Finding you a winner at tonight’s Miracle Mile meeting at Menangle

RACE ONE:
We return to Menangle for ‘take-two’ of the running of the 55th Miracle Mile, following a wild storm which abruptly ended the meeting last week, one race short of the great race. A solid support card has been placed around the feature, and although his form has fallen short of the ‘stats’ provided a year ago, BAD TO THE BONE (6) looks to be a suitable gamble in the opening event. The 5yo posted his best effort, since crossing the Tasman and re-joining the Paul Fitzpatrick team, when he recorded a 6.3m 2nd to subsequent G1 Ainsworth FFA winner and stablemate, Zeuss Bromac. The son of Bettors Delight followed that determined effort with an 8.7m 7th to Majestic Cruiser, with a 5.7m 5th to Doubtless Bay, which came on the back of a tough run outside of the leader, being his latest display a few weeks ago. Handily drawn in the middle of the line and dropping suitably in grade, compared to a few of his recent engagements, Bad To The Bone should appreciate this assignment and, in the process, prove hard to beat. PETES SAID SO (4) deserves to be given a high rating as the KerryAnn Morris-trained son of Well Said is ‘busting’ to win a race. And this looks to be well within his reach. The 6yo wasn’t disgraced when a 10.7m 8th to Majestic Cruiser four runs ago, with placings behind Doubtless Bay and Cash N Flow, respectively, prior to a 6.9m behind Alta Orlando a week ago. Possessed with brilliant gate speed, which Robert Morris will use to perfection from gate four, Petes Said so will be in the mix from the outset in proving one of the major contenders. ROCKIN MARTY (3) is coming off a ‘forget’ display when he finished a 10.2m 4th to I Cast No Shadow back on Mar 1. The 6yo son of Pet Rock was hindered at the start, resulting in a five peg role coming his way, prior to securing the one-one on the home turn. With the benefit of two runs back from a break, the David Hewitt-trained gelding will strip fitter so don’t write him off as a threat. Despite drawing deep, the in-form SMOOTH BAHT (10) is bound to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt while LA PUDDIE (7) and SUMMIT SPECIAL (9) have claims when it comes to forming exotic investments.

BAD TO THE BONE 1, Petes Said So 2, Rockin Marty 3, Smooth Baht 4.

RACE TWO:
The Belinda McCarthy-trained ARTILLERY (6) appeared a shade unlucky in the Lady Drivers Invitational a couple of weeks ago, and in what looks to be an open and competitive race, the former SA pacer is capable of greeting the judge this time around. Commencing his association with the State’s leading mentor on a winning note on Feb 5, the son of Art Major was able to secure a kind run behind the leader, but KerryAnn Morris was baulked on a couple of occasions, prior to Artillery hitting the line strongly in recording a 1.2m 2nd to Smooth Baht. A wider gate awaits the 4yo, however, the bay, which has missed a top three placing just once in 24 starts, is bound to be pro-active in the finish. The Jack Trainor trained and driven STRAVINSKY (1) will definitely loom as the main threat after the entire drew ideally in one. Runner-up behind The Fortunate Son and Smooth Baht, respectively, the son of Sunshine Beach was untroubled in posting a deserving win over Uncle Jay and Chubby Checker at Newcastle a few weeks ago. Trainor will be able to present Stravinsky with options from the draw as he tackles a slightly harder assignment. Jarrod Alchin will be represented by his consistent 4yo JUSTA LITTLE BIT (5), which is coming off a solid-finishing 4.8m 4th to Smooth Baht in the Lady Drivers Invitational. Handily drawn, Justa Little Bit should be prominently placed in again making his presence felt. SHADY AZZ (4) has been off the scene since a 2.6m 4th to Sanday at Bendigo on Dec 30. Prepared by Aaron Dunn, who will also take the reins, the 5yo son of Shadow Play was entered for a race at Penrith recently, which was washed out, so he has been kept up to the mark in readiness for this assignment. The Victorian had been contesting harder races back home so include him the mix when assessing chances. When it comes to exotic investments IMASPORTSSTAR (2) warrants attention after drawing well while ARDENS ACE (3), WATTS UP SUNSHINE (7) and EVERYBODYLOVEDRAY (8) also fall into that category.

ARTILLERY 1, Stravinsky 2, Justa Little Bit 3, Shady Azz 4.

RACE THREE:
Numerous chances will face the starter for this challenge, but the David Hewitt-trained IM BRUCE ALMIGHTY (6) provides plenty of attention after two fine efforts to open his latest term of racing. Stepping out for his second assignment, Im Bruce Almighty was able to dictate the terms in scoring at Wagga two weeks ago, defeating two of his rivals in this particular line up, Barrett and Im Feeling Firey. The son of Pet Rock did draw one on that occasion, and although a wider gate awaits, the 6yo will again prove hard to beat. GIVE ME A MINUTE (4) has won his past starts at Newcastle and, with the prospect of being in the thick of the action from the outset, the son of Raging Bull will have every chance to complete the hat-trick. JOHNSON STEP (3) continues to race with a high level of consistency and gate three will ensure that another bold showing will be on offer. EAGLE COMMANDER (5) completed a hat-trick of wins with a strong showing at Bathurst so don’t ignore his claims. MISTERHINDMARCH (8) is in fine form and has at least exotic claims in this slightly harder test while BARRETT (10) and ANGEL SHARK (11) also stay under notice when it comes to the multiples.

IM BRUCE ALMIGHTY 1, Give Me A Minute 2, Johnson Step 3, Eagle Commander 4.

RACE FOUR:
Prior to seeing the established stars to their thing in the Miracle Mile, the stars of the future will go on display when their face the starter for the running of the G2 Sapling Stakes. The Rickie Alchin trained and driven TARDELLI (11) will face the starter with an unblemished record following two stylish displays, and although the Huntsville colt has drawn deep, he remains the one to beat. Tardelli opened his career with an easy win at Menangle when he ‘stalked’ the leader in proving far too good. Then, at Goulburn, the youngster overcame an early scare or two, when he easily greeted the judge. Showing versatility to date, Tardelli appears to have every base covered and that will ensure that he takes a power of beating once again. The Wayne Dimech-trained NATURALLY GIFTED (2) has drawn ideally and he looks to be a progressive type. The youngster showed plenty of improvement when successful at Penrith, and with gate two being a huge plus over Tardelli, the son of Sweet Lou is poised to make his presence felt. MICK DANGER (1) debuted with a pleasing win at Bathurst and from the pole, trainer-driver Brad Hewitt will give the Captaintreacherous youngster every chance to record a productive display. SARGEANT (5), OUR SUNSET DELIGHT (6) and SATELLITE SIMBA (7) all have shown above-average ability and claims as exotic contenders must be considered.

TARDELLI 1, Naturally Gifted 2, Mick Danger 3, Sargeant 4.

RACE FIVE:
Following a successful, albeit narrow win when resuming, professional veteran ALTA ORLANDO (10) remains the one to beat, despite the presence of a wide gate for his upcoming 1609m challenge. Prepared by Belinda McCarthy and to be driven by Jack Callaghan, the 10yo enjoyed a productive Inter Dominion carnival, which culminated in a solid-finishing 6.5m 3rd to Boncel Benjamin and Expensive Ego on Grand Final night. Enjoying a well-earned break, the son of Courage Under Fire won a trial in preparation for his return to racing a week ago. Contesting a 2400m assignment, Alta Orlando was first to break the line in finding the pegs, prior to being shuffled back to a three marker role. However, another astute drive by Callaghan resulted in Alta Orlando receiving the space he required to issue his successful challenge, with Line Up and Malcolms Rhythm joining him the placings. With plenty of speed drawn to his left, young Jack will have the option of easing Alta Orlando out of the early ‘hustle and bustle’ and saving as much energy for the final 400m, or ‘fire’ out and look to be in the mix in finding a suitable stalking role. Either way, Alta Orlando will prove hard to beat. With the benefit of three respectable efforts since joining the stables of Jack Trainor, BE MAJOR THREAT (3) is ready to be a major threat, especially after drawing nicely in three. The 7yo son of Art Major followed a 5.4m 5th to Majestic Cruiser with a solid 3.3m 3rd behind two stylish performers in Jay OK and Zeuss Bromac, the latter winning the G1 Ainsworth FFA last week. Be Major Threat was again hitting the line with intent last week when he posted a 6m 7th to Alta Orlando. The prospect of receiving a suitable role close to the action, will enhance the prospects of Be Major Threat playing a big role in the finish. Although proving hard to follow these days, CASH N FLOW (9), who once owned the Menangle Mile in races of this nature, stays under notice as a serious threat, although the wide gate is a concern. After a couple of well-beaten Menangle appearances, the 9yo scored a stylish all-the-way win in a heat of the 1200m Mercury at Melton on Jan 29 but posted a costly effort in the Final a week later, which resulted in a last behind Bulletproof Boy. The rollercoaster ride continued when Cash N Flow came out a few weeks later and finished too well for Art Tutor and Petes Said over his favourite distance. The son of Mach Three is still capable of leaving the mobile with plenty of zest, and although the veteran has a wide gate, expect to see Cash N Flow going in search of a favourable role close to the action.
With the benefit of two fine efforts since a spell, ALPINE STRIDE (4) can’t be ignored as a threat. Placed in each of his past four starts, the first being a gallant 3rd to Pocket Of Terror in the Inter Dominion consolation, the 8yo is coming off a 7.7m 2nd to I Cast No Shadow a couple of weeks ago, the outing being his second run back from a break. I CAST NO SHADOW (6) has won his past two with authority and despite the harder task, the 6yo can be expected to be competitive. When forming multiple investments ALPINE STRIDE (4), WHEREYABINBOPPIN (5), ART TUTOR (2) and MACH DA VINCI (1) all have claims in that regard.

ALTA ORLANDO 1, Be Major Threat 2, Cash N Flow 3, Alpine Stride 4.

RACE SIX:
The suspense continues to build after the first attempt to stage the 55th running of the Miracle Mile was aborted due to a freak storm, which pounded the Menangle track last Saturday night. On the verge of a hat-trick of wins in the ultimate test of speed and power, KING OF SWING (1) will be out to re-write the history of the ‘great race’ in becoming the first horse to have his name feature on the Honour Roll on three separate occasions. It is hard to go against the ‘King’ in his quest of such an amazing achievement. Regardless, of his draw, King Of Swing would head around to the start as the horse to beat, such is his level of greatness. Gate one only strengthens his grip on the trophy. From the same starting point, albeit, over 2760m, King Of Swing was untroubled in leading throughout in comfortably defeating Spirit Of St Louis and Amazing Dream in taking out the Hunter Cup. But this time around, over the 1609m, there will be far more pressured applied, as eight superbly fit athletes ‘flex the muscles’ in search of early supremacy. That was the case a couple of weeks ago when King Of Swing, Balraj and Boncel Benjamin were involved in an explosive 24.9m opening quarter. Electing to abort the speed battle, as it continued to unfold, Luke McCarthy eased King Of Swing out of the hectic tempo, allowing Boncel Benjamin to secure the lead from Balraj. When the dust settled to some extent, McCarthy allowed the powerful frame of King Of Swing to make his presence known, joining Boncel Benjamin in a show of force and authority. After all, this was a multiple feature winner arriving on the scene. As the field headed towards the 400m marker, and the home turn, King Of Swing was still flexing his muscles while those around him were starting to wilt under the sustained pressure. Despite being vulnerable over the final, gruelling 200m, King Of Swing displayed all of his championship qualities in again reigning supreme. Luke will go in search of the lead role in a show of power and confidence, with such a role laying the foundations for another trip to the presentation area, and a history-making third Miracle Mile trophy. Stablemate SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS (2), along with his young, superstar reinsman Jack Callaghan, has come a long way since contesting the Inter Dominion series, which has turned out to be the making of the 5yo son of Sweet Lou. In recent months the ‘dynamic duo’ have won the Bendigo, Shepparton and Ballarat Cups while finishing a brave 2nd to King Of Swing in the Hunter Cup. From the one-one, Spirit Of St Louis was lethal in taking out the Schweppes Sprint in a time of 1:48.2. gate two awaits and Jack will be keen to find the back of King Of Swing, and that will afford him the run to save Spirit Of St Louis for his shot at Miracle Mile glory. There will be plenty of pressure from the outset, courtesy of the likes of EXPENSIVE EGO (6) and in particular BONDI LOCKDOWN (9), so in looking for that runner with value claims, on the back of a cosy trip, MAJESTIC CRUISER (3) appeals as that runner after drawing three. Cam Hart. who is cool, calm and collected under any situation, is the young man with the composure to handle such a pressure situation? The prospect of receiving a kind, stalking role will allow Majestic Cruiser with the opportunity to go in search of a role in the finish. EXPENSIVE EGO (6) has been a shade below his best in both the Newcastle Mile and the Schweppes Sprint, unplaced in both, the latter when a 9.2m 4th to Spirit Of St Louis. Runner-up last year to King Of Swing, Expensive Ego was being ‘hailed’ as the next in line for Miracle Mile glory, following his first big and brave effort in such company. That may still apply, but he will need to produce a similar effort, and then some, to go one better this year. And he just might do exactly that. BONDI LOCKDOWN (9), despite the draw and his tender years, will be in for the fight. Tough, tenacious and with a great will to win, the son of Somebeachsomewhere won five-on-end before his gallant 2nd to Better Eclipse in the Chariots of Fire, which was covered in an explosive 1:47.6 and, that was mainly due to the power of Bondi Lockdown. Trainer-driver Aaron Dunn isn’t one to sit back and wonder later, ‘what if’, so expect to see him leaving the mobile with plenty of intent in making his presence felt. BUNDORAN (4) has come a long way over the past 12 months and is worthy of exotic attention while Chariots of Fire winner BETTER ECLIPSE (10) has little option but to ease out of the early charge and play the ‘waiting game’ and nobody does that better than Greg Sugars. A big price contender, the Jess Tubbs-trained son of Betterthancheddar will be sneaking home, probably via the pegs, so don’t ignore the Victorian when forming exotic transactions.

KING OF SWING 1, Spirit Of St Louis 2, Majestic Cruiser 3, Expensive Ego 4.

RACE SEVEN:
Brilliant mare ANNTONIA (7) is poised to bounce back to winning form following three first-rate efforts since resuming from a spell. Astutely prepared by David Thorn, Anntonia ended her three-year-old career with success in the G1 NSWBC 3YO Fillies Final on Oct 30, prior to resuming with a gallant 4m 4th to Stylish Memphis in the G2 Sibelia Stakes on Feb 12. The daughter of Bettors Delight paid her 13th visit to the winner’s circle when she accounted for subsequent winner The Mustang, with the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11, being her next assignment. From a midfield role, Anntonia worked to the line strongly, although never a serious threat in posting a 5.9m 8th to Stylish Memphis. Peaking in condition and dropping back to a suitable challenge, Anntonia looks the winner and one of the ‘better bets’ on the card. The ‘x-factor’ will be the former Kiwi I NEED YOU NOW (9), which joins the Belinda McCarthy team, with solid, recent form next to her name. The 5yo Bettors Delight mare scored at Addington on Jan 28, overcoming a back row draw, prior to again starting from the 2nd line when a 2.25m 2nd to Bettor Talk, this time over the longer trip of 2600m. Boasting a fine record, I Need You Now has drawn the outside gate in the field of nine, but she is bound to be primed for a bold showing. Since coming from WA to link up with Paul Fitzpatrick, WAINUI CREEK (8) has done a wonderful job in four runs to date, and although she hasn’t been introduced to the winning post, the 6yo has been on the verge of a winning display. Fourth to Bundoran in her first Menangle venture, Wainui Creek has since recorded a 6.2m 6th to Stylish Memphis in the G2 Sibelia, then a solid 5.9m 2nd behind Fairy Tinkabell in the G2 Robin Dundee. Contesting the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11, Wainui Creek was again hitting the line with intent, en route to a closing 4.8m 6th to Stylish Memphis. A win by Wainui Creek wouldn’t come as a surprise while being a deserving victory in the process. The consistent DIAMOND PARTY (5) has also done a respectable job during the feature mares’ events, culminating with a 3.3m 5th to Stylish Memphis in the Queen Elizabeth 11. As per usual, the 5yo Art Major must be included in the multiples, along with THE HONEY QUEEN (6), which did a power of extra work in the above-mentioned race won by Stylish Memphis, with an 18.6m last coming here way. Better luck will result in The Honey Queen staking a claim for an exotic role.

ANNTONIA 1, I Need You Now, Wainui Creek 3, Diamond Party 4.

RACE EIGHT:
With the benefit of one run back from a spell, RED REACTOR (6) is poised to break through for his first win since greeting the judge at Headquarters back in May/2021. From his subsequent 13 starts, Red Reactor, despite a high number of sound efforts, has managed just three placings, the latest when the 7yo returned from a spell over this course and distance on Mar 1. Drawing the outside gate, the son of Auckland Reactor as eased at the start, resulting in a rearward coming his way for the majority of the 1609m. However, it was hard to miss his commitment over the final, which resulted in a 3.3m 3rd to Gliding Away and Double Act. With that run under his belt and a better draw, Red Reactor is more than capable of handling this assignment. CHUBBY CHECKER (5) has also spent an extended period from the top spot, with the son of A Rocknroll Dance last greeting the judge back in June/2021 when his form was hard to fault. However, following that win, Chubby Checker had a rapid fall from grace, with his five runs all resulting in moderate efforts. A change of stables has resulted in the 5yo enjoying better efforts, with three recent placings, the latest a 13.6m 3rd to Stravinsky at Newcastle. With his confidence heading in the right direction, Chubby Checker is capable of being in the mix when the judge calls a halt. VANITY BAY (9) was having his first run for a new stable when he led and had every chance in finishing a photo 2nd to Ryans Gangster at this venue a couple of weeks ago. Fitter, but drawing deep in a harder challenge, Vanity Bay can’t be ignored when looking for possible threats. RICKOSHAY (3) has been below his best of late, but handily drawn, the 4yo is capable of giving a fer better account so don’t rule him out. WOW HES A ROCK STAR (4), like his stablemate Rickoshay, has been off his game in three runs since a spell, but he has the chance to give cheek from a good draw, especially when it comes to exotic transactions. JEDI MIND (8) and JERULAS GRIN (10) also stay under notice when it comes to the multiples.

RED REACTOR 1, Chubby Checker 2, Vanity Bay 3, Rickoshay 4.

  – MICK KO’CASS