawn, Pops Boy is entitled to another chance when it comes to forming multiple transactions. FAZE OF GLORY (10) has been unplaced in each of his past two starts, following back-to-back wins here and a respectable 3.6m 3rd to Total Diva and Yianni. Enjoying the one-one a week ago in the race won by Tuppence, the Nathan Turnbull trained and driven loomed up three deep on the turn but could only manage 6th spot, beaten 12m. The 4yo son of Lincoln Royal will no doubt be keen to occupy a role in or near the lead from the outset. YUKO (7) is coming off a solid 4.6m 4th behind Romanee a week ago, with two recent wins at Newcastle keeping the mare in the mix when it comes to the exotics. RED REACTOR (6) resumes after ending his previous term of racing with a disappointing last to Always Rockin back in mid-June. Usually a consistent type, who doesn’t win out of turn, the David Thorn-trained son of Auckland Reactor is always capable of being a threat. TRIPLE FOUR (8) was always prominent in scoring here last time out, but a wider gate and the extended trip of 2300m, may restrict him to an exotic player at best.

PORT AU PRINCE 1, Pops Boy 2, Faze Of Glory 3, Yuko 4.

RACE FOUR:

The Harness Breeders Pink Diamond appears to be a match in three, with all major players to occupy the outside three spots at the start, which makes the early battle for positions intriguing. The Mark Hewitt trained and driven NOT TO BE DENIED (8) has enjoyed success at this venue, courtesy of her stylish win in the Golden Easter Egg back in May, when she accounted for a stronger line up. The daughter of Always B Miki contested the G1 Queensland Oaks back in July, which resulted in a 13.5m 10th behind the outstanding Emma Stewart-trained filly, Soho Historia. Resuming in early September with a solid all-the-way win at Dubbo, Not To Be Denied then contested a race against older horses at Wagga recently in recording a determined metre 2nd behind the promising Craig Turnbull-prepared Hiranya. Back against her own age and sex, and also stripping fitter, Not To be Denied, certainly won’t be denied in her quest for further success. The Tony Higgs-trained SILK CLOUD (7) is also a wonderful filly and she is deserving of plenty of respect. Unplaced just three times in 19 starts, which includes eight wins, Silk Cloud has been in peak form since resuming from a spell and is coming off a determined win at Headquarters when she ‘burnt the candle at both ends’ in defeating The Iron Lady and My Ultimate Skeeta, with the former winning since. Luke McCarthy had the reins last time out, but with Luke required for driving duties at Melton, Cam Hart has been engaged to jump into the sulky. While Not To Denied and Silk Cloud appear to be the main players, the Jack Trainor trained and driven CAPTN ME (9) emerges as a serious threat after she posted another quality win, this time at Penrith when she finished strongly in defeating the classy Madrid, which enjoyed G3 success at Menangle a week ago. The Captaintreacherous filly has drawn the outside gate, but Jack is likely to keep the filly as fresh as possible from the outset, then launching his claim when heads are turned for home. Minor exotic chances are given to FLARE UP (6), which has won her past two at Newcastle and Tamworth, the consistent WHEREYABINTWISTEN (4), IDEAL IN DREAMS (2) and LADY DELIGHT (1).

NOT TO BE DENIED 1, Silk Cloud 2, Captn Me 3, Flare Up 4.

RACE FIVE:

Despite being first-up since a spell and without an official trial, I CAST NO SHADOW (9) is worth the gamble in a quality field of open class performers. Following a number of stylish displays for his new mentor, following a successful career in Victorian, I Cast No Shadow headed to Queensland in July for the carnival, with two unplaced efforts, although not disgraced, coming his way in the Mr Feelgood Open, won by Triple Eight, and the G1 Sunshine Sprint, with a solid 6.4m 5th behind Better Eclipse. The decision to head north paid off when the 6yo overcame a tricky back row draw, then a tough run outside of the leader when he dead-heated with Crime Writer for the top spot in the Gold Coast Turf Club Pace. I Cast No Shadow has drawn wide but he is entitled to be rated highly, with the son of Shadow Play being another outstanding opportunity for Cam Hart to continue his winning run. Looming as the main threats to I Cast No Shadow are the Belinda McCarthy-trained professional performers in MALCOLMS RHYTHM (4) and ALTA ORLANDO (7). Without a win since scoring here last November, MALCOLMS RHYTHM has been on the verge of a winning display since joining the McCarthy barn back in June. The 6yo son of Art Major has been placed in three of his past five starts at this venue and has been a shade unlucky on more than one occasion. The gelding hit the line strongly when beaten 1.6m by Whereyabinboppin last week and he will again run boldly after drawing suitably. ALTA ORLANDO is long overdue for a return to the winner’s circle and he will no doubt be in the thick of the action from the outset. After leading out from a similar gate to this, then taking a sit, the Courage Under Fire 10yo battled on stoutly when an 8.9m 4th to his star stablemate Expensive Ego a couple of weeks ago. The last time Alta Orlando greeted the judge was at Headquarters back on March 12 when he won the G3 JE Binskin, and on that occasion, he defeated I Cast No Shadow by the neck margin. PERFECT STRIDE (3) had two runs for the Jack Trainor stable back in late April and early May, finishing a respectable 4th on each occasion behind the classy Cash N Flow. The 5yo has trialled strongly in readiness for his return and from the good gate, Trainor is confident that the son of Bettors Delight is ready to run a bold race. The classy FOCUS STRIDE (11) has come up with a tough draw, but the Art Major 5yo is racing in peak form and his latest effort a week ago, resulted in a solid-finishing 4.5m 4th behind Whereyabinboppin. ZEUSS BROMAC (10) has been off the scene since striking trouble and finishing a 50.3m last to Majestic Cruiser in the G1 Blacks A Fake at AP back on July 23. Astutely prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick, the classy 5yo enjoyed another successful term of racing before heading to the paddock and, has he has shown in the past, he produces a big effort when resuming. Although safely held in a recent trial, it will come as no surprise to see Zeuss Bromac being actively involved in the finish. THE BLACK PRINCE (8) won a similar race two starts ago, then finished a 9.7m 8th to Whereyabinboppin after having a suitable trip behind the leader and eventual winner. The 7yo is always a worthy addition to exotic investments.

I CAST NO SHADOW 1, Malcolms Rhythm 2, Alta Orlando 3, Perfect Stride 4.

RACE SIX:

Trainer Jarrod Alchin and driver Cam Hart look poised to add further success to their already impressive list of achievements when former Kiwi REGAL ATTIRE (8) looks to complete a hat-trick of wins. Runner-up to One Majic Kenny when on debut for the astute Menangle mentor, Regal Attire has been impressive winning his next two, firstly from behind the strands, which will again apply for the running of the G2 Trotters Cup, then, when too good for Watts Up Majestic and Princess Faith here a week ago when the mobile came into play. The 4yo son of Muscle Hill has a 10m handicap to overcome, but with a solid stand-stat record that won’t be a major concern. Despite the presence of a 20m handicap, MAJESTIC SIMON (12) is capable of playing a role in the finish. The Belinda McCarthy-trained 7yo has been thereabouts in most of his recent assignments since scoring at this venue five starts ago. In the race won by Regal Attire last week, Majestic Simon posted a creditable 8.4m 4th to in working home stoutly from a three peg role. A veteran of 62 stand encounters, Majestic Son has chalked up 16 wins and 18 placings so the tapes won’t worry him. WATTS UP MAJESTIC (9) has had limited experience under these conditions but has been confident in recording a win and a couple of placings from five attempts. Prepared and driven by Rickie Alchin, whose stable is enjoying plenty of success of late, the 4yo was resuming from a spell when a gritty 3.5m 2nd to Regal Attire last week, following a bold attempt to lead for most of the trip. Expect another competitive showing from the Majestic Son gelding. The intriguing runner is PHOEBE ONYX (2), a former Kiwi which is now under the care of KerryAnn Morris. Crossing the Tasman with a fine record, the 6yo son of Wishing Stone is coming off a solid 12m 2nd behind the classy Majestic Man in a 1609m mobile event at Addington on Aug 12. From 51 starts from behind the tapes, Phoebe Onyx has recorded 10 wins and 11 placings, and although he hasn’t been to the official trials, Lucky Lodge will have him ready to produce a bold first-up effort after drawing the front line. ANDOVERLOV (4) has been runner-up in two of his three runs since a spell and Jack Trainor is more than happy with his prospects, as the 5yo has won five races under these conditions back in NZ, which is his total career wins. From the front line expect a bold showing from the son of Andover Hall. When looking at possible exotic combinations don’t ignore SUNNY GEE (11) while VAN SANK (10) has sound stand form back in Queensland and he should give a good account for the Shannon Price stable, despite the 10m handicap.

REGAL ATTIRE 1, Majestic Simon 2, Watts Up Majestic 3, Phoebe onyx 4.

RACE SEVEN:

By a ‘country mile’ the best graded horse at Menangle on Saturday night is the former Kiwi star A GS WHITE SOCKS (11), and although the price will be listed in red figures, the 8yo looks an ideal investment in the many forms on offer these days. For a horse of his calibre, surprisingly, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven has greeted the judge since winning the 2020 Ballarat Cup when he defeated two former, fellow Kiwi’s in Self Assured and Chase Auckland. Now five runs into his career under the guidance of Belinda McCarthy, A GS White Socks wasn’t disgraced in four runs during the Winter Carnival in Queensland, culminating in a 7m 8th behind the dead-heaters Crime Writer and I Cast No Shadows. Contesting a 1609m FFA here a few weeks ago, the sparingly-raced 8yo led and battled on gamely when a head 2nd to The Black Prince, with the run pleasing Luke McCarthy, who said that the gelding was now starting to bold towards a winning display. Drawing closer to the grandstand than the pegs, A GS White Socks should have little trouble recording the 13th win of his career. While bad luck may be the only way A GS White Socks doesn’t win, Troy Williams mare LITTLE BLISS (1) is capable of making him earn the major share of the prizemoney. The 5yo daughter of Art Major has done a wonderful job for the stable, particularly this season and there is no doubt that she is deserving of further success. Following a solid 3.4m 4th to the exciting mare Braeview Kelly, Little Bliss was only 9m back in grabbing 3rd last week, again behind Braeview Kelly. From gate one Robert Morris will have Little Bliss in the mix from the outset, curled up and ready to strike when the opportunity presents itself in the home straight. MIGHTY FLYING DEAL (3) has finished fourth in each of his past two encounters, the former when beaten 6m by Major Jellis while the latter was a week ago when he finished 15.6m behind Reactor Now. The 9yo has the chance to be prominently placed after drawing three.

ALWAYS ROCKIN (2) has done enough of late to remain in the mix as an  exotic runner while HIDDEN COURAGE (5) is also a player in that regard. ZAHVEN BANNER (9) is back from a spell but has trialled nicely and is also a contender for the exotics. The Harry Martin-trained pair DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (4) and TITIAN RAIDER (8) have been below their best of late so take them on trust when it comes to the exotics.

A GS WHITE SOCKS 1, Little Bliss 2, Mighty Flying Deal 3, Always Rockin 4.

RACE EIGHT:

This is an open contest with the in-form Nathan Turnbull stable providing the one to beat in KEY DEFENDER (5). The son of Bettors Delight had the same number when he led in posting a solid 3m 3rd behind Glenavril King at this venue a couple of weeks ago. Peaking in condition following four runs back, Key Defender appears to have struck a suitable assignment and with the prospect of again dictating the terms, the 6yo should be in the fight for a long way. The wide draw is a concern when it comes to ZAMBIA (9), however, the 5yo has been consistent of late, finishing no further back than sixth from his past six starts. Drawing gate one a week ago, Zambia enjoyed a kind run behind the leader when a 10.3m 2nd to Reactor Now, which would account for this field in a similar manner. If Blake Fitzpatrick can secure a suitable run form the son of Bettors Delight, then expect him to be involved in the finish. SMOOTH OVERARM (2) has drawn ideally in two and that will enhance his claims of a bold showing. Well-beaten in a heat of the Carousel when 8th to Tay Tay, Smooth Overarm drew the back row when held up for a suitable run, due to competing from a four peg role, when a 5.7m 6th to Iamjoyride in the Cowra Cup a couple of weeks ago. The 7yo son of Changeover had been racing well at this venue prior to those engagements and he is definitely worthy of another chance. ARDENS ACE (1) drew wide when a useful 9m 4th to Soho Sinatra last week and with the draw far more suitable this time around, the Art Major 4yo can’t be dismissed as a  threat. CHASING THE WIND (7) has been mixing his form but dismiss his latest run at Newcastle when he struck trouble and finished last behind Fear Cruisin. The 5yo has exotic claims, along with HAS THE COURAGE (6).

KEY DEFENDER 1, Zambia 2, Smooth Overarm 3, Ardens Ace 4.