Eight races at The Big M . . . and here’s your eight winners

RACE ONE:

MY ULTIMATE CHEVRON (1) will appreciate the return to an ideal draw after posting a rare, down the track display a week ago. Contesting his previous assignment from gate 10, the Jarrod Alchin-trained son of Sweet Lou was never a factor after settling five back on the marker pegs. When the judge called a halt to proceedings, My Ultimate Chevron clocked-in at the rear of the field, beaten 16.9m by Gordons Bay. Gate one awaits the talented and usually reliable 4yo, and that will result in a far kinder run coming his way. With My Ultimate Chevron competitive on a regular basis, prior to his latest appearance, expect to again see him in the mix. FIRESTORM RED (9), which is also under the care of Alchin, looms as a major player, despite drawing out in gate nine. The 7yo has been rejuvenated over the past month or so, with back-to-back wins, followed by three solid display, two resulting in placings. The son of Somebeachsomewhere kept the leader and eventual winner in Gordons Bay company when a gritty 4.3m third. Despite the draw Firestorm Red must be included in the main bracket of chances. DANGERZONE (8) drops back to a far more suitable challenge after contesting The Singo last week. The Belinda McCarthy-conditioned son of Gotta Go Cullect crossed the line in last spot, beaten 58m by Captain Hammerhead. However, the 4yo did find trouble so the run can be overlooked when assessing his claims for a race of this nature.

BUBBA SCRUB (6) had every chance in the one-one when a 11m 7th behind Gordons Bay, but a better draw will assist the son of Hes Watching produce a far more competitive effort. FEAR CRUISIN (7) finished a creditable 10.6m 6th to Gordons Bay last week and the son of Christian Cullen is more than capable of playing an active role in the finish. His stablemate WAVETHEBILL (10) won three on end before his two recent unplaced runs, but Robert Morris is expecting a better effort from the 5yo, so include him when forming exotic investments. BOOM (4) and last-start winner DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (5) also have claims in that regard in what is an open race to start proceedings.

MY ULTIMATE CHEVRON 1, Firestorm Red 2, Dangerzone 3, Bubba Scrub 4.

RACE TWO:

In a tough and open contest, the Chris Judd-prepared CARLO GAMBINO (1) warrants more than a passing thought after drawing the prized pole position. Creditable placings behind Wavethebill and Jalaneel, respectively, was followed by a 19.7m 7th to Sir Simon when the son of Mach Three drew gate 10 and was never a factor after going back at the start. Back to a handy draw last week, and Carlo Gambino managed to post a solid 2.8m 4th behind the talented Defiant. The prospect of Will Rixon having the 9yo handily placed in receiving a kind run, should see the pair in the mix at the completion of the 1609m assignment. The ultra-consistent PRINCE OF PEACE (9) must be included as a major player, despite the presence of a wide gate. The 5yo son of Bettors Delight has won two of his past five, while finishing runner-up on the other three occasions. Last time out the Kerry and Dean McDowell-trained entire was always prominent in finishing a metre 2nd behind Sir Simon. VULUNTEER (6) is coming off an all-the-way win at Bathurst when he proved a shade too good for Ryans Gangster and Pas De Cheval. The 4yo has been consistent of late and is worthy of further attention. ACE LOMBO (4) is coming off a comfortable win over Gimmie a Reason and Reign Maker, courtesy of an aggressive and confident drive by his mentor, Darren Binskin. This will be a harder task for the 4yo son of Sunshine Beach, but he is racing well enough to be considered as a threat from the handy draw. RYANS GANGSTER (3) brings solid Bathurst form to town and from the good draw the Jason Hewitt trained and driven son of Courage Under Fire can’t be dismissed as a contender. Multiple investments should also include BERTIE JONES (7) and REIGN MAKER (10).

CARLO GAMBINO 1, Prince Of Peace 2, Vulunteer 3, Ace Lombo 4.

RACE THREE:

If DON HUGO (3) repeats his effort of a week ago, when he competed in The Singo, then this race is his for the taking. Returning from a mixed Queensland campaign, the Art Major colt contested his latest 2400m assignment from a five-peg role, prior to running on stoutly over the final stages in recording a solid 7.3m 4th to Captain Hammerhead. Suitably drawn in three, Luke McCarthy will have the opportunity to stamp his authority on this contest from the outset. If, that is the case, then Don Hugo should prove to be the ‘best bet’ on the card. ALTA BILLY (8) led and proved far too good for his rivals two starts back, prior to working from the outset when a 16.2m 6th behind Crime Dont Pay. A wide gate will welcome the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven son of Alta Christiano, but that didn’t stop him from greeting the judge two starts ago. ZAMBIA (7) greeted the judge in fine style last week when he powered home in defeating Rocket boy and The Fortunate Son. In what was a fine training effort by Dean Atkinson, Zambia was having his first outing since last October, so further improvement can be expected. That being the case the 6yo will be a threat once again. HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE (10) has drawn awkwardly out wide but the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven 8yo is always a suitable addition to the exotics. MONSIEUR DELACOUR (2) and LOCHIEL (9) also have claims in that regard while IM IN TROUBLE (6), which has been in each of his past two starts, is also worthy of inclusion.

DON HUGO 1, Alta Billy 2, Zambia 3, He Bettor Step Aside 4.

RACE FOUR:

Despite being below his best in each of his past two assignments, MAHOMES (2) is entitled to another chance in this grade, and especially after drawing ideally in two. Following a superb 2.4m 3rd to Spirit Of St Louis and Tapio, the son of Tintin In America was never a factor in finishing a 13.5m 8th to South Coast Arden, prior to again finishing 8th, this time behind stablemate Stingray Tara when beaten 9.6m. Freshened and confronted by a suitable assignment for a horse of his ability, Mahomes has the ideal chance to get back into the winner’s circle. HI MANAMEISJEFF (8) is the ‘x-factor’ as the former Victorian looks to bounce back to his best after a sustained period of issues. Now with Jason Grimson, the 6yo has had two runs since a lengthy spell, finishing well-beaten on each occasions, the latter when a 20.9m last to Bettor Isolate in the Popular Alm Sprint at Kilmore on July 15. The son of Art Major has drawn wide but he must be taken on trust. ABOUTTIME (5) has been kept fresh since scoring at Albion Park on July 18 when he led throughout in defeating Rock Bottom and Obi One. The 7yo has drawn handy in five so expect him to be in the mix from the outset in giving plenty of cheek. BRAEDOS LAD (10) produced a tough and stylish display in accounting for Jimartee and My Ultimate Chevron, and although a wide gate and a tougher test awaits the son of For A Reason, he is racing with confidence and can’t be ignored. TEAGAN BANNER (9) also has a tricky draw to overcome, but the 8yo is rarely far away and can’t be left out of the equation when looking at contenders. MUSCLE BART (7) and LITTLE BLISS (3) also stay under notice when it comes to forming multiple transactions.

MAHOMES 1, Hi Manameisjeff 2, Abouttime 3, Braedos Lad 4.

RACE FIVE:

Following a determined all-the-way win at Wagga, then an impressive display at Headquarters a couple of weeks ago, MY SWEET SABRINA (8) looks poised  to complete the hat-trick of wins for Wingate Stud Manager, Jake Stockton. Beginning swiftly from a handy draw, the daughter if Always B Miki had little trouble greeting the judge, nine metres clear of Constantina while Kowhai Blaze filled third spot. Cam Hart, despite the wider gate and the stronger opposition, will again be keen to set the tempo and that will go a long way towards the pair crossing the line ahead of their rivals. Boasting three wins and a second from four starts on this side of the Tasman since joining Jack Trainor, STELLAR ARDEN (9) again looks the one to beat. The daughter of Bettors Delight is coming off a narrow, but gritty win over Little Bliss and Heavenly Holy, two talented types. Stellar Arden has been drawing comfortably so far, with the tougher gate adding to the degree of difficulty, however, the mare appears to have the talent to overcome such a hurdle. Stablemate THERESA LOVE (2) has drawn ideally and is coming off a tough win over Kabibi and Min Mine Yet. The daughter of Terror To Love will also be confronted by a tougher test, but the good draw should result in a kind run coming her way. WATTLEBANK LASS (4) was responsible for a sound effort when a closing 4.2m 4th to Vulunteer at Bathurst recently and with her level of fitness now hitting its peak, the daughter of Art Major can’t be dismissed from the main bracket of contenders, with the useful draw also being a plus. JUST AS WELL (6) has the gate speed to be in the mix from the outset, and although the daughter of Well Said has been mixing her form of late, a bold showing wouldn’t come as a surprise.

MY SWEET SABRINA 1, Stellar Arden 2, Theresa Love 3, Wattlebank Lass 4.

RACE SIX:

The running of the Kevin Newman FFA will highlight the meeting, with the clash between the multi-award winning SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS (2) and Eureka star MY ULTIMATE RONNIE (9) poised to provide an exciting completion to the 2300m challenge. Spirit Of St Louis has the all-important draw on his side, courtesy of gate two while his younger rival will leave the machine from gate nine. Runner-up to Eureka favourite Leap To Fame in the 1660m Sunshine Sprint at Albion Park on July 15, Spirit Of St Louis had every chance in the one-one when a disappointing 22.2m 10th to Swayzee in the 2680m Blacks A Fake a week later. According to his driver Jack Callaghan, the classy son of Sweet Lou had an extremely rare ‘off’ night and that the 6yo would bounce back strongly. With seven wins and the same number of placings from his 17 starts at Headquarters, Spirit Of St Louis is entitled to be forgiven for that run and face the starter as the one to beat. MY ULTIMATE RONNIE peaks in condition following three runs back from a spell as he sets his sights on the richest race in harness race in the world a weeks’ time.  Resuming with a 4.6m 3rd to Spirit Of St Louis on July 1, then posting a 12.6m 3rd behind arch rival Leap To Fame in the Rising Sun at AP, the classy son of Bettors Delight then led and had every chance when again crossing the line in third spot, this time in the 4YO Championship at AP, which was taken out by Cantfindabettorman. Cam Hart stated in an interview for the National Trotguide website that he was a shade disappointed with the effort, but a stylish trial win at Menangle was superb, according to the star reinsman. The wide draw is a concern as the Jarrod Alchin-trained entire will, in all likelihood, be forced to ease out of the early hustle and bustle, which is probably a good thing. ZEUSS BROMAC (3) has both a higher level of fitness and a good draw for his third assignment this preparation. Drawing wide for both encounters, the classy Paul Fitzpatrick-conditioned 6yo opened his latest term of racing with a 9.5m 8th behind Port Au Prince before recording a 10.7m 8th to South Coast Arden a week ago. Usually a tough competitor the son of Bettors Delight is bound to be far more pro-active in the finish this time around. PORT AU PRINCE (1) has come up with an ideal draw and that will allow the 5yo to occupy a stalking role from the outset. Those tactics came into play when the 5yo posted a 10m 7th to South Coast Arden a week ago. Prior to that outing the consistent son of Somebeachsomewhere had recorded three wins and five placings from his previous eight engagements. STINGRAY TARA (5) brilliantly won the Alf Phillis FFA last time out, and although he has been mixing his form recently, it is hard to ignore the 7yo as a threat on that performance. Exotic investors should also include NEANO (4), which is coming off four placed runs in Queensland during the carnival.

SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS 1, My Ultimate Ronnie 2, Zeuss Bromac 3, Port Au Prince 4.

RACE SEVEN:

FUNKY MONKEY (9) will be out to make amends for a costly last-start 3rd behind Valley Star. Confronted by a daunting 30m hcp, the daughter of Monkey Bones competed from a role, six back along the pegs, with the field of six racing in ‘Indian file’ from the outset. Probing for inside runs nearing the home turn, in the hope of pinching as much ground as possible, Robert Morris continued to peg back the gap, with Funky Monkey hitting the line strongly. However, time ran out and the 6yo was unable to bridge the margin. Back to a mobile is a plus for the mare so expect Funky Monkey to take a power of beating. The interesting runner is the former Kiwi, INVICTUS (8), which has crossed the Tasman to join the Belinda McCarthy team. Leaving on a winning note, the 7yo son of Peak DNK arrives with a pleasing record, however, just one of his 14 wins has come via a mobile start. Invictus has drawn out in eight, which is tricky, but he has the talent to play an active role in the finish. REGAL ATTIRE (10) is rarely far away and the 5yo, despite drawing deep, must be included as a serious threat. Prepared by Jarrod Alchin and to be driven by Cam Hart, Regal Attire has been freshened since a 16m 4th to Majestic Trio and as he has shown in the past, the son of Muscle Hill does give a good account after a break. ONE MAJIC KENNY (6) returned to racing with a solid win last week, and although a harder task awaits, a fitter Majestic Son 6yo will face the starter. Although hard to follow, the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven gelding is capable of again being in the finish. ROYAL GLENFERRIE (5) scored five starts bac and has been placed in his subsequent four runs. The 7yo is an ideal type when it comes to the multiples.

FUNKY MONKEY 1, Invictus 2, Regal Attire 3, One Majic Kenny 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Deserving of a win after a number of strong displays, KANENA PROVLIMA (9) looks the one to beat, despite the wide draw. Prepared by Elizabeth Heath and to be driven by Robert Morris, who is of the thought that the 7yo will be best served by being saved for on run, the son of A Rocknroll Dance greeted the judge 10 starts ago, and hasn’t finished further back than fifth in his subsequent nine starts, four in the placings. At his most recent assignment, which was a week ago, Kanena Provlima was able to be driven for speed from gate five, which enabled him to lead, then take cover, en route to posting a solid 5.4m 4th to South Coast Arden. With a slight drop in grade, Kanena Provlima will prove hard to hold out. MAJOR MEISTER (10) is the one to beat as the 6yo returns to home base following a mixed Queensland campaign. The 6yo contested the Blacks A Fake Consolation, which resulted in a 17m 11th to Mach Shard. The classy son of Art Major is bound to be a major player, despite his awkward draw. MAJOR JELLIS (6) hasn’t been far away in recent encounters, the latest resulting in a 3.2m 3rd behind Double Encounter a week ago. The Belinda McCarthy-trained son of Art Major hasn’t been successful since April 1, but his form warrants attention. IZAHA (7) is another with creditable form, without being first past the post. The James Rattray-trained 8yo will appreciate this particular task, compared to last week when an 11.9m 9th to South Coast Arden. Taylah Osmond will again take the reins so don’t ignore the pair when forming multiple investments. Also include JOE NIEN (2), which was game in finishing a 3.3m 3rd to South Coast Arden.

KANENA PROVLIMA 1, Major Meister 2, Major Jellis 3, Izaha 4.

  – FORM ASSESSED BY MIKE KO’CASS