RACE ONE:
Like a number of the races on the nine-event card, the opening race is overflowing with chances as a number of the top fancies have been mixing their form of late. DOUBLE ACT (4) is one such runner, but if the Harry Martin-trained son of Heston Blue Chip steps onto the track, focused on the job at hand, then he is more than capable of getting the job done. Down the track at Wagga in the G1 Championship when 9th to Ideal Dan, the talented 4yo then accounted for subsequent winners Collina Kay Jay and Red Reactor at Headquarters on April 23. However, a week ago, when one of the well-supported runners, Double Act broke after the start, losing all chance in recording a 104m last to Ilikemebettor. Suitably drawn for this challenge, Double Act is worth another chance. YIANNI (8) will also be looking to bounce back from a disappointing appearance at this venue a few weeks ago when stepping out for just his second run from a lengthy spell and for the Jason Grimson stable. The former Victorian posted an encouraging 1.2m 2nd to Rossini at Wagga, prior to again starting favourite when he led, en route to a fading 15.2m 9th to Alpine Stride. Formerly with Emma Stewart, the 5yo son of Changeover is a lot better than that run would suggest, with his higher level of fitness being an important factor this time around. ZOLIVER (2), which is a stablemate of Yianni, is also looking to perform at a higher level after a couple of disappointing runs, following a solid all-the-way win at this venue. Ideally drawn the son of Mach Three can’t be ignored when assessing the main contenders. The draw is a hurdle for RED REACTOR (11), however, the last-start Menangle winner can’t be taken lightly as the David Thorn-trained son of Auckland Reactor is at least in winning form. Amanda Turnbull will allow the 7yo to settle back in the pack, then unleash the 7yo when the field sights the winning post. IMASPORTSSTAR (3), which is also under Thorn’s care, has claims when it comes to the multiples, along with an improved SPIRIT OF ANZAC (5).
DOUBLE ACT 1, Yianni 2, Zoliver 3, Red Reactor 4.
RACE TWO:
Despite having every chance presented to him by Amanda Turnbull a week ago, when a 4.3m 6th to Fire Fox, stablemate STINGRAY TARA (9) is worthy of another chance, despite drawing out wide, compared to gate two last time out. Following a hat-trick of stylish wins, then a brave 7m 3rd to Cash N Flow in the Bill Green Cup, the Jason Grimson-prepared son of Bettors Delight led when a shade disappointing. The wider draw may result in the 6yo sitting off the pace this time, which will allow him to power home over the final stages. In what is another open contest, Stingray Tara is entitled to further attention. ROSSINI (7), as per usual, will be competitive as the 6yo strips fitter following two runs back from a spell. resuming with a win at Wagga on April 16 when he overcame a back row draw in defeating Yianni and Forever Yin, the son of Mach Three was held up for a run, prior to posting a solid 6m 3rd to Whereyabinboppin and La Puddie a couple of weeks ago. The James Rattray trained and driven Rossini has drawn the middle of the line but will be a factor from the outset. LA PUDDIE (6) has been consistent since making the move from Victoria to the stables of Blake Fitzpatrick, with his past two efforts at Headquarters being a shade unlucky after being held up for a clear run at a vital stage. Such was the case a week ago when the 5yo gained clear air at the 150m in posting a closing 1.7m 2nd to Whereyabinboppin. Sofia Arvidsson, who has guided La Puddie to wins at Bathurst and Penrith, will take over the reins from Greg Sugars. THE CROUPIER (8) has been freshened since recording a couple of sound placings, the latter when a photo 2nd to his smart stablemate, The Honey Queen. Despite drawing wide the 7yo should be included in exotic investments. YARRAMAN BELLA (1) is racing in peak form and from the pole exotic prospects must be taken into account while ALWAYS ROCKIN (3), TOTAL DIVA (4) and CHEVRON ART (5) also have claims in that department.
STINGRAY TARA 1, Rossini 2, La Puddie 3, The Croupier 4.
RACE THREE:
ALTA ORLANDO (11) was a shade disappointing when he contested the 2200m ‘Slots’ at Cambridge on Aoril 14, however, the classy Belinda McCarthy-trained 10yo is clearly the one to beat. Heading across the Tasman after recording a close 2nd to Majestic Cruiser in the Joe & Michael Ilsley FFA at Menangle on April 2, the veteran could only manange to finish in 7th spot behind Self Assured in the glamour event. The son of Courage Under Fire will face the starter while occupying the outside gate, but as he has shown in the past, that isn’t a major concern. Jack Callaghan will again take the reins and he will have Alta Orlando in the mix from the outset. FIRE FOX (1) has drawn ideally and although the former Kiwi is starting to compete in the better class events, the Jason Grimson-trained son of Sweet Lou can’t be taken lightly, especially after drawing the pole. The 5yo had the same saddlecloth a week ago when he led in comfortably accounting for Petes Said So and Fouroeight. Alta Orlando’s presence will present Fire Fox will an intriguing test of his talent. MACH SHARD (9) won two on end, commencing with the Wagga Cup, prior to recording a 3.9m 5th to Fire Fox at this venue last week when, if anything, a shade disappointing in the process. Despite, again drawing deep, the 7yo is more than capable of playing a pro-active role in the finish. Stepping out for his first run under the care of Jack Trainor, FOUROEIGHT (10) caught the eye with a solid-finishing 3.6m 3rd to Fire Fox last week, the outing being his first two months. With that run under his belt, the 9yo could be the ‘upset’ factor. HES CHIMING (3) has been off the scene since a 10.2m 6th to Aphorism at Bathurst back on March 25, and returns under the care of Jason Grimson from a suitable draw. The talented 7yo warrants attention when it comes to exotic transactions while ALPINE STRIDE (4) and ROCKIN MARTY (5) should also be included.
ALTA ORLANDO 1, Fire Fox 2, Mach Shard 3, Fouroeight 4.
RACE FOUR:
A dashing front-running drive by Jack Trainor enabled the Jason Grimson-trained COLLINA KAY JAY (10) to salute the judge last week. Crossing the field from the outside gate, which resulted in a 26.7 opening quarter, Trainor kept the pressure on his rivals, and although shortening stride over the final 100m, the 5yo son of Alta Christiano manged to scramble in over a fast-finishing Check In. This will be a harder test for Collina Kay Jay, but the gelding has always shown above-average talent and he is more than capable of testing this field. Cam Hart will take over the driving duties from Trainor, who will be required to take the reins behind MY ULTIMATE ANDY (5). The son of Falcon Seelster was having his second run for the stable last week in recording a 33.4m 4th to Ilikemebettor. That was just his third run following a long spell and with a handy draw next to his name, My Ultimate Andy is capable of being involved in the finish. ARDENS ACE (9) had six weeks off before resuming with a creditable 7m 4th to Red Reactor last week. The 4yo will benefit from the outset and although a wider gate awaits the consistent son of Art Major, he should be regarded as one of the main contenders. Forget I AM MARQUEZ (2) went around in finishing a 62.8m 8th to Ilikemebettor as the 7yo struck trouble. Prior to that outing the Peter Russo-trained son of Grinfromeartoear had been racing in fine fashion, posting four-straight wins. Nicely drawn in two, I Am Marquez is bound to make his presence felt so don’t dismiss him from the main bracket of chances. When it comes to the exotics, WOW HES A ROCK STAR (3), FEAR CRUISIN (6) and WAHS FIRE BUG (11) could assist in that regard.
COLLINA KAY JAY 1, My Ultimate Andy 2, Ardens Ace 3, I Am Marquez 4.
RACE FIVE:
Another tough race as winning form is ‘few and far between’ while the draw adds to the high degree of difficulty. BELLA CLARE (8) greeted the judge five runs ago and, has since been unplaced, however, her past two runs have been creditable and a repeat should be good enough to see the daughter of Art Major in the mix when the judge calls a halt. The Michael Xuereb-trained mare followed a sound 6.4m 4th to Duggee Sloy, with another fourth placing, this time when beaten 7.5m by Major Jarod. Each time Bella Clare has worked home stoutly, and with a suitable trip this time around, the winning post won’t be out of her reach. The Rickie Alchin-trained BLACK HAWK JOE (4) has been mixing his form of late, as well, but has shown signs of being close to another strong showing, particularly in this grade, following a 6.8m 3rd to Arma Renegade. The 5yo then posted an 18.4m 5th to Everybodylovedray, with his claims of finishing closer ruined by breaking with 150m to run. Suitably drawn and better placed in this company, Black Hawk Joe should be a factor in the finish. REDBANK COOPER (1) has had four runs back since spelling back in November/2020, with a win at Wagga coming his way, two runs into his latest campaign. Safely held at Coolaman, the 6yo then had every chance when a 23.3m 5th to Major Jarod at Headquarters. The pole position will certainly assist in his bid for a competitive showing. Apart from Black Hawk Joe, Rickie also has OUR ACTION MAN (5) facing the starter and from a handy draw. The 4yo has been missing in action in both his runs this time in, the latter a 34.8m 7th behind Major Jarod when left posted outside of the leader. Our Action Man strips fitter and that will be a plus, while a suitable challenge also awaits him so don ‘t write him off. Rickie’s choice of drives will be a suitable lead so monitor that booking. Both LOUI (10) and OUR MONEY ROCKS (11) have been consistent of late, but the outside gates will create an issue. However, with luck in running the pair and capable of productive displays.
BELLA CLARE 1, Black Hawk Joe 2, Redbank Cooper 3, Our Action Man 4.
RACE SIX:
The Brad Hewitt-trained ARMA RENEGADE (8) is poised to bounce back from a well-beaten run here a week ago, and in the process claim victory in the G1 TAB Regional Championships for the Metropolitan area. Hewitt, who also has HEZ DUSTY (2) involved has called upon Luke McCarthy to guide the daughter of Captaintreacherous to victory, which he did two starts ago when successful in defeating Hez Dusty in a heat of this series. The mare was looking to extend her winning run to four last week, however, the 4yo was inconvenienced shortly after the mobile pulled clear of the field, with McCarthy taking hold and allowing Arma Renegade to avoid any serious issues. Despite eventually gaining the one-one, Arma Renegade didn’t the line as expected in recording a 35.8m 6th to Ilikemebettor. With the prospect of securing a role close to the action, Arma Renegade will take a power of beating. HEZ DUSTY (2) strips fitter for two solid efforts since a spell, both times filling the role as runner-up, firstly behind Arma Renegade before working home stoutly when beaten 26m by Ilikemebettor. Gate two is a plus for the son of For a Reason and that will allow Brad Hewitt to have the 4yo in the mix from the outset. LETS GET ROCKIN (3)found the clas rise too great when a creditable 11.4m 8th to Beyond Delight in the G1 APG 4YO E&G’s Final, but dropped back to a heat of this series in accounting for Surf Ace and Madazalways. Ideally drawn in three, Lets Get Rockin will have the chance to secure a suitable run so expect the son of Mach Three to loom as a threat. EVERYBODYLOVEDRAY (10) was driven a treat by Jim Douglass in scoring here last time out, but a wide gate has presented the David Thorn-trained 7yo with a tricky challenge. Rarely far away, Everybodylovedray will be hoping for a solid tempo, which will allow him to charge into contention when the field enters the straight. ROCKIN WITH ELVIS (4), which is also under the care of Brad Hewitt, stays in the mix when it comes to exotic investments while IYLAC BEACH (1) and SURF ACE (9), which are both in the Jack Trainor barn, should also be considered by multiple players.
ARMA RENEGADE 1, Hez Dusty 2, Lets Get Rockin 3, Everybodylovedray 4.
RACE SEVEN:
Ultra-consistent mare PEARL HARBOUR (9), despite drawing the outside gate, remains the one to beat as the daughter of Somebeachsomewhere looks to break a frustrating run of placings. Prepared by Blake Fitzpatrick and to be driven by Sofia Arvidsson, Pearl Harbour greeted the judge back in Febuary when she stalked the speed before accounting for Cherishthememories and Total Diva. Following that display the 5yo has collected seven-consecutive placings, two starts back finishing a 1.6m 2nd to Town Echo, prior to another pleasing effort when she again hit the line with intent, en route to posting an 8.2m 3rd to classy The Honey Queen at Headquarters a week ago. The draw has made the task of posting a deserving win that little bit harder, but with a kind run off the pace, Pearl Harbour should have plenty of energy left for the run home. Gate one is a big plus for SOHO RHAPSODY (1), which collected the G1 Gold Bracelet at Bathurst back on March 25, coming with a well-timed burst to defeat Just Hope, which has gone on a winning spree since. A member of the successful Rickie Alchin stable, the American Ideal filly was never a factor in the G3 Golden Easter a week ago when she recorded a 23m 6th to Not To Be Denied. However, on that occasion the 3yo was eased at the start, courtesy of drawing the outside alley. This time around Soho Rhapsody will be poised to strike from her far kinder starting position. ORCHID STRIDE (2) hits peak fitness following three runs back from a lengthy spell, although her latest outing was nothing more than a comfortable workout, due to be severely checked and losing all chance shortly after the start. The end result was a 388m last to Susie Reignmaker at Newcastle a week ago. The mare had previously led in scoring at Bathurst, and although a harder task awaits, the recent addition to the Jack Trainor stable has the talent to make a bold bid for victory. DELIGHTFUL JAZZ (7) debuted for the Jason Grimson stable at Menangle on Tuesday after previously being with Kevin Pizzuto. Although never a serious threat in posting an 8.6m 6th to Gliding Away, the mare did work to the line nicely. Ash Hart takes the reins after Jason Grimson elected to drive the 6yo earlier in the week. Exotic players should also give thought to including WHATS YOUR SECRET (5), ZANADU (6) and GIGI BOB (8).
PEARL HARBOUR 1, Soho Rhapsody 2, Orchid Stride 3, Delightful Jazz 4.
RACE EIGHT:
With the benefit of two runs back from a spell, LOORRIM LAKE (10) is worthy of an investment in what looks to be a suitable challenge for the Kevin Pizzuto-conditioned son of Roll With Joe. After contesting the Inter Dominion series back in late November, early December, which culminated in a 14m 10th to Pocket Of Terror in the 2009m consolation, the 5yo finished a sound 9.9m 5th to Mach Dan, prior to a disappointing 37.6m 8th to Fouroeoight in the G2 Shirley Turnbull Memorial at Bathurst on December 26. Spelled after that particular outing, Loorrim Lake resumed on April 30, but was knocked out of business in the early stages of the race won by Mach Shard. While that outing is a ‘forget’ effort, it is hard to forget his run last week in the race won by Double Encounter. From a three peg role Loorrim Lake continued to hug the markers in recording a fast-finishing 1.2m fifth. Fitter for those two outings, and suitably placed in this grade, despite the outside gate, Loorrim Lake appeals as a suitable investment. MAJOR JELLIS (4) debut for the Belinda McCarthy team a week ago and dictated the terms in finishing a 7.5m 3rd to Arden Messi and Summit Special. Fitter for the run, the 5yo son of Art Major is expected to take a power of beating according to his driver Luke McCarthy, who was pleased with his initial run for the stable. With the benefit of three runs since a break, PUMP THE BRAKES (7) is also entitled to be looked upon as a definite winning hope, with his trainer-driver Sean Grayling also happy with his run latest outing two weeks ago. Over the final stages of the 1609m challenge, the 8yo hit the line strongly in posting a head 3rd to Double Encounter and Malcoms Rhythm. The Dawn Ofa New Day gelding can’t be ignored as a definite threat. SUMMIT SPECIAL (9) continues to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt, which was the case last week when he came from a four peg role in grabbing 2nd spot behind Arden Messi. Jim Douglass will allow the son of Mr Feelgood to drop out from the wide gate, and if the race is keenly contested from the outset, then Summit Special could be the knock-out player at good odds. SMOOTH BAHT (5), SWAGGIE SHANNON (6) and JIMMY LOCKE (8) are value exotic chances.
LOORRIM LAKE 1, Major Jellis 2, Pump The Brakes 3, Summit Special 4.
RACE NINE:
The Brent Lilley-conditioned KYVALLEY CHIEF (7) will be shooting for a hat-trick of wins, and although confronted by an interesting challenge, the son of Muscle Hill will take no end of beating once again. The Victorian proved too good for Gus An Maori and Always Ready at this venue on May 7, then backed up a week later in taking out the G3 Bulli Trotters Cup, overcoming a 20m handicap in defeating Sunny Gee and Aldebaran Ursula. Back to mobile conditions and the 6yo has drawn six, but he is bound to occupy a role closer to the action. ILLAWONG STARDUST (6) is coming off a gritty 5.3m 3rd behind Queen Elida and Araingnee Flair in the G1 La Coocaracha. Following that race two weeks ago, Illawong Stardust the Tony Peacock-trained mare has joined the Belinda McCarthy team, and Luke will take the reins after being involved with Kyvalley Chief last time out. ALDEBARAN URSULA (9) was having her first run since last November when an excellent 11.7m 3rd to Kyvalley Chief in the Bulli Trotters Cup. The Yield Boko mare strips fitter, and although the outside gate is a concern, Aldebaran Ursula certainly has the ability to play a pro-active role in the finish. SUNNY GEE (5) is racing in career best form and is entitled to be included in multiple transactions while ON ADVICE (4), AFFAIRE DE COVER (2) and MAJESTIC SIMON (8), which arrives from Qld with mixed form, also has claims in that regards as he steps out for the first time since joining the powerful Belinda McCarthy barn.
KYVALLEY CHIEF 1, Illawong Stardust 2, Aldebaran Ursula 3, Sunny Gee 4.
