FINDING WINNERS: Our race-by-race guide to Menangle Saturday night
RACE ONE:
After wearing a ‘double’ figure saddlecloth two starts ago, then nine a week ago, the Jack Trainor-prepared MIGHTY FLYING ART (1) will appreciate having just a single figure digit next to his name this time around, In fact, Mighty Flying Art will wear the prized ‘number one’ when he faces the starter. Following back-to-back wins when he firstly, enjoyed a kind run behind the leader, then dictated the terms from start to finish, the son of Art Major attempted to complete the hat-trick by again leading from start to finish, only to fade into fourth spot, beaten 4.7m by his stablemate Never Been Said. Restrained from his wide gate a week ago, the 5yo worked home steadily, without ever looking a threat, in recording a 13m 6th to Pump The Brakes. With Trainor on the sidelines for the next few weeks, courtesy of the Steward’s, Jack Callaghan will take the reins, with the draw giving him the option of setting the tempo or securing a sit. Either way, Mighty Flying Art will prove mighty hard to beat. ALWAYS ROCKIN (2) has drawn next to Mighty Flying Art and that will ensure that the Peter Russo-conditioned 7yo looms as a threat. A winner here four starts ago, Always Rockin finished an 18m last to Never Been Said after doing plenty of work from a wide gate, prior to bouncing back strongly with a gritty 2.7m 2nd to Majestic Cruiser. The Rock N Roll Heaven gelding then finished a creditable 10.6m 4th to Pump The Brakes last week and with the promise of a handy run, Always Rockin will be a definite threat. While her brother Cam is producing headline efforts in the sulky, Ashley has also been in fine form and she will give Always Rockin every chance to succeed. ZIGGY ROCKS (5) remains in the mix after a fading 15m 7th to Pump The Brakes, courtesy of a tough run outside of the leader. Placed in his previous three starts, Ziggy Rocks is capable of being pro-active in the finish with a kinder run. OUTRAGEOUS EL (11) has been freshened following a 14.2m 5th to Tasty Delight a month ago. The veteran has drawn the outside gate; however, he is capable of a big finish off a solid tempo and although he does mix his form these days, a role in the exotics isn’t beyond him. SOHO TSUNAMI (3) has blown his rivals away in each of his two starts since joining Jack Trainor from Queensland. Suitably drawn in three, the 4yo will tackle a harder assignment but he can’t be taken lightly. ARMA THE GUN (9) will be having his first run since last September and for David Thorn after previously being with Brad Hewitt. A useful trial has the son of Village Jolt in the mix as an exotic player, despite the wide gate. The in-form Jarrod Alchin will take the reins.
MIGHTY FLYING ART 1, Always Rockin 2, Ziggy Rocks 3, Outrageous El 4.
RACE TWO:
Sticking with the Jack Trainor team and OUR MADIBA (3) is also worthy of another chance after a disappointing effort a week ago. Drifting back in the field after drawing gate seven, Our Madiba was never a factor in posting a 14m 7th to Swaggie Shannon. Prior to that run the son of Bettors Delight had been racing consistently and the return to a suitable draw will certainly be a factor in his quest for a bold showing. Cam Hart, who will spend a week on the sidelines after this meeting, following a suspension on Tuesday, will take over from Trainor and that will ensure that the 7yp is kept safe in betting discussions. Following his success as a galloping trainer at Moruya last Sunday, Blake Fitzpatrick will be hoping the trend continues with HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE (4) worthy of attention on his latest bracket of solid efforts. Placed in three of his previous four starts the Bettors Delight 6yo worked and battled on stoutly when a useful 8.4m 4th to Soho Tsunami last week. He Bettor Step Aside is better suited with cover and from his handy draw, Blake has the chance to provide him with such a run. Back from a spell and drawing ideally in two, FAR OUT BRO (2) can’t be ignored as he attempts to record his first win in 10 months. The reliable son of Mach Three had been racing consistently at Headquarters before a costly, half-head 2nd to Mammals Magic at Newcastle back on June 11. Trainer Michael Doltoff sent Far Out Bro around in a recent Menangle trail which resulted in a sound 2nd to Bomb Suit, beaten a nose in a time of 1:54.7, the final 400m covered in 27.5. In an open race the 4yo looks ready to give plenty of cheek. JOES A CHARACTER (9) has drawn awkwardly but the former SA pacer should be ready to give a good account, following two runs for Kevin Pizzuto and a month off. Both his efforts have been useful, the latter two weeks ago in posting an 8.4m 5th to Cloud Nine. When building exotic combinations BANKERS GOLD (7) and GLENGARRY ROSE (5) are capable of assisting in that regard.
OUR MADIBA 1, He Bettor Step Aside 2, Far Out Bro 3, Joes A Character 4.
RACE THREE:
It’s that man Jack Trainor once again with NEVER BEEN SAID (9) appearing to be the one to beat, despite the mare drawing wide in gate nine. The daughter of Well Said posted a couple of impressive wins before stepping out of her comfort zone in finishing a solid 8.5m 4th to Majestic Cruiser. Contesting a G3 event for mares a week ago, Never Been Said tried hard, but was no match for the classy Rocknroll Angel in posting a 6.7m second. Back to a suitable assignment, despite the draw, Never Been Said will prove hard to hold out, with Blake Fitzpatrick in the sulky. UROC SKINNY JEANS (7) was looking to complete the third leg of a hat-trick of wins when she led and compounded in finishing a 24.3m 3rd to Rocknroll Angel a week ago. The Mach Three 4yo will find this type of challenge more to her liking so expect the Cameron Ross-trained mare is giving plenty of cheek. MARIKA SPRINGFIELD (2) followed a sound win at Penrith with a solid 6.7m 3rd to Machs Legacy at this venue a week ago. A recent addition to the Trainer team the Modern Art mare has drawn well in two and another bold showing is on the cards. BRONSKI BELLE (6) has hit the line with intent in each of her past the encounters, all resulting in the KerryAnn Morris-trained mare filling the role as runner-up, the latest behind Soho Tsunami. KerryAnn will again be in the sulky as she attempts to guide Bronski Belle to a deserving victory. QUEENOFDANCE (3) tired when a well-beaten 4th to Rocknroll Angel a week ago, but the Darren Binskin trained and driven mare is capable of better in a race of this nature so include the 5yo in exotic investments. DIVINE DIVA (4) is mixing her form but the handy draw will give her the chance to assist as an exotic player.
NEVER BEEN SAID 1, Uroc Skinny Jeans 2, Marika Springfield 3, Bronski Belle 4.
RACE FOUR:
Stepping out for his second assignment since joining the Jason Grimson stable, METAL ROCK (6) was backed with a high degree of confidence a week ago, which resulted in the son of Pet Rock starting favourite. However, well before the field reached the 1609m starting point, Metal Rock was out of play due to a display of poor manners in the score up. The end result was a 106.3m last to Soho Tsunami. While Metal Rock does have a few convictions next to his name for similar offences, his recent record in that regard has been sound. Prior to his latest engagement the 5yo had been performing consistently, with his first run for Grimson resulting in a pleasing 1.6m 3rd to Petes Said So a couple of weeks ago. If, Metal Rock is in the right frame of mind from the outset, then this should be a suitable challenge for the gelding. The Jack Trainor stable continues to build with the former Lisa McDonald-prepared MASTER CATCH (9) to have a change of address. The talented 6yo joins the team following an all-the-way win over Jasper Styles and Azur Express at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago. A wide gate awaits Master Catch but he looks more than capable of making his presence felt so don’t ignore him as a winning contender. BEAU CISHLOM (5) has been around the mark in three subsequent runs since greeting the judge. The 10yo son of Elsu came from a five-peg role in posting a 7m 5th to Zahven Banner two weeks ago and with a suitable number next to his name, the veteran is a suitable exotic player and a possible threat. BACKINTOWN (2) has been in fine form since a spell, posting a couple of placings and a last-start win, all at Penrith. Ideally drawn the David Thorn-trained 5yo will contest this harder race as an exotic contender. PAY ME OVERS (8) also warrants consideration in that regard.
METAL ROCK 1, Master Catch 2, Beau Cishlom 3, Backintown 4.
RACE FIVE:
It was Prince Hamlet, courtesy of the pen of William Shakespeare, who said, “To tip or, not to tip, that is the question’. Well, words something along those lines. And those words apply to BURNHAM BOY (7) who has posted enough seconds of late to make a minute. While frustrating in recent months, Burnham Boy continues to be in the fight, but is he now comfortable in finishing ‘second best’? That is the question! Since a spell, the Kevin Pizzuto-trained son of Bettors Delight has contested eight races, with seven placings, five as runner-up. His past four starts have all resulted in Burnham Boy finding one better, the biggest beaten margin recorded last week when Max Delight had 12m to spare when he crossed the line. Up until then, Burnham Boy was in the fight right up until the time the judge called a halt. Burnham Boy will depart the 2300m starting point from gate seven and with suitable speed from the machine, he should be prominently placed from the outset and over the longer trip, the classy 4yo should prove hard to beat, as per usual. POCKET OF TERROR (6) has been on the verge of another winning display since scoring four starts. Contesting the same events as Burnham Boy, the Jack Trainor-conditioned 6yo is coming off a solid 3.6m 4th to Rocknroll Angel when he hit the line with intent in coming from a four-peg role. A similar draw is next to his name and a role close to the action is a distinct possibility this time around. MAJESTIC CRUISER (8) has won two of his three starts since leaving Victoria and joining the Jason Grimson stable. The Art Major 6yo finished strongly in defeating Always Rockin and Pitch Perfect a couple of weeks ago, and although this will be a harder challenge, Majestic Cruiser is up to the challenge. The David Aiken-trained MALCOLMS RHYTHM (3) was disappointing last week when a lack-lustre 19m 6th to stablemate, Max Delight. Always well back in proceedings the 5yo raced well below the form he had been displaying in Victoria; however, he is worthy of another chance from the good draw when it comes to the mutiples. PITCH PERFECT (2) will appreciate the good draw so keep him safe in the exotics, along with the -in-form PUMP THE BRAKES (9) and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (10).
BURNHAM BOY 1, Pocket Of Terror 2, Majestic Cruiser 3, Malcolms Rhythm 4.
RACE SIX:
A suitable assignment and an ideal draw will enhance the winning prospects of ARDENS ACE (2). A member of the in-form Darren Binskin team, the former Kiwi has contested six races since crossing the Tasman, with the son of Art Major recording two wins and a couple of placings while finishing no further back than fourth. In his attempt to make it ‘three wins on the bounce’, the talented 3yo posted a gritty 8m 4th to Swaggie Shannon last week, coming from a role back in the pack after being taken back at the start from his wide gate. The return to a far more favourable draw will give DJ the ideal opportunity to place Ardens Ace closer to the action and that should result in his familiar ‘dark blue’ colours being seen in the finish. SPIRIT OF ANZAC (4), also a former Kiwi, debuted for the Jack Trainor stable a few weeks ago, which resulted in a stylish win over Just Dessy and Major Obahma, which has greeted the judge in fine fashion in each of his next two assignments. The 6yo son of Bettors Delight will strip fitter for his first outing since mid-June, plus the draw is favourable and that should result in Cam Hart presenting Spirit Of Anzac every chance to keep his unblemished record on this side of the ‘ditch’ intact. BOYZHAVTIME (3) joined the Roy Roots Jnr team after a brief career in NZ, and the colt met with immediate success in winning at Penrith and Menangle, respectively, before having no luck when a 3.7m 3rd to Beiderbecke in Panther territory. The Bettors Delight colt drew wide for his next Menangle challenge, which resulted in a three-peg role and an unlucky 14.7m 6th to Ardens Ace, with the 3yo baulked for a clear run. Handily drawn this time, expect a better showing from Boyzhavtime. MADAZALWAYS (7) overcame a tough run in posting a gritty win over Bronski Belle and Controversial a couple of weeks ago, and although he has drawn deeper the 6yo is bound to give another good account. RHIANNA REIGNS (6) has been thereabouts in two runs since joining David Thorn so don’t write her off as an exotic player while RANGER BOMB (9) also has claims in that department.
ARDENS ACE 1, Spirit Of Anzac 2, Boyzhavtime 3, Madazalways 4.
RACE SEVEN:
Last week TOUGH MONARCH (8) had to concede the majority of his rivals a healthy start under the strand conditions. This time around the classy son of Monarchy will face the starter on level terms and that will result in the Rickie Alchin-trained gelding collecting the 29th of his illustrious career. Resuming from a spell with a hat-trick of wins, which culminated in his brave display in taking out the Queensland Trotters Cup at AP on July 24, Tough Monarch returned to his home base for his latest challenge last week, with a daunting 40m hcp greeting him. With his mentor still away on Queensland duties, brother Jarrod jumped in the cart and he had the odds-on favourite quickly into stride, which allowed him to pass a few of his seven rivals. With his main danger on paper, Drop The Hammer enjoying a kind run in the lead, Alchin made the move to apply mid-race pressure with Tough Monarch, a move he had to make in an attempt to grind his way to victory. However, the assignment proved a shade too demanding as Tough Monarch faded to finish a 6.9m 4th to one of the outsiders in Champagne Prince. Expect to see Tough Monarch stamping his authority on his rivals from the outset, en route to greeting the judge. DROP THE HAMMER (5) was smartly away from his 30m hcp in dictating the terms when a shade disappointing in crossing the line in 5th spot, beaten 7.4m in the process. Darren Hancock gave his star squaregaiter every chance in the lead but the 6yo was unable to maintain the effort. Back to the mobile and drawing handily, Drop The Hammer will be a threat. MONARO MIA (4) gives Darren Hancock another threat to Tough Monarch as the mare will enjoy these conditions, especially from her handy draw. After galloping out from behind the tapes and adding to her 20m hcp, the mare did a big job in posting a 6.2m 3rd to Champagne Prince. Consistent, without winning out of turn, the daughter of Imperial Count is an ideal exotic player. BIG JACK HAMMER (6) has been safely held and disappointing in each of his past two, but the former Menangle G1 winner is capable of better so don’t ignore his exotic prospects. CHAMPAGNE PRINCE (9) came from a rearward role in causing an upset last week, and although he will find this to be a harder test, with the outside gate also a concern, the 8yo remains in the multiple mix. MAJOR THOMAS (3), who was runner-up last week, also has claims in the multiples.
TOUGH MONARCH 1, Drop The Hammer 2, Monaro Mia 3, Big Jack Hammer 4.
RACE EIGHT:
A week ago, WOW HES A ROCK STAR (7) looked extremely unlucky when a fast-finishing 3.9m 2nd to Swaggie Shannon. Despite being confronted by a quality line up, which consists of seven opponents, the Blake Fitzpatrick trained and driven son of Rock N Roll Heaven is capable of ‘belting out’ a number one hit. A recent all-the-way winner here three starts ago when he defeated subsequent winner Watchmedazzle, the 3yo then looked a shade unlucky when a 3.2m 4th to Petes Said so, coming from a four-peg role in having no room to move over the final stages. It was nearly a carbon copy display last week as Wow Hes A Rock star competed from a four-peg role, prior to gaining a late split which enabled him to charge to the line strongly over the final 50m or so. A wider gate will welcome Wow Hes A Rock Star but the odds should be attractive and that should be enough to warrant more than a passing thought. From his past nine trips to the races, the Harry Martin-trained TITIAN RAIDER (8) has headed home as a winner on four occasions while being placed five times. The 3yo son of Sunshine Beach lacks nothing in grit and determination and that was the case last time out when he accounted for the classy, Tasty Delight. Harry has always had a good opinion of this fellow and he will tackle this race as the one to beat. MACHS LEGACY (3) is racing in peak form and as a member of the successful Cameron Ross team, the filly can’t be taken lightly, especially after drawing nicely in three. The daughter of Mach Three gave nothing else a chance in leading throughout for a comfortable win over Zanadu and Marika Springfield last week. Although stepping up in grade, Machs Legacy is more than capable of being pro-active in the finish. HEAVENLY BELLE (2) also managed to greet the judge last week in defeating Mustang Milly and Topsky. This will be a tougher test for the 3yo filly, but the ideal draw will at least give her the chance to make a play for a role in the multiples. Former Kiwi CHEVRON ART (6) debuted for the Jack Trainor stable with a pleasing win a couple of weeks ago, and although the Art Major 3yo faces a harder task, don’t ignore as an exotic chance, along with CHERISHTHEMEMORIES (1), with the filly capable of a bold showing from her ideal draw,
WOW HES A ROCK STAR 1, Titian Raider 2, Machs Legacy 3, Heavenly Belle 4.