Let’s find you some winners for Menangle Saturday night

RACE ONE:

Like a number of races on the card, the opening event is overflowing with chances. Despite contesting this race from a wider gate, compared to position two behind the mobile back on April 30, JUSTA LITTLE BIT (8), which becomes seven if the reserve isn’t required, is deserving of further attention. Taken straight to the front by Cam Hart last time out, the Jarrod Alchin-trained 4yo comfortably accounted for Uncle Jay and Collina Kay Jay, with the going on a winning spree following that outing, and that further highlights the form of Justa Little Bit. The son of Cammibest has won from various roles and due to the fact there is speed drawn inside, Cam will have the chance to keep Justa Little Bit fresh for the run home. B K SWY (2) has by far her best draw for some time and although the talented mare has been mixing her form of late, the daughter of Auckland Reactor is more than capable of bouncing back strongly. The prospect of being close to the action from the outset will be a big plus. SUMMIT SPECIAL (11) has been placed on each of his past three, the latest a week ago when he again hit the line with intent, resulting in a 7.4m 3rd to Collina Kay Jay. The 7yo will again drift back from his wide draw, prior to charging home over the final 200m. ARDEN MESSI (9) led and was a shade disappointing when a 12.4m 6th to Collina Kay Jay last week, however, the 5yo had been racing well before that effort and he must be given another chance. CHEVRON ART (5) has done enough of late to suggest a competitive showing while MIGHTY LOOEE (10) resumes from a spell and although safely in a recent trial, the 5yo is capable a bold showing so don’t ignore his exotic claims. THE CROUPIER (7) and MAJOR OBAHMA (6) also have claims in that regard.

JUSTA LITTLE BIT 1, B K Swy 2, Summit Special 3, Arden Messi 4.

RACE TWO:

The in-form Peter Russo stable is capable of enjoying further success as ITZ MONTANA JET (6) appeals as the one to beat following a narrow, but solid win here a week ago. Unlucky when on debut for the stable, the former Tasmanian managed to lead throughout at his most recent assignment, which resulted in a win over Delightful Angel and Smooth Overarm. Itz Montana Jet will contest a tougher challenge this time around, but he is worthy of further attention. SPIRIT OF ANZAC (7) has overcome a slow start to his latest campaign, which resulted in a couple of disappointing displays, prior to an encouraging 31.5m 3rd to Ilikemebettor. That run laid the foundations for a narrow win over Yianni and Red Reactor. With his confidence restored the Jack Trainor-trained 7yo should be included in the main bracket of contenders. ZOLIVER (3) has been out of sorts since scoring here four runs back, however, from the good draw the 6yo son of Mach Three is capable of being in the mix from the outset. Such a run should assist in Zoliver giving a bold showing. ALWAYS ROCKIN (5) is a stablemate of Itz Montana Jet and a definite threat. Following a Newcastle win four runs back, Always Rockin has been competitive in three subsequent Menangle assignments so respect his claims. When forming multiple transactions SURFERS DELIGHT (4) is drawn to assist in that regard while ARDENS ACE (11) and RONALDO (8), which is resuming following a sound trial appearance, also have claims when forming exotic transactions.

ITZ MONTANA JET 1, Spirit Of Anzac 2, Zoliver  3, Always Rockin 4.

RACE THREE:

There appears to be at least four definite winning chances, and although confronted by a wide gate, MASTER STRIDE (7) secures the nod. Prepared by Jack Trainor, who will also take the reins, Master Stride posted wins at Bathurst and Newcastle, the latter by a big margin, prior to beginning well from a wide gate in securing the run behind the leader, en route to a 2.3m 3rd to Heaven Island and Incognito. This will be a slightly harder assignment for the son of Captaintreacherous, but the talented 3yo colt is capable of handling the situation in collecting the fourth win of his career. DUGGEE SLOY (10) is coming off wins at Menangle and Penrith, respectively, the latter when he drew awkwardly, which resulted in early trouble. The 3yo was able to recover and still prove too good for his rivals. A wide gate and a tougher test awaits the Michael Doltoff runner but expect him to make his presence felt. VALOUR STRIDE (3) resumed with a promising 6.5m 3rd to Duggee Sloy at Penrith and with that run under her belt, the daughter of Well Said will give plenty of cheek from the good draw. BARTELLO (8) has been impressive in winning his only two starts and although the Allan Ellul-trained son of Mr Feelgood will be stepping out in a harder assignment, expect the 3yo to give a good account as the stable are looking towards the Queensland Winter carnival. MUSCLE BART (9) was first past the post but lost the race on protest to Lets Party Baby at Penrith a couple of weeks ago. Rarely far away, the Shadow Play colt is bound to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Exotic transactions must include BLACK ONYX (6) which has been runner-up in three of his past four while IDEAL IN DREAMS (4) is drawn to give a good account.

MASTER STRIDE 1, Duggee Sloy 2, Valour Stride 3, Bartello 4.

RACE FOUR:

This race is a lottery with any number of chances. Courtesy of drawing the pole and coming off a confidence-boosting win, STELLAS DELIGHT (1) is worthy of an investment. The mare managed to account for Dollarsign and Geraldton Wax at Newcastle, with the mare hitting the line strongly from a midfield role. The draw should enable Jack Callaghan to place Stellas Delight in a challenging role from the outset and that will be a big plus. DARABONT (4) will appreciate the return to a favourable draw after having little luck when a 3.6m 6th to Dixiedolittle at Bathurst a few weeks ago. Prior to that run the 4yo had been racing in fine style and he is bound to give this a shake. DOLLARSIGN (2) is racing in fine fashion of late and the draw is also vital to his claims of turning the tables on Stellas Delight. The 5yo was held up at a vital stage when the pair clashed at Newcastle and he is poised to even the score with better luck in running. DIXIEDOLITTLE (6) posted a narrow but gritty win at Bathurst, prior to  a handy 7m 4th to Im Captain Max at the same venue. The daughter of Mr Feelgood is certainly racing well enough to figure in the finish. When forming exotic investments WESTERN WAYS (9), despite the wide gate, is entitled to attention, along with SOMETHINGABOUTLEXY (11).

STELLAS DELIGHT 1, Darabont 2, Dollarsign 3, Dixiedolittle 4.

RACE FIVE:

Following a sound, albeit, narrow win, THE IDEAL DANCER (3) has the chance to go back-to-back after the son of American Ideal drew ideally in three. Arriving with sound Qld form when under the care of the Stephen Cini, which was the case last week, The Ideal Dancer was presented with a handy midfield role, courtesy of Jack Trainor, who now takes over the training duties, as well. In a competitive finish, The Ideal Dancer continued to grind away gamely, gaining the verdict by a narrow margin over Forever Yin and The Choreographer. This will be a harder challenge but the 6yo should receive the run, necessary to make a bold bid for the top spot. ROCKIN WITH ELVIS (4) has drawn far more favourably this time around and drops in grade after a solid 3.2m 5th to Defiant in the G1 State Final last week. While he doesn’t win out of turn, Rockin With Elvis is also a consistent performer for the in-form Brad Hewitt barn and with the prospect of being in a forward role from the outset, the son of Rock N Roll Heaven is more than capable of chalking up a number one hit. SMOOTH OVERARM (9) scored at Dubbo with a tough and gritty display before being prominent throughout when a 1.8m 3rd to Itz Montana Jet last week. The 7yo has a wider gate this time but his recent run of consistent displays should continue. EVERYBODYLOVEDRAY (7) won in fine fashion three starts ago but has been safely held in two runs since. The David Thorn-trained 7yo will again settle off the pace but expect him to be far more pro-active in this field when the judge calls a halt. Exotic players should include ULTIMATE HUGHEY (5), FEAR CRUISIN (6) and MAJOR STATEMENT (8) when forming combinations.

THE IDEAL DANCER 1, Rockin With Elvis 2, Smooth Overarm 3, Everybodylovedray 4.

RACE SIX:

The J D Watts Memorial will feature the return to racing of CRUZ BROMAC (10) and judging by a recent trial, trainer Jason Grimson has the classy veteran primed for a bold first-up display. The former Victorian enjoyed immediate success when he moved north of the border, collecting back-to-back wins for the stable in February. The 10yo then attempted to secure a spot in the Miracle Mile by contesting the Allied Express Sprint. After enjoying the prized, one-one role, Cruz Bromac battled on stoutly but crossed the line in sixth spot, beaten 5.8m by the eventual Miracle Mile champion, King Of Swing. Spelled after that challenge back on Feb 26, Cruz Bromac won a trial in fine style and he looks ready to make his presence felt in a big way.

While Cruz Bromac appeals as the one to beat, there will be no shortage of dangers, with the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained ZEUSS BROMAC (4) entitled to a high-rating following his pleasing return to racing a week ago. Stepping out for his first assignment since taking out the G1 Ainsworth FFA back on March 5, the classy son of Bettors Delight worked to the line in fine fashion, resulting in a 4.7m 2nd to Fire Fox. Apart from tackling this race with a higher level of fitness, Zeuss Bromac will also enjoy moving from a wide gate and into three. As always, ALTA ORLANDO (9) must be treated with the utmost respect as the son of Courage Under Fire attempts to break a recent run of minor placings. Beaten in a photo by Hes Chiming two starts ago, Alta Orlando was shuffled back to an awkward three peg role when he finished a closing 5.2m 3rd behind Fire Fox a week ago. Jack Callaghan will again have Alta Orlando in a forward role from the outset and he will no doubt play a role in the finish. Outside of the ‘big three’ when it comes to the multiples, FOUROEIGHT (8), despite disappointing last time out, ALPINE STRIDE (2), LOORRIM LAKE (6) and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (5) should be considered.

CRUZ BROMAC 1, Zeuss Bromac 2, Alta Orlando 3, Fouroeight 4.

RACE SEVEN:

Although DEBUTANTE PARTY (4) has been off the scene since mid-January, the talented Brad Hewitt trained and driven mare is the one to beat. Following a hat-trick of wins, which commenced at Penrith then ended at Goulburn with back-to-back wins, the latter on Jan 8, the daughter of Bettors Delight headed to Menangle a week later but could only manage to finish 5th, beaten 9.4m by Be My Rose. Following a pleasing trial, Debutante Party is primed for a strong showing and in what appears to be a suitable challenge, the 4yo will take a power of beating, with gate four an added bonus. The main threat is the ultra-consistent PEARL HARBOUR (10) with the Blake Fitzpatrick-trained mare looking to end a frustrating run of minor placings. Since greeting the judge on Feb 22, the 5yo mare has been placed in nine subsequent outings, the latest when she again attacked the line in finishing a 3m 3rd behind Town Echo and Yarraman Bella, two outstanding types in their own right. Pearl Harbour has drawn the outside gate, which is likely to result in Sofia Arvidsson taking the mare back and keeping her ‘powder dry’ for an explosive finish. BALLERINI (5) did a good job when a 5.7m 6th to Defiant in the G1 State Final a week ago. The mare is handily drawn and that will enhance her claims of being involved in the finish. Exotic combinations should include the consistent and well-drawn LITTLE BLISS (1), WILD IMAGINATION (2), ZANADU (3), CHERISHTHEMEORIES (9) and DELIGHTFUL JAZZ (7).

DEBUTANTE PARTY 1, Pearl Harbour 2, Ballerini 3, Little Bliss 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Despite an inconsistent term of racing when last in serious work, VATICAN HILL (5) is worth the gamble as the Darren Hancock trained and driven Majestic Son gelding enjoys the stand, plus a recent big trial win would suggest the 6yo is ready to make his presence felt. Contesting 28 stand events, Vatican hill has won six and been placed on three occasions. With his main threats all giving him a start, that’s if he steps cleanly, Vatican Hill can secure a vital edge over his dangers. ONE APOLLO (6) was on debut for the Trevor Munday stable a week ago, but after throwing away his chance at the start, due to breaking, the former Kiwi was never in the picture. Kept safe in the market, the son of One Over Da Moon finished a well-beaten last to Gus An Maori, but he does arrive with eight wins and four placings from 27 tape assignments. Those figures entitle One Apollo to further consideration. GUS AN MAORI (12) showed the benefit of recent racing when he took full advantage of a smart Sofia Arvidsson drive to greet the judge last week. The veteran enjoys these conditions and despite the 20m hcp, the son of Angus Hall will again be competitive. MAJESTIC SIMON (11) posted an improved 9m 4th to Illawong Stardust a couple of weeks ago, and although his previous Qld form was patchy, the 7yo does boast 15 stand wins so don’t ignore him when it comes to the exotics. ALDEBARAN URSULA (9), although beaten 13.5m, caught the eye with her 4th to Gus An Maori. Fitter, the mare is capable of being in the mix. ONE MAJIC KENNY (10) did little when 7th to Gus An Maori last week, however, the 5yo strips fitter and his stand stats would suggest a better showing.

VATICAN HILL 1, One Apollo 2, Gus An Maori 3, Majestic Simon 4.

RACE NINE:

This appears to be a suitable assignment for the Sean Grayling trained and driven PUMP THE BRAKES (6) which is definitely on the verge of a winning display. Without a win since last October, Pump The Brakes has been placed in two of his past three starts at Headquarters, with an unlucky, but solid 6.7m 6th to Loorrim Lake squeezed in between those displays. The 8yo is coming off a 1.2m 2nd to Laceys Lad a week ago, and with a suitable draw next to his name, Pump The Brakes will be a factor from the outset. Despite drawing the outside marble, ELLMERS IMAGE (11) must be included in the top bracket of chances. Prepared and driven by Amanda Turnbull, the 8yo son of Falcon Seelster was freshened following an 8.5m 5th to The Mustang at Bathurst, prior to stepping out at Menangle last week, with a sound trial lifting his level of fitness. Drawing wide a week ago, Ellmers Image contested the race from a deep peg role, prior to working home soundly in recording an 11.3m 5th to Laceys Lad. With the benefit of that run, Ellmers Image should play a far more active role in the finish. ATOMIC RED (10) worked across from a wide gate in dictating the terms in the race won by Laceys Lad, with the end result being a game 2m third. Although without a win since September 2020, Atomic Red is usually a tough and honest type so don’t write him off. FOREVER YIN (1) did a respectable job in collecting 2nd spot behind The Ideal Dancer last week and from the pole will again have claims as an exotic runner. MARTY MAJOR (3) strips fitter for recent racing and is drawn to assist as an exotic player while SMOOTH BAHT (4) will appreciate the return to a good draw so don’t dismiss him from the multiples. TOTAL DIVA (5) and JIMMY LOCKE (8) also have claims in that regard.

PUMP THE BRAKES 1, Ellmers Image 2, Atomic Red 3, Forever Yin 4.

RACE 10:

While there are a number of races with many chances, the final event is far more ‘cut and dried’ as TOUGH LOVE (7) will go around as the shortest priced favourite on the card and have little trouble greeting the judge for the 11th time in her 18-star career. Prepared by Ricki Alchin, who will also take the reins, the outstanding daughter of Love You won the NSW Trotters Oaks three start ago, then did a fine job in the NSW Trotters Derby, posting a brave 1.7m 2nd to Harry Stamper. The filly has since won by a big space against similar opposition to this, and the same result will again be recorded . PARIS KAY (5) is a talented daughter of Sebastian K and although well-beaten in the NSW Trotters Derby against the boys, the filly tried hard when a 36.7m 4th to Tough Love in the NSW Trotters Oaks. Back to a suitable challenge and Paris Kay will give a good account. ITZFERGIETIME (4) battled on stoutly in finishing an 18.9m 2nd to Tough Love last time out and she will again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. CHARLIE THE GREAT (3), ONAWINGANDAPRAYER (1) and VAN DOREN (6) will battle out the minor exotic positions.

TOUGH LOVE 1, Paris Kay 2, Itzfergietime 3, Charlie The Great 4.

  – MIKE KO’CASS