Here’s all the winners for Riverina Paceway Wagga Saturday night
RACE ONE:
This will be an easier ‘watch’ for favourite backers as the Jason Grimson-trained SUGAR APPLE (6) has this race at his mercy.
Two runs into his latest term of racing, the former Kiwi recorded a respectable 10.2m 4th to Major Perry on a heat of the NSW Derby, and although that wasn’t enough to secure a spot in the ‘blue ribbon’ event, the son of Sweet Lou indicated that the future was looking bright. Heading to Young for his next challenge, Sugar Apple powered to the line for an emphatic all-the-way win, crossing the line 25.2m clear of Cut N Run, a further 2.3m back to Iam The Captain. Despite drawing the inside of the back row for his next assignment at Bathurst, the promising 3yo colt again justified his short-quote. Working his way to the front, Sugar Apple accounted for Black Onyx and Rainbow Titan, the latter posting a win at Newcastle. From his acceptable starting role, gate six, Sugar Apple will again find the top and from the moment onwards, Cam Hart will call the shots to perfection, en route to the third leg of a winning hat-trick. The price won’t be fancy so exotic investments will be the main profit making scheme. Courtesy of drawing the pole and two recent solid placings, both as runner-up, MOSSMAN (1) appeals as a solid anchor for that role once again. The 5yo son of Terror To Love hit the line strongly in finishing within a half-neck of the talented Arma Renegade at this venue last Sunday, with the far better draw certainly a plus this time around. DAN FERNANDO (9) has been safely held in each of his past two, but his form prior was sound and the prospect of a kind peg run will assist his claims as an exotic contender. CHEEZ (7) is racing with confidence and although the draw is tricky, the 4yo warrants exotic attention.
FAVREAU (2), TULHURST TERROR (3) and LEIGHA MILLER (5) also rate a mention when it comes to multiple investments.
SUGAR APPLE 1, Mossman 2, Dan Fernando 3, Cheez 4.
RACE TWO:
Jason Grimson and Cam Hart have a number of outstanding opportunities on the card, commencing in the first, and although CHRISSY CHIC (8) is coming off a disappointing effort here a week ago, the mare is certainly worthy of another chance in what will be an easier event, despite the difficulty of the outside gate. Spelled after a costly 3m 4th to Lady Avana at AP back in mid-November, the daughter of Major In Art resumed with a 23.3m 8th to Anntonia in a heat of the Ladex Riverina Mares Championship. Stripping fitter for this encounter the mare is definitely capable of a far better performance and, if she did strike her best, this race would be hers for the taking. DELIGHTFUL ANGEL (4) has been unplaced in her past three, the latest being a creditable 7.5m 7th to Winona Writer at Wagga last Sunday. Suitably drawn and also better suited in this type of assignment, the James Rattray trained and driven mare is capable of a competitive showing. IMAJOYRIDE (5) resumed with a 15.9m 6th behind the brilliant mare Anntonia last week and with a higher level of fitness and an easier event, the Lincoln Royal mare is open to a vastly improved showing. SPORTY DANCER (9) had sound form when last in work so expect a solid showing following a creditable 8.4m 8th to Winona Writer last Sunday when resuming after three months off. Exotic investors should include GABBYS REASON (6) and THE TALK (1).
CHRISSY CHIC 1, Delightful Angel 2, Imajoyride 3, Sporty Dancer 4.
RACE THREE:
No official trial form appears next to YIANNI (10), however, the former Victorian will debut for Jason Grimson as the one to beat, despite being confronted by a back row draw for his first outing since last September. Contesting a 1710m assignment at Ballarat, the former Emma Stewart-trained son of Changeover was hindered by trouble on more than one occasion while also suffering a flat tyre, so well-beaten last behind Diamonds N Cash must be completely ignored. Boasting a fine record prior to that outing, Yianni is bound to be primed for a bold first-up showing so respect his claims. Jack Trainor will be represented by CARLAS MACH (8), which has drawn the outside gate on the front line, however, the 5yo is racing in fine style, with a hat-trick of wins appearing next to his name. The son of Mach Three does have a significant fitness edge over Yianni and that will certainly result in a strong showing. Jack Brown will take the reins and with the youngster driving in fine fashion, Carlas Mach will be given every chance to extend his winning sequence. MY ULTIMATE ANDY (5) has been off the scene since last August when his form was hard to fault. A member of the astute David Kennedy team the 6yo son of Falcon Seelster has had the benefit of two trials and he should be included when multiple transactions are being formed. ROSSINI (9) is also back from a break with the consistent James Rattray trained and driven 6yo contesting a suitable contest after finishing at the rear of the field in the G3 Christmas Gift Final at Menangle back on Dec 18. Rossini has trialled well and must be kept safe as a potential threat. THE TEXAS RANGER (1) and DANCE FOR GLORY (2) both warrant more than a passing thought when it comes to exotic transactions.
YIANNI 1, Carlas Mach 2, My Ultimate Andy 3, Rossini 4.
RACE FOUR:
With the NSW Oaks title already appearing on her list of credits, JUST HOPE (3) is clearly the one to beat in the Benstud Wagga Oaks, with gate two, which is less the first reserve, being an added bonus for the Russell Jack-trained daughter of Bettors Delight. The classy 3yo filly followed her success over Madrid and Amore Vita in the G1 challenge at Menangle on February 26, with a comfortable all-the-way win in a heat of the Gold Bracelet at Bathurst, and it was expected that the filly would add another G1 title to portfolio. Sent around to the start as an odds-on elect, Just Hope worked to an early lead but, surprisingly, had little to offer when challenged by Soho Rhapsody, which greeted the judge with a margin of 5.5m to spare over the popular elect. The lead role will be there for Just Hope and with Nathan Jack driving in fine style, the pair look certain to take a power of beating, especially as the main threats have drawn the second row. Following four wins on the ‘trot’, CAPTN ME (11) was unable to repel a determined Not To be Denied in finishing a 5.6m 2nd at Bathurst a couple of weeks ago, as a dominant $1.15 favourite. The Jack Trainor trained and driven daughter of Captaintreacherous has drawn awkwardly but she is capable of again playing an active role in the finish. COME SAY HI (10) is another back row runner with bright prospects of being involved in the placings. Prepared by Belinda McCarthy and to be driven by Jack Callaghan, the filly resumed with a 30m 4th to Just Hope in a heat of the Gold Bracelet, prior to a vastly improved effort in the G1 Final when a closing 6.2m third to Soho Rhapsody. The daughter of Bettors Delight has always shown above-average talent and with her fitness heading in the right direction, a further bold display can be expected. ALANZA (9) is the third member of the back row runners and with the prospect of a kind peg run, the James McPherson trained and driven Well Said filly is capable of grabbing an exotic role. MISS CHANTILLY (7) also falls into that category, along with ROCK OF JOY (4) and SWEDISH MEATBALLS (6).
JUST HOPE 1, Captn Me 2, Come Say Hi 3, Alanza 4.
RACE FIVE:
Brilliant mare ANNTONIA (12) will face the starter as a ‘red-hot’ favourite for the running of the G1 Ladex Riverina Championship, a G1 event set aside for mares. With a long list of wonderful achievements already next to her name, the 4yo daughter of Bettors Delight was confronted by a classy line-up of male rivals when she stepped away from her comfort zone at Menangle a few weeks ago. Enjoying every chance in the one-one, Anntonia was responsible for a respectable effort in posting a 9.4m 6th to Jay OK. It was a far different story at this venue a week ago when the mare contested a heat of this particular race. With Nathan Jack in the sulky, Anntonia had little trouble overcoming a back row draw in easily defeating Elektra and Smooth Rye. Jack Trainor will take over the driving duties and although the back row draw will again come into play, Anntonia, with all of her brilliance, will again reign supreme in collecting the 15th win of her career from just 26 assignments. SMOOTH RYE (11) is racing in peak form for Corey Peterson and despite the second row draw will again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Following a stylish Menangle win, the Tintin In America mare did a fine job in recording a 7.9m 3rd to Anntonia and Elektra in last week’s heat. The 5yo will enjoy a solid tempo, with three wins from her past four Menangle appearances suggesting that the mare is enjoying her racing. YARRAMAN BELLA (8) posted back-to-back wins at Bathurst and Menangle, respectively, prior to being game in defeat behind Delightful Dude at Menangle, then at this venue a week ago when narrowly beaten by Winona Writer after working from a back row draw. The wide gate will present Nathan Jack with an interesting decision, but the Brad Hewitt-trained mare is on the improve. ELEKTRA (9) should be able to secure a cosy run behind the speed and that will enhance her exotic prospects while WINONA WRITER (10), VANISH HANOVER (3) and ISLAND FIRE DANCE (7) are capable of boosting the exotic dividends.
ANNTONIA 1, Smooth Rye 2, Yarraman Bella 3, Elektra 4.
RACE SIX:
An outstanding field will face the starter for the running of the G1 Riverina Championship for Entires and Geldings, and although confronted by a back row draw it is hard to go past JAY OK (12) as the one to beat. Prepared by Paul Fitzpatrick and to be driven by son Gavin, the classy son of A Rocknroll Dance accounted for I Cast No Shadow and Petes Said So at Menangle on March 26, before heading to Wagga a week ago for a heat of this particular feature event. Launching his challenge from the second row, Jay OK was astutely guided into a favourable role from the outset by G1 Gav, and that paved the way for the 5yo to greet the judge in fine style, 5.5m clear of Smooth Baht and Curly James. With power aplenty on the front row, Jay OK will have the opportunity to again follow the early charge for dominant roles, leaving him poised to pounce when the final 400m comes into play. IDEAL DAN (6) will ensure that Jay OK doesn’t greet the judge without a fight. Since leaving Victoria to join the Jason Grimson team, Ideal Dan remains unbeaten following three trips to the races, the first at Menangle, the second when successful in the Young Pacers Cup when he proved far too good for Egodan and The Mustang. The 4yo son of American Ideal completed the hat-trick when he easily accounted for Artillery and Crunch Time in his particular qualifying event. Reserves out and Ideal Dan will occupy gate four, an ideal starting position as Cam Hart will have the entire in the thick of the action from the outset. SMOOTH BAHT (10) worked three deep in a mid-race move which resulted in the 5yo taking control of the tempo. Battling on stoutly over the final stages the Amanda Turnbull trained and driven son of Somebeachsomewhere completed the course in second spot behind Jay OK, the effort in keeping with his recent run of consistent displays. Smooth Baht has drawn the back row but the likely solid tempo will assist in another competitive performance. From his past 14 starts the CURLY JAMES (7) has recorded eight wins and six placings, so it would be fair to say that the Kasey Kent-trained 4yo is more than likely to play a role in the finish. ARTILLERY (8) kept grinding away gamely in finishing 2nd to Ideal Dan, and although a wide gate will be a hindrance, the Art Major 4yo remains an exotic contender. CRUNCH TIME (11) is also a contender for multiple selection, along with DOUBLE ACT (2), ROCKET BOY (5) and a fitter SEND IT (9).
JAY OK 1, Ideal Dan 2, Smooth Baht 3, Curly James 4.
RACE SEVEN:
The outstanding card of racing continues with the running of the G3 Wagga Pacers Cup and anyone of six or seven runners could be considered as worthy contenders for the trophy. The David Aiken-trained MAX DELIGHT (5) will contest his third Wagga event, having previously won a heat of the Riverina Championship a year ago, en route to finishing 3rd to Wolf Stride and Out To Play in a thrilling three-way finish in the Final. Arriving for a shot at Miracle Mile glory, Max Delight finished a solid 2.4m 3rd to Mach Dan in the Newcastle Mile before recording a 17.9m 9th to King Of Swing in the G1 Allied Express Sprint. The 6yo was again below his best in the G1 Ainsworth FFA over 2400m, which resulted in a 15.7m 6th to Zeuss Bromac. Back to Victoria and following a solid trial, Max Delight returned to the winner’s circle following an all-the-way win at Melton last week, with Chris Alford ‘walking’ the son of Bettors Delight through the majority of the 2240m, prior to allowing him to dash home in 26.7. The same ‘stroll in the park’ won’t be forthcoming this time around, but from gate five Alford will have Max Delight in a forward position and ready to make his presence felt. I CAST NO SHADOW (10) must be treated with plenty of respect as the 6yo has been a model of consistency of late, with two stylish wins, followed by a photo 2nd to Alta Orlando. The son of Shadow Play then played ‘second fiddle’ again when he appeared at Headquarters on March 26, with Jay OK beating him to the winning post, following a tough run outside of the leader. The chestnut has a back row draw to overcome, but he has shown he can be lethal from various roles. HI MANAMEISJEFF (4) arrives from Victoria in fine form and with the Russell Jack stable enjoying plenty of success in recent months, the classy 5yo son of Art Major can’t be ignored, especially after drawing handily in four. MACH SHARD (9) has taken awhile to find some form after a lengthy spell, but his last-start 5.2m 4th to Majestic Cruiser was encouraging so consider the 7yo when it comes to the multiples as he could be in for a kind peg role from the inside of the back row. Although confronted by an intriguing challenge, OUR COWGIRLS N LACE (2) remains in the mix as a multiple player as gate two will assist in a cosy trip. BAD TO THE BONE (11) and THE MUSTANG (7) also rate a mention when it comes to exotic transactions.
MAX DELIGHT 1, I Cast No Shadow 2, Hi Manameisjeff 3, Mach Shard 4.
RACE EIGHT:
This event is a consolation of the Wagga Cup and MAKE MINE MEMPHIS (7) is entitled to a high rating in an open and competitive race. The 6yo son of Rock N Roll Heaven has two solid efforts behind him heading into this encounter, the first resulting in a solid 2.5m 3rd to The Mustang in the Lion Nathan Cup at Bathurst on March 18 while the latter as a gritty 4.8m 3rd to Aphorism, again on his home track. Despite his talent and consistent form of late, Make Mine Memphis hasn’t greeted the judge since scoring at AP in early September, a year ago. This race appeals as a suitable challenge for the Bernie Hewitt trained and driven son of Rock N Roll Heaven. The Corey Peterson trained and driven BACK IN TWENTY (6) has had four runs since joining the former WA resident on this side of the map, all at Menangle, and although at first glance nothing jumps out, the 6yo is going a lot better than it may first appear on paper. Retired from his first outing, prior to a pleasing 5m 3rd to Bettor Call Me, the son of Sportswriter had little luck when an 11.7m 9th to Alta Orlando while his latest effort was a respectable 10.6m 8th to Majestic Cruiser. A repeat of those two efforts in this field and Back In Twenty will take a power of beating. Fitter for three runs back from a spell, ROCKIN MARTY (2) will be ready to play a far more active role in the finish. The Pet Rock 6yo had little luck at his latest outing when a 7.4m 5th to Petes Said So at Menangle a month ago, with the gelding unable to secure a suitable run at a vital stage. Rockin Marty will also find this challenge more to his liking. UNCLE JAY (3) draws suitably and although mixing his form the veteran remains in the mix as a potential threat. At their best and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (5) and ATOMIC RED (4) would prove hard to toss, but recent efforts have been patchy. However, the pair must be kept safe while APHORISM (8) also remains in the multiple mix following his surprise win at Bathurst two starts ago at cricket score odds, which was followed by a creditable 10.2m 7th to Majestic Cruiser at Menangle.
MAKE MINE MEMPHIS 1, Back In Twenty 2, Rockin Marty 3, Uncle Jay 4.
RACE NINE:
IDEAL IN DREAMS (5) is coming off a moderate effort when resuming from a spell at Headquarters on March 29, however, the short-priced elect covered more ground than Burke & Wills, and with a higher level of fitness, the filly is entitled to further attention. Spelled following back to-back wins in November, the daughter of Warrawee Needy drew wide and was never a serious threat in recording a 58.8m 9th to Yankee Ideal. Handily drawn in an open and what should be a suitable assignment, the Jack Trainor trained and driven 3yo should be far more pro-active in the finish. FANTASY BLASTER (3) will be looking for a change of fortune after resuming with a hat-trick of minor placings. The Caribbean Blaster mare has been close-up in all three encounters, the latest when a 5.8m 3rd behind Hes A Terror and Bretts Hope at Junee a couple of weeks ago. Stripping in peak condition, Fantasy Blaster will give this a big shake. QUARTZITE (2) also strips fitter for two creditable runs since a break, although the 3yo was a shade disappointing here a week ago when he led in posting an 8m 4th to Im In Trouble. Suitably drawn again, expect Quartzite to be in the mix from the outset and an extended period from that point onwards. HES A TERROR (6) has won two of his past three so don’t ignore his winning prospects while FLANEUR (10) and GLAMORS SYMBOL (9) should be considered when it comes to the exotics.
IDEAL IN DREAMS 1, Fantasy Blaster 2, Quartzite 3, Hes A Terror 4.
RACE TEN:
The presence of JEREMY WELLS (9) is bound to create a great deal of interest, despite the former Kiwi launching his claim from the inside of the back row and being first-up since mid-January. Now under the care of Russell Jack, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou has won just two faces from 44 attempts, with a further 13 minor placings to his credit. Jeremy Wells will tackle this challenge without an official trial, but it would be safe to say that he hasn’t made the trip for a look at the country side. SARAH JO (2) resumed with a win at Young on Feb 15, then posted two unplaced efforts, the latter a 27.8m 5th to Sunnywithachance at Junee on Apr 5. However, the filly did strike trouble and that cost her any chance of being competitive. The move from the back row into gate two is a big plus so expect a far better showing from the daughter of American Ideal. ALICE ON THE BEACH (1) will appreciate the improved draw and is more than capable of being a contender for the top spot, which leaves TASTE IT (6) as another worthy player when it comes to possible threats. Exotic combinations should also include NO MORE PROMISES (4), SHEZA CRACKER (5) and OUR MODERN MINNIE (3).
JEREMY WELLS 1, Sarah Jo 2, Alice On The Beach 3, Taste It 4.
– RACE ANALYSIS BY MIKE KO’CASS