Ideally drawn in gate one, compared to the outside gate a week ago, former Victorian TUPPENCE (1) is worthy of a ‘dollar or two’ when the son of Lincoln Royal faces the starter for his second run since joining the Darren Binskin team. Under the care of Geoff Webster the gelding enjoyed plenty of success, with an all-the-way win at Ballarat posted before Tuppence headed up the highway. Trapped three deep when attempting to secure a role close to the action, Binskin elected to ease back, which resulted in Tuppence securing a six peg role, prior to improving one spot when the field approached the final turn. Although never a serious contender the 4yo made steady ground down the running, with a creditable 10.5m 8th to Justa Little Bit coming his way. This time around Tuppence will have the opportunity to dictate or at the very least, enjoy a kind run, stalking the speed while awaiting for his chance to make his presence felt when the field sights the winning post. While Tuppence is bound to run a bold race, he will need to bring his ‘A game’ as the classy DEFIANT (2) will be exactly that as he looks to make it back-to-back wins at Headquarters, and with gate two next to his name, the Ash Hart-trained son of Roll With Joe will take a power of beating. The 4yo is coming off a stylish win in the G3 Winter Championship when he enjoyed a soft run behind the leader before breaking clear of the pack in comfortably defeating clear of the pack. Ardens Reality and Ultimate Force chased gamely but where never a threat to Defiant. Cam Hart will again have Defiant in the thick of the action from the outset and that will make things difficult for those looking to bring about their downfall. DOUBTLESS BAY (3) has also drawn favourably and he will find this challenge more to his liking, compared to a G3 experience a week ago when a respectable 9.5m 3rd behind Petes Said So and One Two Many. Prior to that assignment the 5yo son of Bettors Delight recorded back-to-back wins at this venue and he will again be in the mix for a long way. JUSTA LITTLE BIT (5) is coming off a solid win and can’t be ignored when it comes to exotic investments while MAJOR JELLIS (8) and the Jack Trainor-prepared trio of THE IDEAL DANCER (4), YIANNI (6) and CHEVRON ART (7) are also worthy of attention when looking at multiple transactions.
TUPPENCE 1, Defiant 2, Doubtless Bay 3, Justa Little Bit 4.
RACE TWO:
Although proving difficult to follow of late, SPIRIT OF ANZAC (1) appeals as the one to beat in an open and competitive contest, courtesy of drawing ideally in gate one. Following a win here four starts ago when he arrived at big odds, the 7yo was safely held when 7th to Focus Stride before recording an encouraging photo 2nd to Boom. Contesting the G3 Winter Championship a couple of weeks ago, Spirit Of Anzac competed from a three peg role in posting a userful 7.8m 6th to the classy Defiant. With the prospect of receiving a comfortable trip, the Jack Trainer trained and driven gelding should have something in reserve when the final 200m comes into play. WOW HES A ROCK STAR (3) is harder to follow than a shopping trolley with a ‘dicky’ wheel, but the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven son of Rock N Roll Heaven must be included as a major player. The 4yo posted a moderate effort three back, then returned to his best form when he powered home in defeating Rock Fisherman and Louis Litt. Wow Hes A Rock Star drew wide last week and to some extent he had a minor excuse in finishing a 28m 8th to Faze Of Glory. Receiving a bump about 200m from home, when he appeared to be safely held in the process, Wow Hes A Rock Star could have finished closer, but only by a few metres. Gate three will allow Blake to have Wow Hes A Rock Star closer to the action and if he is ‘switched on’, then this race is certainly well within his reach. ARDENS REALITY (6) hit the line strongly in scoring two starts ago, then he again worked home strongly in collecting 2nd placing behind Defiant in a G3 assignment two weeks ago. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven 5yo is bound to loom as a big threat once again. FAZE OF GLORY (7) landed a confident plunge last week when Nathan Turnbull dictated the terms to perfection, which allowed the 4yo to easily account for The Ideal Dancer and Glenavril King. The son of Lincoln Royal is racing in peak form and although tackling a harder challenge and from a wider gate, expect another competitive showing from the Bathurst visitor. Exotic investors should also consider BOYZHAVTIME (4), HOLY CAMP DILLON (5) and LYRICAL GENIUS (9), which is resuming from a wide gate, however, he does have the talent and a recent useful Bathurst trial to suggest he warrants more than a passing thought.
SPIRIT OF ANZAC 1, Wow Hes A Rock Star 2, Ardens Reality 3, Faze Of Glory 4.
RACE THREE:
Former Kiwi BRAEVIEW KELLY (3) was responsible for an impressive first-up win for the Jack Trainor stable back on August 2, and with another ideal draw, gate three, next to her name, the Bettors Delight mare again looks poised for a trip to the winner’s circle. Arriving from across the ‘ditch’ with seven wins and eight placings from 35 encounters, the 4yo was having her first outing since late June when she easily accounted for Shanlou and Outside Fighter. Dictating the terms, Trainor allowed Braeview Kelly a little more rein at the 200m, and the mare responded in fine style, dropping her rivals with the minimum of fuss, which resulted in a 27.4 final quarter. It could have been quicker had Trainor wished to do extend the winning margin of 10.5m. There was no need. This will be a harder test for Braeview Kelly but she has the makings of a quality mare. ARDENS ACE (6), surprisingly, for his consistency, hasn’t greeted the judge since last November, however, he will loom as the main threat, if there is to be one. Placed in three of his past five and close-up in the other two, Ardens Ace finished his latest assignment off gamely which resulted in a gritty half-neck 2nd to Tom The Curious a week ago. The son of Art Major has a slightly better draw assisting him so expect another determined showing from the Tony Bertwistle-trained 4yo. SURFERS DELIGHT (7) had been racing consistently before his past couple of unplaced efforts, the latter as an odds-on elect when a 12.8m 7th to Wow Hes A Rock Star. Despite drawing deeper this time around the 4yo is capable of making a play for a role in the multiples. WHATS YOUR SECRET (5) didn’t have the best of luck when a 12m 6th to Orchid Stride last week so don’t ignore the mare when it comes to the exotics. ROCK FISHERMAN (8), WESTERN STYLE (9) and HEAVENLY HOLLY (1) also fall into that category.
BRAEVIEW KELLY 1, Ardens Ace 2, Surfers Delight 3, Whats Your Secret 4.
RACE FOUR:
If PUMP THE BRAKES (5) didn’t have bad luck, then the son of Dawn Ofa New Day, wouldn’t have any luck at all. Handily drawn in what appears to be a race of many chances, Pump The Brakes is entitled to another chance, although he is just about done in that department. Back to last week and after being locked away in a four peg role, then held up for a run, trainer-driver Sean Grayling attempted to secure some clear running, only to find trouble, and a holiday courtesy of those in charge, when Pump The
PUMP THE BRAKES
Brakes posted a 5.7m 5th to Justa Little Bit. Better luck at a vital stage and the 8yo would have been right in the mix when the judge called a halt. Pump The Brakes will be driven by Gavin Fitzpatrick and from the useful draw, the pair should be parked in a challenging role from the outset. LACEYS LAD (3) hit the line strongly when a photo 2nd to Justa Little Bit last week. From his good draw the son of Lis Mara will again be in a threatening role and he is definitely on the verge of a winning display so respect the Mark Callaghan-prepared 7yo. Since greeting the judge back on May 7, DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (1) has recorded eight unplaced efforts, a handful when he contested stronger events than this and wasn’t disgraced. Last week in finishing a 7.5m 7th to Justa Little Bit, the Harry Martin-trained 8yo failed to secure a suitable run from a three peg role. The son of Village Jasper should have finished a lot closer to from the pole he is worthy of attention in a race of this nature. ALWAYS ROCKIN (9) has been mixing his form of late, mainly due to tardy manners, but his latest effort in recording a gritty 2nd to Little Bliss a couple of weeks ago, keep him in the mix when it comes to exotic transactions. GOLDEN YEAR (8) is also capable of giving cheek and should be linked to the multiples.
PUMP THE BRAKES 1, Laceys Lad 2, Double Encounter 3, Always Rockin 4.
RACE FIVE:
Courtesy of drawing the prized pole position, the Darren Binskin trained and driven WATCHMEDAZZLE (1) will have every chance presented to him in quest of his seventh career win. A convincing winner at Headquarters three runs ago when he led, en route to an easy victory over Get Ready To Rock and Ed Mendes, Watchmedazzle then drew wide in securing a handy role, mainly in the one-one, prior to posting a gritty 6.7m 4th to Boom. The draw was again against him when the son of Hes Watching carried the number eight saddle clothe, but Binskin was again able to secure the one-one, with a creditable 9.7m 8th to Little Bliss coming his way. Driving with plenty of flare and confidence, DJ will have the 4yo ideally placed from the moment the green light is activated, and that will be a big plus in a race boasting numerous chances. SMOOTH OVERARM (8) will be required to come off the long run, due to drawing wide, but that won’t prevent him from going close to bowling this field over. Successful at Young five starts ago, the son of Changeovercollected a couple of solid placings at this venue before two unplaced displays, although on each occasion the 7yo finished close-up in recording a 5th to Holy Camp Dillon and a 4th behind Little Bliss, respectively. This appears to be a suitable assignment, compared to recent outings, for Smooth Overarm so respect his claims. FEAR CRUISIN (4) had no luck a week ago when held up for a run in posting a 7.6m 8th behind Tom The Curious. With a clear run from the 200m, the 6yo son of Christian Cullen would have played a far more active role in the finish. A solid Newcastle winner prior to that effort, when he led throughout, Fear Cruisin has drawn suitably so expect a bold showing from the KerryAnn Morris-trained entire. CHECK IN (5) was disappointing last week when an 18.6m 5th to Faze Of Glory. Prior to that encounter the 8yo son of Mach Three had the necessary form to give this a shake so don’t rule him out as a threat. Multiple investors should also include ULTIMATE FORCE (6), GLENAVRIL KING (7) and BENALONG VALLEY (9).
WATCHMEDAZZLE 1, Smooth Overarm 2, Fear Cruisin 3, Check In 4.
RACE SIX:
Since resuming from a spell the Paul Fitzpatrick-prepared mare WAINUI CREEK (11) has gone from ‘strength-to-strength’, and although facing strong opposition for the running of the G3 Ranji Bill Ladyship, the daughter of Bettors Delight is entitled to top billing. Following a sound, first term of racing under the care of the Hall of Fame mentor, the former Kiwi resumed with a useful 8.4m 6th to Fairy Tinkabell in the G3 Stylish Memphis back on June 25. Since then the mare has gone on a winning spree, winning her next three in fine style, including a contest against open class pacers, with Petes Said So, which has won since, finishing second. The 6yo then accounted for Heavenly Holly and Im Desirable in the Baby Bling Ladyship before again accounting for the open class pacers in defeating Pitch Perfect and Hes Chiming. Each time Wainui Creek has been asked to overcome a wide gate, and that will again be the case as the mare will face the starter from the outside gate. Despite that hurdle Wainui Creek has the speed from the machine to take that factor out of the equation, or, as she has also shown, coming off the pace doesn’t worry her in the least. B K SWY (6) had been racing soundly at this venue before heading to AP to contest the Fleur De Lil on July 9. From a back row draw the daughter of Big Jim was never a factor in recording a 13.3m 9th to Maajida. Back home and driven a ‘cool, calm and collected’ race by 17yo Jack Brown, B K Swy came with a devastating sprint to snatch victory in the final bound or two over Whats Your Secret and Aunty Bella. Back up in class, but with the talent to handle the situation at hand, B K Swy has drawn suitably and she will make her presence felt. The Belinda McCarthy-trained duo of THE HONEY QUEEN (9) and FAIRY TINKABELL (10) return home after respectable performances during the Brisbane Winter carnvial. The ‘dynamic duo’ are coming off winning displays with The Honey Queen, Luke’s preferred drive, accounting for Make Mine Memphis and Fond Memories a couple of weeks ago. Jack Callaghan will partner Fairy Tinkabell, which saluted the judge in the Queen of Hearts on July 23. On that particular occasion the classy daughter of Big Jim accounted for The Honey Queen and Jenden Strike, courtesy of dictating the terms from start to finish. The classy mares have both drawn deep, but both have the gate speed to stake a claim for a role in the thick of the action. JERADS DELIGHT (8) is also returning from the ‘sunshine state’, however, the 7yo daughter of Bettors Delight will join the powerful Jack Trainor stable. Thereabouts on a regular basis, Jeradas Delight returns to a contest against her own sex after a determined 2.3m 2nd to Mach Da Vinci at AP a week ago. Claims as an exotic player must be extended to the mare. LITTLE BLISS (4) is racing in the ‘peak of her powers’ and although the Troy Williams-trained mare is rising in grade, keep her safe in the exotics as a value player.
WAINUI CREEK 1, B K Swy 2, Fairy Tinkabell 3, The Honey Queen 4.
RACE SEVEN:
Since contesting the Miracle Mile back on March 12, when a solid 6.3m 5th to King Of Swing, BUNDORAN (7) has contested four races following a well-earned spell. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven son of Lincoln Royal commenced his latest term of racing with a pleasing 1.3m 3rd behind Zeuss Bromac and Jimmy Locke, however, Bundoran didn’t produce the same commitment in his next two safely held displays behind Jimmy Locke and Whereyabinboppin, respectively. The 5yo indicated that he was about to turn the corner with a last start 6m 4th to Wainui Creek on July 30, with the 5yo finding the line with intent. With his level of fitness now peaking, Bundoran will
BUNDORAN
appreciate the small field of just six rivals, making his outside gate less of a factor. Racing best when allowed to ‘drop out’ and then launch his claim when heads are turned for home, Bundoran enjoys the lengthy Menangle straight and this time around he should be able to make full use of the 360m. ALTA ORLANDO (6) hasn’t had a great deal go his way of late, which includes his 9m 8th to Better Eclipse in the G1 Sunshine Sprint and the G1 Blakes A Fake when a solid 8m 4th to Majestic Cruiser. Following his Queensland campaign, the veteran son of Courage Under Fire faced the starter in a 2300m G3 event at Headquarters a week ago, and once again, little went his way. With Jack Callaghan dictating the terms, Alta Orlando was kept busy from the outset by Hes Chiming, which eventually finished a 21.4m 7th while the odds-on elect was left crossing the line in 5th spot, beaten 19.2m by Petes Said So. There is plenty of speed drawn inside this time and Alta Orlando may be left out of the early charge. MALCOLMS RHYTHM (2) has had four runs for new mentor Belinda McCarthy, all at AP during the carnival, with the Art Major 6yo finishing runner-up on two occasions, and having little luck in the other two outings. Hitting the line nicely from a three peg role, Malcolms Rhythm is coming off a solid 1.5m 2nd to Star Galleria a couple of weeks ago, and with gate two a plus, a competitive showing should be forthcoming from the former Victorian. JIMMY LOCKE (5) hasn’t been a factor in either his past two runs, following a G3 Golden Mile win and two roles as runner-up behind the likes of Zeuss Bromac and Wolf Stride, respectively. A couple of weeks may see a ‘fresher’ Jimmy Locke
produce a far better display. That leaves CRUNCH TIME (1), LOORRIM CREEK (3), which will be winning an easier contest, sooner than later, and WHEREYABINBOPPIN (4) to fight it out for any minor role in the exotics.
BUNDORAN 1, Alta Orlando 2, Malcolms Rhythm 3, Jimmy Locke 4.
RACE EIGHT:
Despite being another run or two from being near peak fitness, DROP THE HAMMER (10) is worthy of more than a passing thought following his respectable and pleasing return to racing from a spell and surgery. From his one-one role, the classy 7yo worked home stoutly in recording a 12.2m 4th to Gus An Maori, with his trainer-driver Darren Hancock more than happy with the effort. Confronted by a similar field, but over the shorter trip of 1609m, Drop The Hammer has again drawn wide, however, his higher level of fitness will assist the son of Bettors Delight in his quest for a bold showing. MAJESTIC SIMON (9) lost all chance at the start when he broke and lost considerable ground. The end result was a costly 32.5m 8th, but that was a rare mistake from the talented Majestic Son 7yo. Prior to that display, Majestic Simon had been racing in fine style and maybe he was feeling too relaxed for his first run in two months. The Belinda McCarthy-trained gelding must be given another chance to make amends. With the benefit of drawing the pole, GUS AN MAORI (1) will again be a serious threat after greeting the judge, via a peg-hugging drive by trainer-driver Sofia Arvidsson. The veteran will again have the opportunity to secure a similar kind run and that will leave him with plenty of energy for the final stages. PRINCESS FAITH (5) continues to perform at a consistent leve and she was game in defeat in finishing third. The 6yo mare will again be prominent in making her presence felt. Multiple combinations should also include AFFAIRE DE COVER (7), which is coming off a solid win here von Tuesday, MAJOR THOMAS (6) and ALDEBARAN URSULA (11).
DROP THE HAMMER 1, Majestic Simon 2, Gus An Maori 3, Princess Faith 4.
RACE NINE:
Once again, EVERYBODYLOVEDRAY (8) was responsible for a an eye-catching display in defeat, and once again, the David Thorn-trained son of Always A Virgin warrants
EVERYBODYLOVEDRAY
another chance. Following five unplaced, but creditable efforts, since last greeting the judge, Everybodylovedray hit the line strongly in recording a 5.8m 2nd to Rickoshay last week. Drawing eight on that occasion, and again for this assignment, the 7yo will again drift back at the start and be saved for one late surge, however, this time around the challenge does appear to be slightly easier and that is a big plus for Everybodylovedray. OUR MONEY ROCKS (5) had been racing consistently before having no luck when a tiring 17.3m 9th to Tamanisha Terror. With better luck in running, the 5yo posted a gritty 8m 4th to Rickoshay last week and on that display the son of A Rocknroll Dance is entitled to another chance in such an open contest. CAMANCHI WARRIOR (4) led when a useful 7.4m 7th to Tom The Curious a week ago. The Sunshine Beach 5yo has been mixing his form of late but he remains in the mix when it comes to forming multiple combinations. MARTY MAJOR (6) has contested nine races since a spell with just one minor placing coming his way. The 9yo son of Art Major hasn’t been beaten far in each of his past three and this type of challenge should assist in a competitive display so don’t write him off. GROSESTAR (1) draws ideally and a bold showing wouldn’t surprise while TINDER SURPRISE (3), ZAMBIA (6) and ARE DOUBLEYOU (9) also have exotic prospects.
