Confident of some fruitful results

WITH a handy squad of consistent performers engaged at Club Menangle this afternoon, respected trainer David Waite is quietly confident of some fruitful results.

Four members of Waite’s stable will be in action throughout the program, with each “going well enough to be thereabouts” according to the veteran horseman.

“I wouldn’t go as far as declaring any of them, but with the right runs, we could cause an upset here or there,” Waite said. “They are all going well enough to be thereabouts and it will just come down to the kind of runs they get.

“Of the four, Hesaa Lister would have to be my best chance, but that’s not to say the other three can’t get the job done if things go their way.”

Consistent veteran Chief Runningcloud and stable newcomer Alpha Stride will kick-start Waite’s assault in the opening event – a Trotters’ Carousel Prelude over 2300 metres.

Originally listed as the emergency, Alpha Stride gained a start as a result of a scratching, with the gelding drawn barrier six.

A pacing-bred son of Captaintreacherou, Alpha Stride finished third in a trial at Club Menangle last week in what was his first hit out since July 21.

“He came to me from Blake (Fitzpatrick) in great condition,” Waite said. “I’m still learning about his few little quirks, but I like him.

“Racing over 2300 first-up is a bit tough, but he is forward enough after his trial to run a good race.”

A regular during Club Menangle’s Tuesday fixtures, Chief Runningcloud has drawn barrier 10, but slots into nine as a result of the scratching.

Triumphant against similar opposition on July 14, the son of Lawman was runner-up over a mile on August 25 followed by a handy fifth last week.

“The way he is going, he is a chance again,” Waite said. “He is just so honest and is well-suited in that class.

“I’ve won a dozen Tuesday races with him, along with as many placings, so he’s always a chance.”

Fresh from his win last Tuesday, Hesaa Lister is favoured to complete a double despite drawing awkwardly in barrier six.

The son of Vincent led throughout from the same gate during his previous outing.

“He was out in front last time, but that’s not really his go as he switches off,” Waite said. “He goes better with a sit, but I’ll leave it up to Cameron (Hart) as he’s the best driver in the business.”

Overdue for a victory, Gimme A Reason gets his chance from barrier three later on the card.

An eye-catching third last week, the exceptionally-bred gelding has been absent from the winners’ circle since scoring in Penrith last Christmas Eve.

“He is very close to a win,” Waite said. “He’s drawn well and is certainly a solid each way chance.

“It’s only a small field, so no matter where he settles, he won’t be far off the speed.

“If the breaks go his way, he can finally get that hard-to-find win on the board.”