Major ready to take command
RACE ONE:
Yet to finish out of the money in six runs at this venue, MAJOR MAJOR (1) has both the draw and the form on the board to continue his outstanding strike rate. Following a hat-trick of stylish wins, the Jason Grimson-trained 5yo has finished a solid 3.8m 3rd to Our Cosmic Major before his latest effort a week ago when brave in defeat. Always prominent, Major Major never gave up hope when an 11.7m 2nd to his exciting stablemate Frankie Ferocious, which is favoured to be a major contender for races such as the Chariots of Fire and later in the year, The Eureka. While meeting a quality field, Major Major on his past two displays appears to be ideally placed in this line-up. As a result, the son of Art Major should be rewarded for his past two efforts with a winning performance. Talented youngster Jack Brown will again partner Major Major. The Jarrod Alchin-conditioned BROOKLYN BRIADGE (6) looms as the main threat after resuming with a solid finishing 12m 3rd to Frankie Ferocious. Four pegs for the majority of the 1609m, the 5yo son of Sweet Lou hit the line strongly and with the added fitness and a longer trip, Brooklyn Bridge will give Major Major a ‘run for his money’. Cam Hart will take the reins and that is always a big plus. TALENT AGENT (2) ended his previous term of racing with a quarter of wins and resumes with a useful trial performance. Now under the care of Troy Williams the son of The Gold Ace will again be driven by Seaton Grima, who will no doubt be keen to take full advantage of gate two. The consistent LAST TANGO IN HEAVEN (7) wasn’t disgraced in posting a 17.9m 4th to Frankie Ferocious a week ago so don’t dismiss the 6yo when it comes to forming multiple transactions. OUR VINCENT CAN GOGH (5) is one of a number of runners appearing at the meeting which are under the care of Victorian mentor Julie Douglas. Although mixing his form of late the 4yo son of Vincent is handy enough to warrant exotic involvement. Others to consider when forming combinations include SIR RICHARD LEE (4), ITS EBONYNIVORY (8) and UNFAZED (10).
MAJOR MAJOR 1, Brooklyn Bridge 2, Talent Agent 3, Last Tango In Heaven 4.
RACE TWO:
After having no luck from a second row draw at Melton last time out, the Shane Sanderson-conditioned CATALPA RESCUE (3) appeals as the one to beat. Working three wide in a midfield run, the 4yo found himself outside of the leader when a fading, but gritty 10.7m 10th to Sanday. A solid all-the-way winner at Ballarat prior to that run when he comfortably accounted for Sanday and Tiger Band Wagon, Catalpa Rescue will appreciate the return to a far more suitable draw for this assignment and that should allow Shanes son Ryan to make a play for the lead role. At the very least, Catalpa Rescue will be prominently placed from the outset. Whether Catalpa Rescue finds the pegs and sets the tempo will largely depend of Seaton Grima who will take the reins behind IM IN TROUBLE (1). Placed fourth in his past two Menangle engagements, firstly, when he led in finishing 4.7m behind Unfazed, then secondly when he again dictated the terms when beaten a mere neck in the race won by Wavethebill last week. With a liking to dictate, Seaton and Im In Trouble will be in the thick of the action from the outset and from that point onwards, right up to the moment the judge calls a halt. MAJOR PERRY (7) is likely to be the ‘X-factor’ as the Luke McCarthy-trained and driven 5yo will be looking to show sharp improvement on his effort last week when resuming from a spell and for Luke. Drawing wide and securing the one-one, the short-priced elect, which had won a heat of the NSW Derby a couple of seasons ago, prior to finishing 2nd to Leap To Fame in the Blue Riband, was unable to take advantage of the situation in posting a12.5m 9th to Wavethebill. Fitter, The son of Art Major is capable of better and must be respected in a race of this nature. When it comes to the exotics and DOUBLE ENCOUNTER (10) should be considered, despite the presence of a deep draw. The 10yo veteran of 243 starts is coming off a hat-trick of solid efforts, an 8.3m 4th to Line Up, a 9.4m 3rd behind Mach Da Vinci and his effort here last week in recording a 6m 8th to Hot And Treacherous, respectively. More than useful form for this type of assignment. Had the son of Village Jasper drawn closer, then, he may have been a serious threat. The Harry Martin-trained gelding may still be so don’t write him off. SAGINAW (5) is resuming for new mentor Troy Williams and on the basis of a solid trial the 8yo son of Well said could have a say in the placings so link him to the multiples. SAHARA SIROCCO (8), WESTERN STYLE (2) and JOE NIEN (4) are value players for exotic takers.
CATALPA RESCUE 1, Im In Trouble 2, Major Perry 3, Double Encounter 4.
RACE THREE:
Despite the talent involved in this contest, the classy Kiwi SOONER THE BETTOR (6) appeals as one of the ‘better’ bets on the card. Prepared jointly by legendary mentor Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, the son of Bettors Delight had his first Menangle assignment a couple of weeks ago when he faced the starter for the Hondo Grattan, a qualifying event for the Chariots of Fire. Settling midfield after starting from gate seven, Sooner The Bettor caught the eye with a solid-finishing 3.8m 4th to fellow countryman, the brilliant Dont Stop Dreaming. Driven by Gavin Fitzpatrick, who will again partner the 4yo, Sooner The Bettor has been involved in a number of ‘close encounters’ of the third kind, with recent battles against Dont Stop Dreaming and another star in Its Merlin, which steps out for the running of the Paleface Adios, also for Barry and Scott. OU R VINNIE (1) is one of three strong contenders from the powerful Jason Grimson team, the others being MISTER ROBIN HOOD (2) and LOUS DREAM (8). OUR VINNIE was having his first outing for the stable in the Hondo Grattan and his first outing since last November when under the care of Emma Stewart. The talented son of Vincent produced a big effort in posting a 2.9m 2nd to Dont Stop Dreaming after being behind the leader from the outset. Hitting the line with intent, although never a serious threat, Our Vinnie indicated that a winning performance wasn’t far off. The ideal draw is a big plus, along with a higher level of fitness. MISTER ROBIN HOOD (2) has won three of his past five starts while finishing runner-up on the other two occasions. Resuming from a spell with a solid 2.5m 2nd to the multiple G1 winner, Captains Knock, the son of Sweet Lou has won his next in fine fashion, leading throughout on each occasion, the latter defeating Lous Dream and Carlo Gambino a week ago. The opportunity to dictate the terms will again be there if so desired. DANGEROUS (10) has had little of luck of late, and although confronted by the outside gate, the Shane Sanderson-conditioned 4yo is capable of being a serious player. Five pegs for most of the trip in the Hondo Grattan, Dangerous recorded a useful 12m 8th to Dont Stop Dreaming, then was put out of business at the start when he was severely checked in posting a distant 9th to Mister Robin Hood. Placed in five of his eight starts at this venue, Dangerous is capable of being a threat. LOUS DREAM (8) scored here three runs ago when resuming for Jason, then headed to Victoria to contest the 4YO Bonanza at Melton on February 3. The end result was a 14.4m 8th to his star stablemate Frankie Ferocious. Back to Menangle for a 2300m challenge last week and the Sweet Lou 4yo recorded a solid 6.8m 2nd to Mister Robin Hood. Cam Hart has the choice of three quality drives for the Grimson stable and his decision must be respected. A fitter DON HUGO (3) has drawn suitably in three and is capable of being in the mix, especially as an exotic player, while RAKADAN (4) and STRAVINSKY (9) are also in the mix when it comes to the multiples.
SOONER THE BETTER 1, Our Vinnie 2, Mister Robin Hood 3, Dangerous 4.
RACE FOUR:
In one of the more open races on the night, the Aaron Dunn-trained LITTLE LOUIE (1) has the chance to play an active role in the finish after drawing the prized pole position. Making the trip north following a 17.3m 9th to Frankie Ferocious in the 4YO G2 Bonanza at Melton recently, the Sweet Lou 4yo drew gate one last week, resulting in a four peg role, en route to recording a creditable 12.8m 6th behind Better Be The Best. In a hot tempo, which resulted in a 25.6 opening quarter then a 26.4 trip home, Little Louie tried hard to be competitive. This time around it will be highly unlikely to see such a time for the opening 400m and that will assist Little Louie secure a role closer to that action. Back to a suitable assignment and Little Louie is capable of standing tall this time around. ROCKOKOKO (7) has been mixing his form of late but the Luke McCarthy-trained and driven son of American Ideal is worthy of another chance. Following a determined 2nd to Lous Dream two starts ago, Rockokoko then recorded a 5.6m 4th to Sir Richard Lee after having every chance behind the leader. Drawing a couple of gates wider for this challenge, Rockokoko is capable of making a play for a role close to the action. OUR UNCLE JIM (4) has been performing consistently of late for trainer Ash Delosa. Runner-up in two of his previous three encounters, Our Uncle Jim posted a deserving win when he raced without cover in defeating Ryans Gangster and Ideal Marquess in a Tuesday assignment. Ash drive the 8yo son of Western Terror on that occasion but will hand the reins over to her partner Chris Geary for this engagement. Handily drawn, Our Uncle Jim can’t be ignored as one of the main contenders. With the benefit of three runs back from a spell, the first resulting in a win at Penrith, MY ULTIMATE SNOWY (5) has had mixed fortunes since, but can’t be taken lightly. Costly when unplaced Tamworth in a heat of the Golden Guitar, the Jarrod Alchin-trained 4yo then raced prominently when a sound 5m 2nd to Stravinsky at this venue a few weeks ago. Boasting six wins from just 12 starts, My Ultimate Snowy remains a threat on his home track. WISPER A SECRET (6) returned from a spell with a pleasing 7.3m 2nd to the classy For Real Life at AP a couple of weeks ago, with a second row draw adding to the degree of difficulty. The consistent 4yo son of Huntsville is prepared by Chantal Turpin and will be driven by Pete McMullen. Stripping fitter for that assignment Wisper A Secret has drawn handily for his first Menangle assignment and, as a result, can’t be dismissed as a potential threat. Returning from a spell with a solid 5.8m 3rd to Spirit Of Arion at Menangle a month ago, Caulonia Courage strips fitter as he prepared to contest his first race since joining Troy Williams. The good barrier draw is a plus so keep the son of Courage Under Fire in the mix as an exotic runner. CELESTIAL GOSSIP (9) has drawn wide but is racing well so include the 9yo in the mix when it comes to forming exotic combinations.
LITTLE LOUIE 1, Rockokoko 2, Our Uncle Jim 3, My Ultimate Snowy 4.
RACE FIVE:
The Paleface Adios Stakes has attracted a star-studded line up, and rightly so, with so much up for grabs. A role in the Chariots of Fire in a weeks time is the ‘pot of gold‘ at the end of the race and waiting to weave his magic and take that next big step is the highly-regarded Kiwi, ITS MERLIN (9). Prepared by Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan, the exciting 4yo son of Art Major has only been unplaced once in 21 starts, recording 15 wins and five placings. Its Merlin has won his past four back home, and his opposition has been of the highest quality. Dont Stop Dreaming, Sooner The Bettor, Self Assured and Mach Shard, Cya Art, and on multiple occasions. Its Merlin has been drawing the second row and that has only added further merit to his outstanding displays in greeting the judge. The wide draw will provide Its Merlin with an intriguing opening to this event, but with plenty of ‘power players’ drawn to his left, the entire will have the option of playing the ‘waiting game’, prior to playing his hand. BETTER BE THE BEST (6) was better than the rest last week when he powered his way to the lead before carving out a 26.4m final 400m in easily defeating Don Hugo and Golden Bay in a time of 1:49.8. With that outing taking the Bathurst-based star to a higher level of fitness, trainer-driver Nathan Turnbull will be ready to again make his rivals chase his star son of Shoobees Best if they want to beat to the winning post. PERFECT CLASS (12) is all class, and although the Emma Stewart-conditioned son of Captaintreacherous has drawn the outside gate, it would be careless to take him lightly. Following another stellar career of racing as a 3yo, Perfect Class resumed for a new season of racing with a gallant 2m 2nd to Frankie Ferocious in the G2 4YO Bonanza at Melton a weeks ago. The entire has since won a Melton trial in good style and is primed to make his presence felt, as per usual. SURE THING CAPTAIN (11) already has greeted the judge on three occasions from his six Menangle starts, with the outstanding Queensland talent needing to overcome a wide draw to keep up his outstanding strike rate. The Shannon Price-prepared 4yo has been off the scene since one of those wins, the Stockade (2400m) which was listed as a consolation to the Eureka last September 2. On that occasion the son of Captaintreacherous finished strongly from a three peg role in defeating Dangerzone and Don Hugo. A recent smart Redcliffe trial win has Sure Thing Captain primed for a bold showing. CAPTAIN HAMMERHEAD (1) has the ideal draw, gate one, and his trainer-driver David Moran will be keen to maintain that early advantage. Spelled after a gritty 3.8m 3rd to Petracca and Perfect Class in the Victoria Derby last October, Captain Hammerhead also resumed in the 4YO Bonanza and despite doing extra work, the son of Captaintreacheous recorded a determined 7m fourth. In readiness for this event David gave his stable star a solid hit-out in a Bendigo trial, resulting in a win and a 56.7 last half and a 27.7 final 400m. FOR REAL LIFE (7) arrives from Queensland with a fine record and remains in the multiple mix while former Victorian DOUGS PLATTER (10) did a fine job at his first run for Kevin Pizzuto when a 5.9m 5th to Dont Stop Dreaming in the Hondo Grattan so expect further improvement, regarding his level of fitness.
ITS MERLIN 1, Better Be The Best 2, Perfect Class 3, Sure Thing Captain 4.
RACE SIX:
Sensational NZ 4yo DONT STOP DREAMING (9) will wrap-up his Chariots of Fire campaign by adding this race to his growing list of wins. Already successful in 13 of his 19 appearances, with five minors, four as runner-up also on his record, the son of Bettors Delight has been in sparkling form since crossing the Tasman in search of further glory. Runner-up to Better Eclipse at Melton on January 27, the Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained entire then recorded a gallant 1.6m 2nd to the champion Leap To Fame in the Hunter Cup. Facing the starter for the Hondo Grattan Stakes a couple of weeks ago at this venue, Dont Stop Dreaming landed the one-one, and courtesy of a superb drive by Jack Callaghan, went on to score impressively, accounting for Our Vinnie and Captains Knock, with apparent ease. Mark arrives to take the reins and despite drawing the outside gate, it is impossible to see Dont Stop Dreaming greeting the judge once again. The forgotten star EXPENSIVE EGO (5) will be looking to resurrect his career after a disappointing end to his previous campaign, which resulted in four unplaced runs during the Queensland winter carnival. The 7yo completed his duties with a 21.4m 9th to Leap To Fame in the Blacks A Fake over 2680m on July 22. Luke McCarthy has never lost faith with the son of Rock N Roll Heaven and has been patient with his comeback. Two solid trial placings, the latter when 3rd to Hot And Treacherous and Fire Fox, both winners since, has Expensive Ego ready to make an impression straight away. The stallion did win first-up last preparation, his only win last term, but it will take a mighty effort to lower the colours of the exciting Kiwi. LINE UP (8) led and was from being disgraced when a 7.3m 8th to Fire Fox last week. Prior to that effort the Joe and Mary Rando-trained 7yo had won in fine style after recording a hat-trick of quality placings. The sparingly-raced 7yo will again give a good account. LETSROCKLETSROLL (7) has won two of his past four, both at Melton, with his latest effort a creditable 9.8m 5th to Dalvey Robyn. Now based at Menangle, due to David Aiken’s recent decision to relocate, the 10yo has been unplaced in six previous Menangle engagements, but he is worth including in exotic investments. Ryan Sanderson has been booked to take the reins, with David having a huge opinion of his talent. SMIFFYS TERROR (6) has been performing soundly of late with his latest effort resulting in a 5.9m 3rd to Line Up. The son of Terror To Love should be linked to the multiples while a fitter BOOTS ELECTRIC (2) and MAGICIAN (3) also have claims in that regard.
DONT STOP DREAMING 1, Expensive Ego 2, Line Up 3, Letsrockletsroll 4.
RACE SEVEN:
The 2300m stand start for the trotters has should be fought out by the two 30m runners, VAN SANK (8) and MAJESTIC TRIO (9). Boasting a superior record from behind the tapes, the Shannon Price-conditioned VAN SANK gains the nod. The winner of five races from 15 starts under these conditions, with three recorded at this venue, the Queenslander arrives following back-to-back wins at Albion Park, the latter when he led under mobile conditions in defeating Adelle and Scruffy Doolan, just over a month ago. With the majority of his rivals receiving a 20m head start, Van Sank should be able to work his way into contention without using up too much extra energy. Adam Sanderson will again partner the 7yo son of Trixton. The Brad Hewitt-trained and driven MAJESTIC TRIO has emerged from a mini slump, which stretched over a period of four runs, with a couple of solid displays. The first resulted in an all-the-way win over Funky Monkey and Sunny Gee, then a gritty 3.2m 43rd behind Constantinople and Funky Monkey. The 6yo daughter of Majestic Son has contested 16 races under these conditions with a couple of wins and three placings. The mare contested a stand event three races back, and blew her chances with a tardy beginning. However, the mare is entitled to another chance. SCRUFFY DOOLAN (4) his a veteran of 52 races from behind the strands, with 11 wins and 20 placings so he can be expected to be prominently placed from the outset, despite his 10m handicap. Successful at Headquarters three runs ago, the 8yo has been placed 5th in each of his past two, the latter when beaten 14.5m behind Constantinople after being left exposed outside of the leader. SUNNY GEE (7) has four wins and 11 placings to show for his 28 starts under these conditions. The 7yo is racing with plenty of heart of late, which has resulted in a win 11 starts ago, and seven placings since. The 127-start veteran doesn’t win out of turn and that will again be the case, however, Sunny Gee is an ideal type for exotic players. THEBESTBOURBON (6) is a more than useful type and strips fitter following a 15.4m 3rd to Jungle Eyes at Albury recently. Prior to that effort the daughter of Sam Bourbon finished a respectable 14.8m 4th behind Just Believe in the Inter Dominion Grand Final at Albion Park. The winner of three stand events for trainer, driver and owner Grant Anthony Forrest, Thebestbourbon has a place in multiple transactions. AFFAIRE DE COVER (2) is coming off a solid win here on Tuesday and while this will be a harder challenge, the Troy Williams-trained 6yo son of Love You could sneak a role in the multiples. VICTREE HILL (5) peaks in condition following three, mixed efforts, since a spell, but with a handy stand record the Jarrod Alchin-conditioned 7yo is another with exotic prospects. With useful stand stats, a win by Victree Hill wouldn’t come as a surprise.
VANK SANK 1, Majestic Trio 2, Scruffy Doolan 3, Thebestbourbon 4.
RACE EIGHT:
With stylish wins in each of her four runs since transferring from Queensland to the stables of Jason Grimson, ILLAVABUBLES (7) is poised to continue on her winning way as she continues to make a bold statement for far more important races in the future. Following a hat-trick of emphatic victories, the 5yo daughter of Always B Miki worked to an early lead, following a 26.2 opening 400m, before holding off a late surge from Promiseland and the brilliant mare, Braeview Kelly. The margin was still a convincing 5.5m, and Cam Hart appeared to have something left in reserve had the situation warranted further attention. Gate seven awaits Illavabubbles, but that won’t prevent Cam taking the mare to the top and eventually, another trip to the winners’ circle. PROMISELAND (4) is a quality mare in her own right, having won eight of 29, with 10 placings included. Usually against quality opposition in feature events. The Freddy Taiba-trained daughter of Bettors Delight resumed with a 1.4m 3rd to Major Fire at Cranbourne before her solid-finishing effort behind illavabubbles a week ago. Fitter and suitably drawn, Promiseland will be given every chance by Jack Trainor to turn the tables on the favourite. HEAVENLY HOLLY (5) was safely held when resuming but has since posted two solid placings as her level of fitness has headed in the right direction. The Michael Formosa-trained 6yo mare worked home stoutly in finishing an 8.6m 3rd to Last Tango In Heaven a couple of weeks ago. Michael will hand the reins over to his talented daughter for this engagement. LITTLE BLISS (8) has been thereabouts in most of her recent assignments and while wins are few and far between, Little Bliss is always a suitable exotic runner. MAJIC MOMENT (6) scored in far easier company here on Tuesday, but the mare is certainly worthy of a spot in multiple transactions while SOHO RHAPSODY (3) also falls into that category.
ILLAVABUBBLES 1, Promiseland 2, Heavenly Holly 3, Little Bliss 4.