Menangle Saturday: Mike Ko’cass finds us a winner

RACE ONE:

A tricky race to kick-off proceedings with the draw adding to the degree of difficulty in finding the one to beat. Despite going from two favourable draws, which paved the way for winning displays, OUR COWGIRLS N LACE (11) is worthy of further the talented Brad Hewitt-trained mare has drawn adjacent to the main grandstand for the 1609m challenge. Gate one enabled Brad to present the daughter of Bettors Delight with a kind run in behind the leader, prior to easily accounting for Island Fire Dance and Lochiel. That was in a heat of the New Year’s Gift and, when the final rolled around a week later, Cowgirls N Lace drew kindly again in three, but was beaten for early speed, resulting in a midfield role. The end result was the same as the mare powered home in defeating, albeit in the last couple of strides, Doubtless Bay and Jazzy Star. Hewitt will hand the reins over to Ash Hart, and no doubt the driving instructions will centre around giving Our Cowgirls N Ace the opportunity to relax back in the field before allowing the 5yo to round up her rivals over the final 200m. The draw has resulted in the main body of chances drawing deep, including the Peter Hanson-conditioned TOTAL DIVA (10) which is coming off a solid win at Shepparton a couple of weeks ago. Snookered three pegs as the field entered the home straight, the daughter of Terror To Love spotted a gap half-way down the running and with Blake Jones in the ‘bike’, the mare hit the line with plenty of zest, resulting in a stylish win over Bettor Robyn and Sport Mental. Young Lleyton Green will take over the driving duties and, like Our Girls N Lace, the 5yo is likely to wait until the home straight before making her presence felt. HEAVENLY BELLE (9) has drawn just a shade the better but the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven is bound to create plenty of interest following a respectable Victorian campaign. Sent south to contest the Crown series for 3YO Fillies, Heavenly Belle was safely held in two qualifying events before posting a creditable 11.4m 3rd to Platinum Sparkle in the Silver consolation. An 11m 2nd to Art Of Sheng Li followed at Kilmore, as a $100.00 ‘pop’, prior to returning home after posting an 11m 6th behind Tay Tay in a heat of the Vicbred series at Kilmore. Back in the hands of Martin Herbert, Heavenly Belle is more than capable of playing a role in the finish. SHANLOU (8) will be backing-up following a 2nd to Lillies, which gave young Kiwi Carter Dalgety his first winning drive on this side of the Tasman, at Menangle on Tuesday and although a harder task awaits, the Tony Bertwistle-prepared mare remains in the mix. James Rattray has two runners involved, ISLAND BLISS (5), which will be driven by Hannah Rixon and DELIGHTFUL ANGEL (6), with James taking the drive. Both have claims as exotic players while last-start Junee winner FASIKA (2) is capable of a cheeky display after drawing well in two.

OUR COWGIRLS N LACE 1, Total Diva 2, Heavenly Belle 3, Shanlou 4.

RACE TWO:

As the saying goes from the Monty Python Movie, with a slight twist, “he’s a very naughty boy”. And that was the case concerning MUSCLE FACTORY (5) a week ago when the short-priced elect decided he wasn’t in the mood and missed the start by a considerable margin. Joining the rest of the field in the back straight, the son of Roll With Joe finished last in the race won by Mighty Looee but was only 12m away from his stablemate when the judge called a halt. Prior to that ‘moody’ performance, Muscle Factory had won three on end in fine fashion before his winning run came to an end with a pleasing 5.7m 4th to champion mare Stylish Memphis in the G3 PJ Hall. Luke McCarthy will take over the driving duties and with a suitable gate assisting his claims, Muscle Factory must be given the chance to show he can be a ‘very good boy’ once again. Young WA trainer-driver Corey Peterson, who is looking to further his career on this side of the Nullarbor, has two chances in ROMAN AVIATOR (3) and BACK IN TWENTY (4), with the latter being his choice of drives. ROMAN AVIATOR, which will be driven by Darren Binskin, caught the eye last week with a fast-finishing 5.8m 2nd to Mister Magic Man, and he looks primed for another strong showing as that was his first outing since a 4th to Bernie Winkle at Mildura back on Oct 8 when under the care of Tim Butt. Suitably drawn and stripping fitter, the 7yo is worthy of further attention. MISTER MAGIC MAN (1) had gate one last week when he led throughout in defeating Roman Aviator and Cant Refuse. With Seaton Grima in the sulky, the Joe Conolly-trained son of Mister Big powered clear of his rivals in recording a 26.6 final quarter. With the stable enjoying a great run of late, the 9yo can’t be dismissed as a winning hope, with Amanda Turnbull taking over the driving duties. JAZZY STAR (2) is racing with plenty of confidence for mentor Trevor Munday and with a good draw next to his name the son of Auckland Reactor is bound to make his presence felt. Driver Blake Fitzpatrick will be looking to secure a roll close to the action in giving the 7yo every chance to be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Back to Corey Peterson and he will partner BACK IN TWENTY (4) which has been off the scene since winning back-to-back races at Gloucester Park last November, the latter defeating My Carbon Copy. The 6yo son of Sportswriter has been trialling well and with a handy draw, he could be one to keep safe. The ultra-consistent MIGHTY LOOEE (6) and RANGER BOMB (8) are also in the mix, as far as, multiple investments are concerned.

MUSCLE FACTORY 1, Roman Aviator 2, Mister Magic Man 3, Jazzy Star 4.

RACE THREE:

The Harry Martin-trained TITIAN RAIDER (7) returns to the track in what will be his first assignment, en route to being involved in the prestigious Chariots of Fire on Feb 19. From his past 15 assignments, the son of Sunshine Beach has greeted the judge on 9 occasions while being placing in the remaining six, four as runner-up when he fought gamely to the end. Such was the case in his latest assignment on Oct 30 when the now 4yo led until the final stages when a 4.6m 2nd to Bar Room Banta in the G1 NSWBC 3YO C&G Final when the deafeners failed to release. Just a few weeks back after suffering a break to his left elbow, Glenn McElhinney will be keen to guide Titian Raider to the 12th win of his exciting career, and judging by his two strong trials, Harry has the gelding ready to make a statement from the word ‘go’. Another outstanding talent in CRUNCH TIME (11) will also being resuming with the Rickie Alchin trained and driven son of Somebeachsomewhere taking two trial efforts into his first contest since last September. Crunch Time was below his best after having little luck in running when a 26.6m last behind Will The Wizard at AP. Prior to his disappointing end to that campaign, which saw him finish at the rear of the field on two occasions, Crunch Time had been competitive and with the benefit of two trials, another strong showing can be expected, although the draw is a concern. RICKOSHAY (5) is also looking to return with a strong showing as the Lisa Fitzpatrick-conditioned 4yo is also looking towards the upcoming Miracle Mile carnival with a view to enhancing his reputation. The consistent son of Bettors Delight has been off the scene since a 4.8m 3rd to Summit Special on Inter Dominion night when Cam Hart had the drive in the NSW Young Drivers Challenge. Blake will take over the driving duties once again and although Rickoshay hasn’t been to the official trials, a bold showing is expected. JENDEN STRIKE (10) has been thereabouts in most of her recent outings, the latest when a gritty 5.8m 4th to her champion stablemate, Stylish Memphis. Despite the wide draw the 5yo mare is a definite exotic contender, along with HANDS ON (3), DOUBTLESS BAY (4) and ASHARK (8).

TITIAN RAIDER 1, Crunch Time 2, Rickoshay 3, Jenden Strike 4.

RACE FOUR:

Comeback mentor Tony Bertwistle has been enjoying plenty of success since re-joining the training ranks and with a handy team going around at this meeting, a winner or two isn’t out of the question. ARDENS ACE (3) after drawing suitably is certainly one of his runners with winning prospects. Following a solid period of racing in his home state, Ardens Ace headed to Victoria to contest the Crown Series for 3YO C&G’s, and his heat and semi efforts were more than useful in finishing 3rd and 6th, respectively, before a 21.4m 8th in the Melton Final on Nov 20. On each occasion Ardens Ace saw just how smart the exciting Act Now is, as the super-star won all three. Enjoying a big drop in grade, Ardens Ace was back in the winner’s circle on his return when he won a heat of the Carousel. In the G2 Final on Dec 11, Inter Dominion night, the son of Art Major recorded a respectable 14.8m 3rd to the classy Victorian, Better Eclipse. Freshened, and with a good draw to ensure a prominent position, Ardens Ace will give this a big shake. The main threat will come from the Jack Trainor trained and driven CHEVRON ART (8) which has drawn the outside gate. That will be slightly off-set by the fact that the in-form son of Art Major has only seven rivals drawn to his left. Boasting a hat-trick of wins and four from his past five starts, Chevron Art accounted for Far Out Bro and Stylish Joe in the Inter City Pace Final at Maitland two starts ago, then hit the line strongly in defeating Mighty Flying Art and Our Money Rocks at Headquarters on Jan 15. With the 4yo being versatile in his racing patterns, that will give Jack options both at the start and as the race unfolds. MIGHTY FLYING ART (5), which is a stablemate to Chevron Art, is capable of looming as a threat after a respectable 2nd last time out in the above mentioned race. Now three runs into his latest campaign, the 6yo isn’t without claims as a ‘value’ threat, with Cam Hart booked to handle the driving duties. Former Kiwi MARATHON MAN (1) was withdrawn from a meeting a couple of weeks ago when he qualified for a role in the New Year’s Gift Final. That followed a solid 8.7m 3rd to Jazzy Star and Vincent Van Gone. The 5yo, which is now under the care of Graeme Watts, debuted for the stable with a pleasing 3.4m 3rd behind Twentyeightblack at Bankstown on Dec 27, a track which didn’t suit the gelding. Nicely drawn and stripping fitter, Marathon Man should be kept as he isn’t far off greeting the judge. A fitter JIMARTEE (4) is open to improvement as should be included in exotic transactions.

ARDENS ACE 1, Chevron Art 2, Mighty Flying Art 3, Marathon Man 4.

RACE FIVE:

As the Miracle Mile carnival edges closer, the “King” is back and ready to ‘dust-off’ the disappointment of his Inter Dominion defeat in letting his rivals know that they will be in for a fight when it comes to his Miracle Mile defence. While he had his knockers, KING OF SWING (11) was far from being disgraced in the Inter Dominion Grand Final after going through the three heats undefeated and looking for ‘all money’ that another trophy was heading his way. However, the combination of a back row draw, a three wide trip in finding the role outside of the leader and finally the 3009m, was enough to prevent the ‘superstar’ from making his presence felt. The end result was a respectable 13.4m 5th to Boncel Benjamin and Expensive Ego, with the latter first past the post, only to have the result reversed after a protest was lodged. Team McCarthy have allowed the son of Rocknroll Hanover to enjoy some ‘R&R’ in readiness for his title defence and although the outside gate from the 2300m starting point will welcome the ‘champ’, that won’t be enough to prevent him from chalking up win number 41. ZEUSS BROMAC (4) is a quality performer in his own right and with an ideal draw assisting his claims, the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained son of Bettors Delight will be in for the fight. Zeuss Bromac has been off the scene since a game 2nd to Ignatius back on Nov 13 when he led until the final stride. With the benefit of two solid trials, the latter resulting in a win, Zeuss Bromac is ready to ‘hit the ground running’. BUNDORAN (9) is coming off a ‘first hand’ experience of the awesome power of star Kiwi Krug, following a fine effort in claiming 3rd spot behind the exciting 4yo a week ago, beaten 10.4m in the process. The 5yo will drop out from his wide gate, which is normal, before coming with a ‘rush’ from the top of the straight and with the 2300m being a suitable trip for the son of Lincoln Royal, he will again be in the mix. COLT THIRTY ONE (7) had been thereabouts in a handful of encounters at AP before heading south for an upcoming carnival campaign. With Robert Morris yelling encouragement over the final 300m, just to let the Queenslander know he wasn’t here for a holiday, the 7yo managed to comfortably defeat The Mustang and Make Mine Memphis a couple of weeks ago. The 7yo, who is just two runs shy of contesting 100 races, will face a harder test here, but he is capable of assisting as an exotic contender. EGODAN (8) will be backing up from an appearance at Bathurst on Friday night, however, he stays in the multiple mix while ALWAYS ROCKIN (2) could be a useful addition in that regard at big odds.

KING OF SWING 1, Zeuss Bromac 2, Bundoran 3, Colt Thirty One 4.

RACE SIX:

Another star attraction on the card is the Jarrod Alchin-trained MY ULTIMATE BYRON (1) who returns with a trial behind him, but with gate one next to his name, that will be enough to off-set that slight hurdle. Jarrod did have his exciting 3yo down to trial at Menangle on Wednesday but elected to ‘pull the pin’ on that plan. After commencing his career with a ‘magnificent’ seven wins, the outstanding son of Somebeachsomewhere was expected to complete his two-year-old career undefeated. Contesting the NSWBC 2YO C&G’s G1 Final at Headquarters on Oct 3, as a $1.95 chance, My Ultimate Byron led until the final stages when he was collared late by a fast-finishing Queenslander by the name of Tims A Trooper. Memories of Mark Coyne snatching victory from NSW in a State of Origin, just a mere few seconds from full-time came flooding back. Those Queenslanders were at it again. This time around My Ultimate Byron should go ‘all-the-way’, although his talented stablemate in MY ULTIMATE BAXTER (2) can’t be taken lightly. Like his stablemate, the son of Sweet Lou has been kept ‘fresh’ by Jarrod for his return, and with gate two a big plus, that will also aid the 3yo in his quest to upset his mate. With six wins and two placings beside his name, My Ultimate Baxter is a quality type in his own right. One of his rare unplaced efforts was recorded in his last challenge as a youngster when he posted an 18.7m 7th to Catch A Wave in the Crown 2YO C&G’s Final at Melton on Nov 20. While the Alchin pair look poised to dominant proceedings, the Brian Portelli trained and driven colt, SMALTESE (6) is capable of keeping the pair honest. The son of Sweet Lou also contested the above-mentioned race won by Tims A Trooper, and although he endured a tough run outside of the leader, the colt wasn’t disgraced in recording an 8.9m seventh. Don’t take any notice of Smaltese’s trial outing as he struck trouble 500m from home and lost ground. UNCLE MIKI (4) is coming off a solid 3m 2nd to Interest Free in a Vicbred 2YO C&G’s Silver Final at Bendigo on Dec 30, and with a fitness advantage over his rivals the Chris Frisby-trained Bathurst visitor is capable of being a player for multiple investors. VALOUR STRIDE (7) is only lightly-raced but the Darren Binskin trained and driven son of Well Said indicated he was in for a competitive campaign after resuming for the stable with a solid win at this venue.

MY ULTIMATE BYRON 1, My Ultimate Baxter 2, Smaltese 3, Uncle Miki 4.

RACE SEVEN:

With the benefit of three sound runs since a spell and a good draw, JERULAS GRIN (2) could have punters smiling as they collect after the Wayne White-conditioned son from Grinfromeartoear greets the judge. Sparingly-raced after contesting just 15 starts the 5yo has always shown potential in winning six of this engagements, with a further four placings boosting his bank balance. Resuming with a pleasing 2nd to Twentyeightblack at Bankstown two days after Christmas, Jerulas Grin then recorded a solid 7.7m 4th to Smooth Baht at this venue before again working home nicely in finishing a 6m 6th to Our Cowgirls N Lace two weeks ago, with both of those assignments being harder when you compare then with this challenge. For that reason and the fact that the gelding hits peak condition, it isn’t hard to support his claims. THE CROUPIER (3) holds the key to the result as the Belinda McCarthy-trained 7yo has drawn well and he will also benefit from a suitable challenge. Since recording a hat-trick of wins back in late September, early October, the son of Roll With Joe has managed just one placing from his subsequent seven starts, and that was a 2nd to Our Road To Mecca at Newcastle. The Croupier’s most recent Menangle assignment was two weeks ago when he led in finishing a 7.4m 4th behind Chevron Art. Luke will look to secure the lead role and hold that advantage from start to finish. After having every chance to make a case for a successful outcome at Menangle last week, PROSECUTION WITNESS (5) was unable to greet the judge and subsequently his effort ‘fell on deaf ears’. Approaching the final bend in a challenging role, Prosecution Witness had little to say when a 2.3m 3rd to Dance For Glory, and it did prove costly as he was odds-on to make a bold and compelling statement. Don’t dismiss his claims as an exotic contender. ACCELERE (8) is coming off a gritty 7.8m 2nd to The Fortunate Son here on Jan 18, and although the 6yo has been hard to follow of late, this is the type of race which could see him being pro-active in the finish. BANKERS GOLD (4) and a fitter MISTER HAYWOOD (7) should be linked to the multiples due to their value in the race.

JERULAS GRIN 1, The Croupier 2, Prosecution Witness 3, Accelere 4.

RACE EIGHT:

Just seven runners but at least five hopes in an open and competitive contest to wrap-up proceedings. The Roy Roots Jnr-trained son of Art Major should be suited in this type of engagement, despite being placed at the rear of the field in each of his past two Menangle encounters, the latter a 30.9m defeat behind Jack William on Nov 13. The 9yo has a pleasing trial behind him and on his true form, this should be contest well within his reach. TRIPLE VC (3) posted a win here six starts back and hasn’t been placed since. However, the 8yo has been fourth or fifth in every outing, the latest when an 18.5m 5th to Be My Rose, with the winner destined for an exciting Miracle Mile carnival. The return to a far more suitable challenge should encourage Triple VC to be involved in the finish. DELIGHTFUL JAZZ (4), like Triple VC, is prepared by Kevin Pizzuto and with the mare also contesting an easier race, don’t ignore her winning prospects. Following a couple of handy Penrith placings, the 6yo found herself going around in a far harder test at Headquarters a week ago, which resulted in a 20.7m 6th to Stylish Memphis, as a $101.00 chance. The mare won’t be anywhere near that quote but she will be value. WHEREYABINBOPPIN (6) is the one they have to beat if the James Rattray trained and driven 6yo found his best form. The winner of five of his eight starts here, Whereyabinboppin hasn’t been ‘boppin’ for some time and, as a result, the son of A Rocknroll Dance has had a few changes of address in recent times. Contesting his first race for Rattray at Leeton on Jan 1, it wasn’t the start of the new year connections were hoping for as Whereyabinboppin was keen to get the 2582m challenge ‘done and dusted’ and after establishing ‘tear-away’ tactics, which was his own doing and not of the Charlie Castles, the gelding finished a well-beaten last behind Nerano. Whereyabinboppin is capable of treating this field with contempt on his day. UNDER WORKED (7) is the one most likely to sit back and remain ‘under worked’ before chiming in when the winning post is sighted from the top of the straight. With just six rivals, the 208-start veteran is a definite ‘saver’ investment.

MARTY MAJOR 1, Triple VC, Delightful Jazz 3, Whereyabinboppin 4.