Finding you a winner at Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

This would appear to be an ideal assignment for the Jack Trainor-prepared STINGRAY TARA (1), with a drop in grade and an ideal draw boosting his claims of greeting the judge. Since crossing the winning post ahead of his rivals five starts ago, the talented son of Bettors Delight has been contesting tougher assignments, compared to the one which is on the table this time around. And, on each occasion the 7yo hasn’t been disgraced. Two weeks ago, Stingray Tara led out before taking a sit when a respectable 7.5m 5th to upcoming Hunter Cup hopeful, Spirit Of St Louis. This Jack will be replaced in the sulky by another Jack, with the in-form Jack Brown taking the reins. Young Jack will have the option of dictating, which would appear to be plan A, or at the very least present Stingray Tara with a kind run behind the speed. Either way, Stingray Tara looks hard to beat. Courtesy of two solid trials, MY ULTIMATE RONNIE (6) is ready to make his presence felt following three months off. The Jarrod Alchin-trained 4yo ended his previous term of racing with a game 4.9m 2nd to the exciting Grant Dixon trained and driven star Leap To Fame in the NSWBC 3YO C&G’s Final at Menangle last October. Boasting 11 wins and four placings from 18 starts, My Ultimate Ronnie will again be competitive. WOW HES A ROCKSTAR (4) had a month off before recording a pleasing, and slightly unlucky 8.6m 6th to Kingmaker a week ago. The consistent 5yo appeals as a suitable exotic player. LETS GET ROCKIN (7) was always prominent from the pole role a week ago in posting a solid 5.6m 3rd to Kingmaker. The 5yo has a wider gate and a slightly harder task awaiting him, but he is a suitable player for multiple fans. Last-start winner BLUE CHIP DELIGHT (3), which will be driven by his mentor Jack Trainor, has drawn well and that will boost his exotic prospects while JOE NIEN (5), SMOOTH BAHT (9) and SURFERS DELIGHT (10), which is resuming with the benefit of a sound trial, also have claims in that regard.

STINGRAY TARA 1, My Ultimate Ronnie 2, Wow Hes A Rock Star 3, Lets Get Rockin 4.

RACE TWO:

The ‘My Ultimate’ tag continues to be rolled out by Jarrod Alchin and, this time around it is MY ULTIMATE BYRON (2) who will be facing the starter, and, like his stablemate it will be three months in between engagements. The son of Somebeachsomewhere also contested the same race as My Ultimate Ronnie, but My Ultimate Byron produced an run well-below his best in finishing a well-beaten last to Leap To Fame. Jarrod has also given My Ultimate Byron, who has a record of 10 wins and five from 18 starts, very similar to his stablemate, two sound trial outings and from gate two, the 4yo is worth the gamble. Looming as the one to beat is CANTFINDABETTORMAN (6), who has race fitness on his side. The Belinda McCarthy-trained son of Sweet Lou resumed from a spell with a pleasing 2.4m 3rd behind Our Money Rocks and Jimartee a week ago, with the odds-on elect dictating the terms. Highly-regarded by the stable, Cantfindabettorman will prove a lot harder to roll this time around. Former Kiwi ITS ALL ABOUT FAITH (7) opened his career under the guidance of Jack Trainor with a stylish win, then had a big fall from grace in posting two costly defeats. Spelled, the son of Captaintreacherous will go into this race without a trial, but his stays under notice when it comes to exotic transactions. The consistent CLASSICMAJOR (3) has drawn well and represents value when it comes to the multiples while MASONS DELIGHT (4), HE BETTOR STEP ASIDE (5) and TRIPLE FOUR (8), which is resuming from a spell, also warrant exotic attention.

MY ULTIMATE BYRON 1, Cantfindabettorman 2, Its All About Faith 3, Classicmajor 4.

RACE THREE:

Jack Trainor will be rolling out the three star attractions, with headline act STYLISH MEMPHIS (11) heading around to the start as the one to beat. The dual Ladyship Mile champion will be joined by the exciting BRAEVIEW KELLY (8) and the highly-regarded B K SWY (6). Jack will of course partner Stylish Memphis, with the mare drawing the outside gate. When stepping out for her first assignment since crossing the Tasman this time around, the ‘mum to be’ was driven by Jack Callaghan, with the pair recording a gallant 2.5m 2nd behind another star, Expensive Ego. The 6yo has done a ‘treat’ since and although the draw is tricky, the daughter of Bettors Delight has the speed to ensure that she is in the mix from the outset. BRAEVIEW KELLY (8) has been off the scene since recording a career-best effort in finishing a gallant 4.6m 3rd behind Ladies In Red and Tough Tilly in the 2760m Queen of the Pacific at Melton last October. The classy 5yo mare trialled in fine fashion, suggesting she is ready to make a bold bid for victory. MADIRID (7) is also back in action and once again, trainer Jarrod Alchin has given one of his stable stars a solid grounding before returning to official duties. The daughter of former champion Bling It On has been responsible for a couple of solid trial displays and, as per usual, the 4yo will be primed for a strong display. Madrid ended her previous campaign with a stylish all-the-way win in the 3YO Fillies NSWBC Blue Final at Headquarters on Nov 12. Madrid will now be leaving the comfort of racing against her own age; however, she has all the makings of being a major player, regardless. B K SWY (6) is always capable of being a threat as she does possess a powerful sprint. A powerful winner two starts ago, the daughter of Big Jim came from a five peg role, after being held up for a period, in finishing a 7.2m 4th to Kingmaker last week. That leaves the consistent DELIGHTFUL ANGEL (4) and FAIRY TINKABELL (10), which showed a welcome return to winning form last time out, as exotic contenders.

STYLISH MEMPHIS 1, Braeview Kelly 2, Madrid 3, B K Swy 4.

RACE FOUR:

This race is overflowing with class and moving forward, as the Miracle Mile carnival, is bound to create a great deal interest. The powerful Belinda McCarthy stable is just starting to roll out the ‘big guns’ with the major players all representing Cobbitty Equine. Heading the list is the multiple-award winning 6yo, SPRIT OF ST LOUIS (9), who will be heading off to contest the Hunter Cup next, so he will be looking to make the trip south on a winning note. After ending his Inter Dominion with two disappointing displays, the latter resulting in a 31m last to I Cast No Shadow in the Grand Final, the son of Sweet Lou, with the benefit of a month off, was back to his best in leading throughout for a solid 1.5m defeat of Mach Shard and Petes Said So, who was a further 2.6m astern. Petes Said So has since accounted for Expensive Ego. Jack Callaghan will again look to take full-advantage of Spirit Of St Louis’s gate speed and from eight, which is less the reserve, dictate, the terms from start to finish. The addition of BONDI LOCKDOWN (10) is an exciting ‘x-factor’, with the former Aaron Dunn-trained son of Somebeachsomewhere, adding further strength to the star-studded McCarthy team. Bondi Lockdown had had two runs at this venue during the Miracle Mile carnival a year ago. Following a gallant 1.4m 2nd to Better Eclipse in the Chariots of Fire, the entire received an invite to contest the Miracle Mile , but that challenge proved far too demanding, resulting in a 33m  last behind King of Swing. Dunn gave his star four months off before the bay resumed with a solid 2.9m 3rd to Supreme Dominator in the Preux Chevalier FFA at Cranbourne on July 9. Two unplaced runs followed before Bondi Lockdown was out into lockdown. A superb trial display has Bondi Lockdown ready to make his presence felt, with Luke to take the reins. MACH SHARD (11) has been performing at a high standard, and although only one recent win appears next to his name, the 8yo has done nothing but please the stable. While greeting the judge may a shade too difficult, due to the presence of his pair of exciting stablemate, the son of Mach Three won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt. ZEUSS BROMAC (8) did a fine job during the Inter Dominion series and he has returned in fine style, as his solid trial outing would suggest. The 6yo son of Bettors Delight can never be taken lightly. WOLF STRIDE (6) also did his reputation no harm in the ID carnival and he has also trialled well for Jack Trainor. Include the 7yo in exotic investments, along with THE BLACK PRINCE (5).

SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS 1, Bondi Lockdown 2, Mach Shard 3, Zeuss Bromac 4.

RACE FIVE:

The Simpson Memorial will feature a number of exciting prospects with SURE THING CAPTAIN (2) bound to create a great deal of attention following a couple if runaway wins at Albion Park in recent weeks. Prepared by Shannon price and to be driven by Adam Sanderson, the son of Captaintreacherous will be having just his fourth outing, the first resulting in a pleasing, but costly, 2nd to Gwyneth P at AP on Dec 30 when he drew the back row. With the advantage of drawing far more suitably in three for his next encounter, Sure Thing Captain led and made a mess of his rivals in scoring by 14.5m, with the 3yo wrapping up his work in a sparkling 26.5.

A week later, and again starting well into the ‘red’, Sure Thing Captain was left facing the breeze, however, that didn’t prevent him from greeting the judge, this time 13.5m clear of his nearest rival. Granted, this will be a far harder assignment for the Queenslander, but he looks to be well above-average. MY ULTIMATE CATER (6) is bound to make his presence after making it three on end when she scored at Tamworth a week ago. Dictating the terms the Jarrod Alchin-trained colt was never in danger of defeat. A wider gate and a harder task awaits the son of Captaintreacherous but expect the local to be a fixture in the finish. MONTALBANO (5), who is trained by Rickie Alchin, will be stepping out for his first assignment since last October when his form was more than acceptable. With the benefit of a pleasing trial win, the son of Huntsville is ready to run a bold race from his useful draw. The ‘question mark’ runner is the former WA resident ROCKOKOKO (8) who is now under the care of Belinda McCarthy. Arriving with a win and four placings from seven starts, the American Ideal colt hasn’t raced since last September, but a pleasing trial has him ready for a bold showing. The Jason Hewitt trained and driven CHISELED (7) won four-on-end before heading to the paddock back in early December, culminating with a narrow win in the NSWBC West Regional Final for 2YO C&G’s. The Huntsville 3yo posted a sound trial display at Bathurst on Monday in readiness for this important assignment.

SURE THING CAPTAIN 1, My Ultimate Carter 2, Montalbano 3, Rockokoko 4.

RACE SIX:

This race will be centred around the classy Peter Russo-trained MAHOMES (1) with the son of Tintin in America heading down the path towards a start in the prestigious Chariots of Fire in a few weeks. Eleven wins and three placings appear on his stats sheet from just 22 starts, and with gate one next to name, Mahomes will be ‘touching’ down at the head of affairs once again. A solid trial appearance has Mahomes ticking over nicely for his first challenge since taking out the NSWBC Blue title for 3YO C&G’s back at Headquarters on Nov 12. Mahomes will start in the ‘red’, just like his namesake and the Kansas City Chiefs 24 hours later when they take on the Bengals for the AFC Championship. The battle for ‘next best’ behind Mahomes will be keenly contested. JIMARTEE (5) is deserving of a win following placings at his past two starts here, both as runner-up, the latter when beaten 1.3m by Our Money Rocks a week ago, in what was a gritty display. The Noel Hatcher-trained 6yo may have to settle for a similar role. SAINT VERAN (10) has drawn deep but the Steve Turnbull-trained 4yo will find this more to his liking than a last-start, but solid 12.6m 4th behind the classy Cash N Flow in the Oberon Cup at Bathurst a week ago. YANKEE IDEAL (11) has again drawn badly, which was the case last week, when he posted a pleasing 8m 7th to Lochiel. The 5yo was ‘buried’ five pegs and was held up in working to the line nicely. Don’t ignore him as an exotic runner, along with ROCK FISHERMAN (2), JIMMYJOE (4), ROCK OF DELIGHT (6) and AALESUND (7), all bound to be at good odds due to the presence of Mahomes.

MAHOMES 1, Jimartee 2, Saint Veran 3, Yankee Ideal 4.

RACE SEVEN:

With the benefit of recent racing, which will help off-set a wide gate, SEND IT (9) should be competitive in what appears to be a race with numerous winning hopes. Prepared at Goulburn by Brad Hewitt, who will also take the reins, the son of Western Terror went around as favourite here a couple of weeks ago when having his third run from a spell. After working the 6yo battled on stoutly in recording a 5.5m 7th to Soho Sinatra. Without a win since July/2021, Send It is worth the gamble. OLD LUKE (7) hasn’t been successful since last October, but the Amanda Turnbull-trained veteran is always thereabouts, despite not winning out of turn. Fourth to Soho Sinatra two starts back, Old Luke is coming off a solid-finishing 11.7m 3rd to Jimmy Locke. This race is certainly within reach so respect his claims. THE STAIN (1) is capable of leaving his mark on this race after a 6.2m 4th to Lochiel a week ago when he led.  Prepared by Corel Parker and to be driven by Luke McCarthy, who had the reins last time out, The Stain will appreciate gate one and that will result in the son of For a Reason being in the mix for a long way. SUMOMENTSOMEWHERE (8) posted a couple of handy efforts at this venue before heading back to Queensland, where he has been placed in three subsequent runs. The consistent Shannon Price-prepared 5yo is again capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Back in grade, but drawing wide, RANGER BOMB (10) is coming off a 26.7m 8th to Cash N Flow in the Oberon Cup at Bathurst a week ago. Expect a better showing from the son of Sportswriter.

SEND IT 1, Old Luke 2, The Stain 3, Sumomentsomewhere 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The final event for the trotters is also a tricky affair, however of VALLEY STAR (2) has settled in well for his new mentor Leon Jurd, then this race is his for the taking. Formerly with Andy Gath, Valley Star has been runner-up in each of his past three at Geelong, Melton and Kilmore, beaten narrowly, the latest when beaten 3.2m by Electrojet after finishing solidly. From 42 stand assignments the 8yo has collected eight wins and seven placings, and with the front line a big plus, Jimmy Douglass will be looking to have The Pres gelding in the mix from the outset, making it that much more difficult for the backmarkers.  On the subject of backmarkers and DROP THE HAMMER (9) will have to overcome a 30m hcp if he is to greet the judge. The 8yo, former pacer, has had three runs since a spell, the latest a week ago when a 17.2m 4th to Caligula. The handicap will be daunting but the Darren Hancock trained and driven son of Bettors Delight is ready to be a threat. ANDOVERLOV (5) has been off the scene since a 16.4m 8th to Thebestbourbon back on Dec 17.  A more than useful type from behind the tapes, the 6yo should be kept safe. ROYAL GLENFERRIE (7) worked home nicely in recording a 17m 3rd to Caligula a week ago, and if he has his mind on the job, expect a competitive showing from the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained 7yo. SUNNY GEE (10) is off a tough mark but he remains in the mix, especially when it comes to the exotics. ONE MAJIC KENNY (8) can be hard to follow but he stays in the exotic mix while THEBESTBOURBON (6) and QUEEN OF STRATHFIELD (1) are value players.

VALLEY STAR 1, Drop The Hammer 2, Andoverlov 3, Royal Glenferrie 4.

  – FORM ASSESSED BY NATIONAL TROTGUIDE’S MIKE KO’CASS