Hooked on a winning feeling

HOOKED on a winning feeling thanks to his victory at Club Menangle last Saturday night, prominent trainer Kevin Pizzuto hopes to repeat the dose when he returns to the world class venue today.

No stranger to the track’s winners’ circle – including multiple Group One triumphs – Pizzuto’s latest success came via handy pacer Ooga Chaka.

Narrowly-beaten into second the previous week, Ooga Chaka proved too good this time around, scoring in 1:52.2 over a mile.

With Ashleigh Delosa in the cart, the son of Art Major worked hard in the ‘death seat’ before bullocking his way to a five-metre win from Guilty Party, with Bartello five metres away third.

Moving forward to Pizzuto’s pending prospects, the A G Hunter Cup winning horseman will be represented by Tiger Eupheme and Gipsy Princess.

By Pizzuto’s Inter Dominion champion Tiger Tara, Tiger Eupheme is searching for a drought-breaking win, having last scored in Penrith on April 24.

Sent for a spell in October, Tiger Eupheme gave a hint of what can be expected this campaign with an eye-catching second in a trial last week.

Delosa is set to take the reins behind the mare, which has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier three.

Later on the card Gipsy Princess will rely on luck from gate nine.

Racing in solid form, with a win and a third from her last three outings, the daughter of Betting Line will be driven by Josh Gallagher.

Delosa has chosen to stick with Cash And Bling from barrier eight.

Prepared by Darren Binskin, Cash And Bling is backing-up from a luckless effort three nights earlier.

Prior to his unplaced performance, the gelding’s previous nine starts netted three wins, four seconds and a handy fourth.

Stepping down in grade, the son of Bling It On is expected to appreciate the drop in the class.

Binskin also has the highly-promising, yet injury-prone, Bravo Stride in the field.

Restricted to 16 starts since making a winning debut in August 2022, Bravo Stride was successful in 1:52.7 when first-up from an 11-month absence last Tuesday.

Owned by Emilio and Mary Rosati, the son of Captaintreacherous has drawn barrier six.