Following an unlucky last-start defeat, as the popular elect, classy 4yo DEFIANT (2) is definitely entitled to another chance in what will be another competitive assignment, which was the case a week ago. Prepared by Ash Hart and to be driven by brother Cam, the son of Roll With Joe enjoyed a kind run behind the leader, right up until the time when Defiant was unable to find a clear run until the final stages. Baulked on a few occasions, the G3 winner eventually hit the line strongly in recording a 5.9m 6th behind Justa Little Bit. There is no doubt that Defiant would have played an active role in the finish had he received a clear passage. From gate two Cam will again have Defiant ‘poised to pounce’ and with better luck coming his way, the winning post should also come into play. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven ONE TWO MANY (4) will be a major threat, courtesy of an improved draw and a host of solid displays in recent weeks. The 4yo son of Captaintreacherous drew wide last week, resulting in the gelding being restrained in finding a midfield role. Over the final stages One Two Many hit the line strongly in recording a photo 2nd to Petes Said So in the G3 Alf Phillis FFA. This will be a far more suitable assignment for the Bathurst visitor. DOUBTLESS BAY (5) worked hard outside the leader when a gritty 5m 5th to Justa Little Bit a week ago and with the 5yo boasting a consistent record, a kinder trip will assist the son of Bettors Delight being a contender for the top spot. ALWAYS ROCKIN (3) overcame a wide gate when he led in defeating Double Encounter and Dance For Glory last week. The Joe Conolly-conditioned 8yo had been mixing his form prior to that display and with the benefit of a better draw, the 8yo is capable of giving plenty of cheek in this harder contest. Both the consistent CHEVRON ART (7) and last-start winner RICKOSHAY (6) are entitled to be included in multiple transactions, along with YIANNI (9) and EL AGUILA (1), which was responsible for a creditable 6m 6th to Always Rockin when first-up for the Peter Russo stable.
DEFIANT 1, One Two Many 2, Doubtless Bay 3, Always Rockin 4.
RACE TWO:
Interesting contest with Jack Trainor holding the key to the race as two of his three runners are bound to attract the bulk of the attention, with B K SWY (5) and BRAEVIEW KELLY (2) the two runners in question. Jack has elected to stick with BRAEVIEW KELLY while Jack Brown will partner B K SWY while Trainor’s other runner, JERADAS DELIGHT (8) will have Cam hart in the sulky. I’m sticking with the B K SWY which scored in fine style here two starts ago when she produced a sizzling finishing burst in nailing Whats Your Secret in the final stride. Following that effort the daughter of Big Jim again hit the line with intent when Trainor guided her to a closing 6.5m 3rd behind Total Diva and Wainui Creek. That effort is a solid pointer to this slightly easier assignment. TOTAL DIVA (7) is a tough and honest mare, thoroughly deserving of a success aB K SWY
week ago in the G3 Ranji Bill when talented young driver Lleyton Green guided her to victory. Charging home from a midfield role the Peter Hanson-trained daughter of Terror To Love accounted for the classy mare Wainui Creek, drawing clear for a convincing 4.3m win. Racing with plenty of confidence, Total Diva will again loom as a definite winning chance. BRAEVIEW KELLY (2) is still a ‘work in progress’ according to her mentor, but she also has plenty of ‘raw’ talent. The daughter of Bettors Delight led when an emphatic winner here when first-up for her new team, prior to breaking at the start before recovering and working to the top, en route to finding the lead and the winning post while giving her supporters some worrying moments. Braeview Kelly has drawn ideally in two and if she has her mind on the job, then she is poised to dictate in proving hard to beat once again. LITTLE BLISS (4) won three-on-end before a determined 6.7m 4th to Total Diva a week ago. Suitably drawn, the Troy Williams-trained daughter of Art Major will be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. JERADAS DELIGHT (8) was safely held in finishing 5th to Total Diva, bit is open to improvement now that she has had the one run for Trainor so include her in exotic transactions, along with BALLERINI (6) and a fitter FASIKA (3).
B K SWY 1, Total Diva 2, Braeview Kelly 3, Little Bliss 4.
RACE THREE:
SMOOTH OVERARM (6) doesn’t win out of turn, but the son of Changeover appears to have found a suitable contest and he looks poised to ‘bowl’ his rivals over. Since greeting the judge at Young back in late June, the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven 7yo has contested five races, all at Headquarters and on each occasion Smooth Overarm hasn’t been far away. In fact, Smooth Overarm has been beaten eight metres or less in finishing no further back than fifth. Three of those encounters resulted in placings, the most recent a week ago when he was held up for a run at a crucial stage, due to being in a four peg role, which resulted in a closing 3.9m 3rd to Ultimate Force. Although drawn a ‘touch’ wide again it is an improvement on his latest starting role. Likely to be driven off the pace again, the smaller field will assist Smooth Overarm in his quest of his maiden Menangle win. Looming as a definite threat is the ultra-consistent GLIDING AWAY (8) which has been off the scene since a determined 4.7m 3rd behind Always Rockin and Lets Get Rockin. With the benefit of two solid trials wins the 5yo son of Betterthancheddar looks ready to perform from the outset and with four wins and 10 placings from his 14 starts this season, the Kerry and Dean McDowell-prepared 5yo won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt. Suitably drawn in gate one, compared to seven a week ago, ZAMBIA (1) could be in the mix at a useful quote. A winner here four starts ago, Zambia has been unplaced since, however, he hasn’t been disgraced, with his latest effort resulting in a 5.4m 4th to Camanchi Warrior when in a three peg role on the point of the home turn. Blake Fitzpatrick will have the Dean Atkinson-trained 5yo closer to the action and enjoying a cosy run and that combination should result in a bold showing. FEAR CRUISIN (4) followed a Newcastle win with an unlucky 7.6m 8th to Tom The Curious at this venue, prior to a gritty metre 2nd to Ultimate Force last week. Handily drawn, the Lucky Lodge representative is capable of again being competitive. A fitter CARLO GAMBINO (5) stays in the mix as an exotic player after a solid win at Bathurst earlier in the month, the run his first in 14 months. ROCK FISHERMAN (2) has been safely held in each of his past two, the former when he struck trouble, so forget that effort. Runner-up on three consecutive occasions prior to those efforts and the 5yo son of Pet Rock is entitled to be included when sorting out multiple transactions.
Ideally drawn in one and the winner of five of her past six starts, ORCHID STRIDE (1) has the chance to greet the judge once again. Crossing from gate eight and dictating the terms, the American Ideal mare proved too good for Chevrons Bypass and Aunnty Bella a couple of weeks ago when Jack Brown dictated the terms to perfection. Trainer, Jack Trainor will take over the driving duties and the pair will take a power of catching, despite the extended trip of 2300m. Amanda Turnbull has a number of winningORCHID STRIDE
chances on the card and it will come as no surprise if ARDENS REALITY (5) makes an appearance in the winner’s circle. A narrow winner here three starts ago when she accounted for Unfazed and Ardens Ace, the 5yo posted a solid finishing 5.4m 2nd behind Defiant in the G3 Winter Championship before again working home stourly when an 11.3m 4th to Faze Of Glory at Headquarters a week ago. The small field will suit Ardens Reality as he will again be lurking behind the speed in readiness for the final 360m charge up the Menangle straight. WOW HES A ROCK STAR (4) was a shade unlucky not to have finished closer than his 11.3m 5th to Faze Of Glory last week, courtesy of being held up for a run. Although proving hard to follow these days, there is no doubting his ability and on his night, the 4yo is capable of proving hard to beat. ULTIMATE FORCE (2) had little luck in running, but still proved too good for Fear Cruisin and Smooth Overarm a week ago. The Michael Formosa trained and driven 6yo has drawn closer to the pegs so expect another bold showing. That leaves TAMANISHA TERROR (3), DANCE FOR GLORY (6) and BOYZHAVTIME (7) to make a play for a minor role in the multiples.
ORCHID STRIDE 1, Ardens Reality 2, Wow Hes A Rock Star 3, Ultimate Force 4.
RACE FIVE:
With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, G1 winning 4yo PARISIAN ARTISTE (12) is ready to open his Menangle career on a winning note, despite his lack of stand-start experience. Prepared by Alex Ashwood and to be driven by Tayla French, the classy son of Love You resumed from his first major title at Melton last December, with a tough and determined 6.6m 2nd to Ollivici at Kilmore on July 23. Contesting the Winter Cup at Bendigo a week later and Parisian Artiste was again called upon to work from a back row draw in occupying the role outside of the leader, which was the case at Kilmore. And, once again, the gelding battled on stoutly in posting an 11.8m 4th to Ollivici. With his level of fitness now tracking in the right direction, Parisian Artiste will be looking to overcome a 10m hcp, and some ‘hard heads’ when it comes to the stand. From just two assignments under these conditions, Parisian Artiste has managed a second. There is no doubt that if he steps away on level terms with his rivals, the Victorian visitor is capable of greeting the judge. With five wins and six placings from his 24 encounters from behind the tapes, the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven ONE MAJIC KENNY (10) is the major threat. After a slow start to his latest term of racing the Majestic Son 5yo managed to put back-to-back wins on the board, both from mobile starts, before a 29.5m 7th to Gus An Maori over this trip a couple of weeks ago. One Majic Kenny will join Parisian Artiste behind the 10m tape. ILLAWONG BYRON (4) was last seen in the winner’s circle back in December 2019 when successful at Melton. Sparingly-raced, the 8yo son of Muscle Mass resumed from a spell with a solid, and vastly improved 6.6m 2nd to Flash Kyvalley in an easier Menangle assignment back on July 26. The Joe and Mary Rando-trained gelding will strip fitter and will start from the front line. however, his liking for the stand is a plus. From 19 outings Illawong Byron has won eight and been placed on a further six ocassions and those stats keep him in the mix. Sofia Arvidsson, who drove Illawong Byron on his return, will again take the reins. Runner-up in his past five starts, RAVE ON HALL (2) is definitely due for a change of luck. The James Rattray trained and driven 6yo has been placed in two of his three stand assignments and from the front line, the son of Andover Hall is again capable of giving a good account. SUNNY GEE (11) should be included in exotic transactuons while MAJOR THOMAS (3), which enjoys the strand conditions, also warrants exotic attention. Although he was never a threat when on debut for Jack Trainor, GARLAND GREENE (9) should be included in the exotics on the strength of his 15 wins and 12 placings from 56 starts from behind the tapes.
PARISIAN ARTISTE 1, One Majic Kenny 2, Illawong Byron 3, Rave On Hall 4.
RACE SIX:
The Belinda McCarthy speedster CASH N FLOW (10) is back in action, and although the gelding will face the starter from the outside gate for the running of the G3 Paul Fitzpatrick FFA, the Menangle 1609m track specialist is the one to beat. The 9yo ended his previous term of racing with back-to-back wins at Headquarters, both over this trip, the latter when he led in defeating The Mustang and Rockin Marty. Contesting a trial over the Menangle 1609m, Cash N Flow displayed plenty of zest in winning the raceCASH N FLOW
in fine style and in slick time, a clear indication that he son of Mach Three was ready to ‘hit the ground’ running. The Amanda Turnbull trained and driven BUNDORAN (7) greeted the judge for the first time since his Miracle Mile appearance back in early March. Suited by the solid tempo and the small field, just six rivals, Bundoran powered home in defeating Alta Orlando and Malcolms Rhythm. The prospect of another strong tempo will suit the son of Lincoln Royal as Amanda will allow him to ‘drop out’ and come with a late surge, which has been so successful in the past and a week ago. PITCH PERFECT (5) had been competing at a consistent level before a 20.7m 6th to Petes Said So in a similar encounter a couple of weeks ago. The better draw will certainly assist the 6yo son of Bettors Delight in his quest for a kinder trip and, a possible role in the finish. JIMMY LOCKE (6) has had a fall from grace in recent starts, following his success in the G3 Golden Mile on June 18. However, if the 7yo showed a return to that type of form, then he is more than capable of giving plenty of cheek. The Leon Jurd-trained LOORRIM CREEK (4) is ‘flying’ at present, and although out of the top three of late, the veteran has been running some big races at huge odds. Loorrim Creek will again be listed as an outsider, but don’t ignore his exotic prospects. PETES SAID SO (9) is racing in career best form and there was certainly no fluke about his win in a similar G3 event last time out. The son of Well Said is again capable of having the final say so don’t write him. CRUNCH TIME (1) and HES CHIMING (2) have drawn well and that will assist their exotic prospects.
CASH N FLOW 1, Bundoran 2, Pitch Perfect 3, Jimmy Locke 4.
RACE SEVEN:
This would appear to be a suitable assignment for the Roy Roots Jnr-trained SURFERS DELIGHT (5) which has been competing against slightly stronger opposition in recent times, and although his form has been patchy, the gelding hasn’t had a great deal of luck on the odd occasion. After striking trouble and finishing down the track in the race won by Yianni, Surfers Delight then started a short-priced favourite in posting a costly 12.8m 7th to Wow Hes a Rock Star, despite having a suitable trip. Surfers Delight warrants further attention following a solid-finishing 8.4m 3rd to Braeview Kelly a week ago, with the son of Bettirs Delight launching his claims from a rearward role. Handily drawn in five, and confronted by just six opponents, Surfers Delight has the chance to secure a suitable role close to the action and that should result in the 4yo taking a power of beating. ARDENS ACE (4) also contested the race won by Braeview Kelly last week, with the son of Art Major working outside of the leader when a fading 18.8m sixth. Slightly better drawn and, like Surfers Delight, confronted by a suitable challenge, the Tony Bertwistle-prepared 4yo should be involved in the finish. TINDER SURPRISE (6) has a mixed profile of late, but his latest display in recording a closing 3.4m 2nd to Camanchi Warrior entitles the 5yo to another viewing. MACH DADDY (2) has been thereabouts of late and the draw will certainly assist his claims of being in the mix and a threat with a kind trip behind the speed. BRYDON EARL (7) joins the stables of Joe Conolly and although his form in Queensland in recent times is only fair, the 7yo son of Art Official stays in the mix as an exotic contender at this stage.
The Michael Formosa trained and driven HEAVENLY HOLLY (5) has been competitive in each of her past four Menangle encounters, with her upcoming challenge bound to be a far more suitable assignment, compared to that particular quartet. Four runs back the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven went within an ‘ace’ of causing a boilover when she headed the classy Wainui Creek, only to be worried out of the top spot over the final 50m. Beaten 5.9m when 4th to Little Bliss then 6.6m by B K Swy when a creditable 7th from a wide gate, the mare then battled on stoutly when an 11.8m 4th to Braeview Kelly a week ago. That particular group of winners would start in the ‘red’ and succeed in this field. With only seven runners, gate five shouldn’t be a major hurdle for Heavenly Holly, which is deserving of a trip to the winner’s circle. The reliable SOVIET STUNNER (1) is coming off a confidence-boosting win at Newcastle, following a lengthy run of solid displays in finishing no further back than fifth. Ideally drawn in one, the Narelle McCarthy-trained Mach Three mare will be presented with every chance, courtesy of her dual Miracle Mile winning husband, John. MYRA DAWN (6) has been mixing her form of late, but her latest effort, a gritty 3.6m 4th to Tom The Curious a couple of weeks ago, was good enough to suggest that the Steve Turnbull-trained mare was capable of being involved in the finish. SHANLOU (2) will appreciate the good draw and a bold showing can be expected. Also in the mix when it comes to multiple transactions are POLKA DELIGHT (3) and WHATS YOUR SECRET (4).
