Mike Ko’cass dissects Saturday night’s big Menangle program

RACE ONE:

Ideally drawn in two, and coming off a run of solid displays, the Dean Cernovskis trained and driven BOOM (2) appeals as a suitable investment. Posting three wins and four placings from his past nine encounters, Boom has the gate speed to occupy a role in, or near the lead, and that is the way the son if Alta Christiano likes to race. Runner-up behind Blue Chip Delight and Focus Stride, respectively, Boom then worked home stoutly from a midfield role in recording a creditable 8.8m 3rd to Jazzy Star a week ago. Drawn to closer to the pegs and with Jazzy Star drawn the pole, Boom should be able to cross the 7yo and dictate the terms. ONE TWO MANY (3) looms as the main threat to Boom, with the last-start Menangle winner also drawing well in three, although the Captaintreacherous 4yo is usually driven off the pace by Amanda Turnbull, regardless, of the draw. Such was the case when One Two Many accounted for Total Diva and Chevron Art. Lining up in two, the 4yo drifted back to a four peg role before emerging from the pack in the home straight. The reliable Bathurst visitor will again be in the mix when the judge calls a halt. Back from a break, but with a tricky draw, is the Ashley Hart-trained DEFIANT (11), with G1 winning reinsman Peter McRae replacing another G1 winner driver in Cam Hart, who partner the Trevor Munday-prepared JAZZY STAR (1). The son of Roll With Joe hasn’t raced since a determined 3.4m 4th behind One Two Many back on Aug 20 when he raced without cover. Defiant finished a safely held 5th in a recent trial behind Majestic Cruiser, but Ash, who was in the sulky, wasn’t to be competitive. Despite the draw the quality gelding must be included in the top bracket of chances. JAZZY STAR (1) is coming off a solid win a week ago when he stalked the leader before comfortably running down Reactor Now. Cam will again be looking to secure a similar role with the son of Auckland Reactor, which will allow him to again be a threat when the final 200m comes into play. Tough mare TOTAL DIVA (10), despite the wide draw, can’t be taken lightly as the daughter of Terror To Love is racing in fine fashion of late, with the 5yo collecting her third-consecutive placing last week when a gritty 8.8m 3rd to Jazzy Star. Exotic players should consider MAJOR OBAHMA (4), BLUE CHIP DELIGHT (6) and SUMOMENTSOMEWHERE (7) when forming investments.

BOOM 1, One Two Many 2, Defiant 3, Jazzy Star 4.

RACE TWO:

The Bernie Hewitt trained and driven BALLERINI (5) resumes from a brief break, but the Bathurst combination look poised for further success after drawing handily. The daughter of Bettors Delight enjoyed a successful Qld campaign during the winter months, leaving the sunshine state with a hat-trick of winning displays, culminating in her easy win over Oaxacan Dream and Imajoyride on Aug 6. Prior to heading to the paddock for a spell, Ballerini posted a superb 5.2m 3rd behind two classy mares in B K Swy and Braeview Kelly two weeks later. In readiness for her return, Ballerini has recorded two solid trial efforts, the latter on Monday when 2nd to her classy stablemate Jewel Melody. HEAVENLY HOLLY (4) looks a suitable quinella investment as the Michael Formosa trained and driven mare did a fine job, apart from her latest outing, prior to enjoying some deserving R&R.

After recording a gritty 14.8m 3rd to Braeview Kelly and Fasika, Heavenly Holly then posted a 15m 9th to Braeview Kelly in the G3 Norms Daughter a month ago. With the benefit of a sound Newcastle trial placing, the daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven should be a factor in the finish. ORCHID STRIDE (6) will appreciate the drop back in grade following a 22.3m 5th to the classy Tay Tay last week, with her outstanding stablemate Braeview Kelly finishing second. The Jack Trainor trained and driven daughter of American Ideal has the gate speed to cross to the pegs and certainly give a bold showing, as she did two starts back in defeating Whats Your Secret and Soviet Stunner when she led from nine. MARMITTA (7) scored here five starts ago when she finished stoutly in accounting for the consistent Keilor Baby Shark and Bella Clare. The Nathan Turnbull trained and driven Western Terror mare has contested her next four engagements on her home track, chalking-up two wins and a couple of solid placings, the latter when beaten 1.2m into 2nd spot behind the ageless veteran Don Boston. The 4yo will again be competitive, despite drawing a touch wide. When it comes to multiple transactions, FERAL FRANKIE (1) could add value after drawing the pole while IM PRESI BELLE (10) and TAYLORS FOUR (11) have the talent to be in the mix, although the pair have drawn wide.

BALLERINI 1, Heavenly Holly 2, Orchid Stride 3, Marmitta 4.

RACE THREE:

It should be noted that the second line will come into play for this event, and, also race four. Despite drawing the back row, classy mare TAY TAY (11) will have little trouble overcoming that hurdle en route to the 12th win of her outstanding career. Following a gritty 2.6m 3rd to Braeview Kelly and Town Echo in the G3 Norms Daughter, then a determined neck 2nd behind Port Au Prince in the G2 Carousel Final, Tay Tay took full advantage of a kind stalking role when she finished a shade too well for Braeview Kelly at this venue a week ago. Cam Hart will again partner the Jason Grimson-trained daughter of Rock N Roll Heaven and, no doubt the State’s leading reinsman will be keen to avoid any chance of becoming involved in a traffic jam by making his presence felt with the short-priced favourite, as soon as possible. Another Cameron will be looking to provide Tay Tay with something to think about. Cameron Ross has an exciting array of talent at his disposal of late, such as the brilliant Steno and the emerging star Peaceful. The in-form Menangle mentor also has the consistent MACHS LEGACY (5) competing consistently and from gate five the daughter of Mach three will give another good account. Second to Heaven On High two starts back, Machs Legacy then worked to the line with plenty of zest in grabbing 3rd behind Tay Tay and Braeview Kelly a week ago, beaten a creditable 12m. Although Machs Legacy is unlikely to turn the tables on Tay Tay, the 4yo will certainly give a bold showing. IM DESIRABLE (6) has been racing consistently back on the Bathurst circuit, with the mare posting a 5m 6th to Don Boston last time out. Back to her own sex, the mare should be included when it comes to exotic transactions. The pole will assist the Darren McCall trained and driven GIRL FROM OZ (1) in making a bid for a role in the finish while IMAJOYRIDE (7), GRACIE TALTOA (9), which brings solid Wagga form to the contest, and OUR BELLA LUCIA (12), a Victorian-based mare with handy stats, also worthy of attention when it comes to the multiples.

TAY TAY 1, Machs Legacy 2, Im Desirable 3, Girl From Oz 4.

RACE FOUR:

The first semi-final for the NSW Breeders Challenge for the 2YO C&G’s looks poised to go the way of the Emma Stewart-trained colt MAJOR CELEBRITY (2), with the draw only enhancing his claims. To be driven by Mark Pitt, the Art Major youngster has collected four wins from his five starts, with his only defeat recorded at this venue when he led in finishing a 4.7m 3rd behind his exciting stablemate First Responder, with the Shane Sanderson-trained Dangerous splitting the Victorian’s. Following that outing the colt had a month off before heading to Wagga on September 30 for a heat of this particular series, and, as expected, Major Celebrity had little trouble in leading throughout in defeating Speculating and Rocknroll Gig. Pitt will again be looking to set the tempo if the 1609m challenge, and that being the case, Major Celebrity will be well on his way to booking his spot for the final. While Major Celebrity looks hard to beat, the Nathan Turnbull trained and driven BETTER BE THE BEST (5) has opened his career on an exciting note, winning five of his seven starts. The Shoobees Place colt completed a hat-trick of wins of his home circuit when she led in defeating his rivals by a commanding 15m margin. It could have been more of Nathan had so desired. Handily drawn in five, Better Be The Best will be keen to keep the Victorian visitor well within reach from the outset. ROCKNROLL GIG (7) was always prominent when a grinding 9.9m 3rd to Major Celebrity at Wagga, and although he will need to do a lot better, if he is to turn the tables on Major Celebrity, the David Moran trained and driven colt is capable of being involved in the finish. CAPTAIN RITCHIE (11) also has a fine record with the Paul Fitzpatrick-trained son of Captaintreacherous boasting a 50% winning strike rate after eight starts. Peaking in condition following three runs back, Captain Ritchie saluted the judge at Newcastle last time out, winning his heat with a grinding win over Wisper A Secret and Kerbang. Apart from being confronted by a harder task, due to the quality of his rivals, the draw is also a concern. Exotic players should also consider LETS TURN IT ON (6), MICK DANGER (9) and KERBANG (10), all involved with various members of the Hewitt family in Sam, Brad Gemma, respectively.

MAJOR CELEBRITY 1, Better Be The Best 2, Rocknroll Gig 3, Captain Ritchie 4.

RACE FIVE:

Semi-final number two for the boys and the Belinda McCarthy-trained SWEETHEART BART (9) gains the nod, despite the presence of a wide gate. Now under the care of his third mentor, KerryAnn Morris and Andy Gath being the other pair, Sweetheart Bart has a useful record at this venue, having recorded two wins and three placings from just five starts, but this will his most intriguing assignment. Although, five runs back the son of Sweet Lou did defeat Peaceful and Promiseland. Peaceful is an emerging star while Promiseland is a quality filly, with the fillies’ version of this series on her radar following an impressive last-start heat win. Sweetheart Bart had one run for Andy Gath, which resulted in a 12.4m 5th to El Camino at Melton on September 3. Crossing the border once again, the colt joined Cobbitty Equine and under that banner the youngster narrowly defeated Lets Turn It On and King Tintin in his heat. Fitter for recent racing, Sweetheart Bart will make a bold bid for the top spot. With the Brad Hewitt stable enjoying plenty of success of late, CAPTAINS KNOCK (6) will again take a power of beating as the son of Captain Treacherous looks to extend his winning sequence to four. After greeting the judge at Penrith and Wagga, the colt then accounted for Naturally Gifted and Hold Onto Ya Bling at this venue a week ago, with Brad securing a kind run behind the leader, which paved the way for a peg run presenting, en route to claiming victory in the last couple of strides. Drawn wider this time, but still handily, Captains Knock will be out to make his presence felt from the outset. Group winning combination of trainer Trevor White and driver Peter McRae (Defiant) will be looking to enjoy further success with the Roll With Joe gelding, SPECULATING (11). The draw has certainly added to the degree of difficulty, but the youngster hasn’t had the best of luck with draws recently but has still managed to greet the judge at Wagga and Leeton, prior to drawing well when a pleasing 7.9m 2nd to Major Celebrity in a heat of this event, coming from a four peg role in doing so. MONTALBANO (12) also has a tough draw to overcome. Following a hat-trick of wins, two here with a Goulburn victory in between, the Rickie Alchin trained and driven son of Huntsville led and looked to have his chance when a tiring and disappointing 11.2m 5th to Captains Knock last week. Montalbano is better than that, but he will need to be at his best to be a major factor. At least, add his name to the list of exotic contenders. SMIRKS LIKA BOSS (2) and MISTER QUIRK (5) have sound form and could assist in adding value to the multiples.

SWEETHEART BART 1, Captains Knock 2, Speculating 3, Montalbano 4.

RACE SIX:

The running of the G3 Kevin Robinson FFA has attracted an intriguing line-up with the Jason Grimson stable providing two such runners in I CAST NO SHADOWS (7) and FIRE FOX (6). With the benefit of one run back from a break, which resulted in a stylish all-the-way win, I Cast No Shadows is entitled to another high-rating, although it won’t be that easy this time around. Crossing from gate eight, Cam Hart dictated the terms to perfection in guiding the 6yo son of Shadow Play to a 9m victory over Petes Said So, which has won since, and Alta Orlando. With the benefit of that run, his first since scoring at AP back on July 23, the classy will again be prominent when the judge calls a halt. Stablemate FIRE FOX (6) is bound to create plenty of interest as he faces the starter for the first since a costly 7m 5th to Rockin Marty at AP on July 16. The 5yo son of Sweet Lou has won four of his six starts at this venue since joining Jason from NZ. The 5yo trialled strongly when 2nd to stablemate Majestic Cruiser recently, and although giving away vital race fitness over his rivals, Fire Fox is capable of producing a winning display. As per usual, the veteran ALTA ORLANDO (10) won’t be far away when the judge calls a halt to proceedings. Although he hasn’t posted a win since going back-to-back in late February, early March, the latter being the J E Binskin G3 FFA, the son of Courage Under Fire has recorded a host of placings, with four of his past five starts resulting in minor placings. With ‘firepower’ drawn inside, Alta Orlando, who is capable of leaving the machine with intent, may look to be saved for a ‘final fling’ at the leaders. The one to catch is the James Rattray trained and driven WHEREYABINBOPPIN (1), which has come up with the perfect draw. Unlucky not to have contested the Victoria Cup, which was run a week ago, the speedster has made a habit of collecting races of this nature of late after taking out the Paul Fitzpatrick G3, the Kevin Newman G3 and recently, the Sutton McMillan G3, the latest defeating Stingray Tara and Malcolms Rhythm, each time using his gate speed in leading and then dictating from start to finish. James will no doubt be just as keen to hold the peg running and ensure that his rivals again do all the chasing. Outside of the top four, a fitter ZEUSS BROMAC (3) could be the one to upset the favoured players. Fifth behind I Cast No Shadow when resuming, then a closing 12.7m 4th to Wolf Stride a week ago, Zeuss Bromac, apart from stripping fitter, will also appreciate leaving gate nine, which has been his starting point each time, and moving up behind gate three. The classy son of Bettors Delight looks ready to run a big race. Multiple investors should also consider the claims of LOORRIM LAKE (5), with the Treuer winner stepping out for his assignment since a 20m 6th to Wolf Stride back on July 16. The 5yo hasn’t been to the official trials, but that is the ‘norm’ when it comes to Kevin Pizzuto-trained runners.

I CAST NO SHADOW 1, Fire Fox 2, Alta Orlando 3, Whereyabinboppin 4.

RACE SEVEN:

This is the first semi-final for the young fillies and will feature the might of the Emma Stewart stable up against one of the up and coming locals in Cameron Ross. While the Victorian-based MAJOR DELIGHT (5) is likely to head around to the start as favourite, the exciting PEACEFUL (11) is worth the gamble. The daughter of Sweet Lou, apart from contesting her biggest and toughest assignment, has also drawn awkwardly out in gate 10 while Major Delight will leave the machine from five. After debuting with an eye-catching 2nd to Sweetheart Bart at this venue back on Sept 6, Peaceful has done nothing but improve and is still fine tuning her craft. However, despite that learning experience still taking place, the 2yo has won her past three, the latest at Penrith when she was never comfortable on the smaller circuit. Working three deep from a 2nd line draw, then outside the leader, Peaceful had little trouble defeating Tukurua and Eve Crocker. Back to the open spaces and sweeping turns of the Menangle circuit, and Peaceful will be far more relaxed and comfortable and while it will be a ‘wait and see’ how the opening stages unfold, expect to see the filly stretching out boldly down the straight, just as her brilliant mum, Frith, did on numerous occasions. MAJOR DELIGHT (5) is the one to beat as the daughter of Bettors Delight arrives with an unbeaten record following four trips to the races. After contesting two races, the latter being the $150,000 Gold Bullion for her age and sex, Major Delight headed to the paddock mid-May, prior to returning with a comfortable win at Melton on September 10 when she led in defeating Our Princess Di and Delightfull Tammy. Next stop was Wagga 20 days later for a heat of this series and, once again, Major Delight had little trouble dictating the terms from start to finish, leaving Ozzie Sweet Pea and Sweet Agenda to fight out the minors. The lead role will again be on offer for Major Delight and Mark Pitt will then present the filly with every chance to keep her unblemished record intact. Outside of the two main players, PROMISELAND (1) is capable of giving a good account after drawing the pole. Prepared by Michael Doltoff and to be driven by Luke McCarthy, the filly is coming off a slid all-the-way win in defeating Roll With Sloy and Ohana Dancer. The filly will again occupy a favourable role close to the action and that will enhance her claims of progressing further in the series. When it comes to the exotics the consistent SWEET AGENDA (2) should be linked to the combinations while FRENWOOD MIRACLE (7) also has claims as the filly has been reliable to date, courtesy of being placed in all four runs.

PEACEFUL 1, Major Delight 2, Promiseland 3, Sweet Agenda 4.

RACE EIGHT:

The strong Victorian influence will again be evident in semi-final number two for the girls, with the Russell Jack-prepared TREASURE STRIDE (7) facing the starter as the one to beat. The Captaintreacherous filly has greeted the judge in four of her five assignments, with her only defeat resulting in a 12.9m 4th to Jewel Melody in the G1 Bathurst Gold Tiara. Spelled after that particular March challenge, Treasure Stride is unbeaten this preparation after a hat-trick of wins at Wagga, culminating with a comfortable all-the-way heat win on September 30, when she accounted for Frenwood Miracle and When To Foldem. From the middle of the front line, Treasure Stride should be able to stride across and take up the running, en route to greeting the judge. ROLL WITH SLOY (6) battled on stoutly in finishing a 4.2m 2nd to stablemate Promiseland and the Roll With Joe filly again has bright prospects when it comes to looming as a possible threat. EVE CROCKER (9) led in easily taking out her heat over Most Triumphant and Dat Lovely. A daughter of Somebeachsomewhere, Eve Crocker, like Roll With Sloy, is prepared by Michael Doltoff, who has enjoyed plenty of success in races of this nature so he will have his team primed and ready for action. Dual code mentor Ashlee Grives will be represented by the reliable SAVEEON (1), with the pole position giving daughter of Warrawee Needy every chance to secure a kind peg role, without the need for any early, hustle and bustle. Ashlee gave the filly a kind run behind the leader when she finished strongly in defeating Keilor Baby Shark and Kowhai Blaze. Older rivals but it made no difference to Saveeon. The filly did lead in taking out her heat, with ease, but this will be a harder task so the stalking role will be appealing. MISS FROUFROU (2) has been on the improve and she is a value exotic player for Darren McCall.

TREASURE STRIDE 1, Roll With Sloy 2, Eve Crocker 3, Saveeon 4.

RACE NINE:

The Mark Hewitt trained and driven filly NOT TO BE DENIED (2) will take on older rivals of both gender, but she remains the one to beat after drawing ideally in two. The Always B Miki 3yo drew eight when she contested the Breeders NSW Pink Diamond at Menangle a couple of weeks ago, which resulted in a gallant 4.2m 2nd to Ideal in Dreams. Restrained from the draw in settling back in the pack, Not To be Denied hit the line strongly, but the winner was able to enjoy a kind, three peg role, and that made all the difference. This time around Mark will be able to provide Not To be Denied with a better run, closer to the action and ready to strike when called upon. And, that will see the filly, not being denied the opportunity to greet the judge. Former Kiwi LOYALIST (9) is bound to create plenty of interest as he looks to remain unbeaten on this side of the Tasman since joining the Joe Conolly team. Both his wins to date have been on the Penrith circuit, and both by comfortable margins, the latter when he led in defeating Kingston Shannon and Rock Nien. A tougher task and a wide draw awaits the 5yo son of Bettors Delight, however, he looks to be well above-average. ROMANEE (60 led in scoring here two starts ago, accounting for Wattlebank Lass and Rock Fisherman, then ran on fairly from a midfield role when a useful 12m 5th to the promising Port Au Prince a week ago. The Jack Trainor-prepared 4yo is capable of playing a far more active role in the finish so don’t ignore his prospects. ZAMBIA (4) also posted a solid win two starts ago, then finished a safely held 7th to Port Au Prince. With the benefit of a better draw, Zambia is capable of a creditable display so include the 5yo in exotic transactions. MASONS DELIGHT (3) broke when moving into the race as a threat before going off stride, which resulted in a 32.7m 8th to Far Out Bro at Newcastle last week. A Menangle winner prior, Masons Delight would have been in the finish so include him when it comes to the multiples. GO JACK RYAN (7), FEAR CRUISIN (10) and HEZ DUSTY (11), which is resuming from a tricky draw, also have claims in that regard.

NOT TO BE DENIED 1, Loyalist 2, Romanee 3, Zambia 4.

RACE 10:

With an Inter Dominion spot already booked, former Kiwi PHOEBE ONYX (4) again looks the one to beat following his stylish win here a couple of weeks ago. First-up for the KerryAnn Morris team, Phoebe Onyx stepped cleanly from behind the tapes, enjoyed a kind run in transit, then took control of the race on the home turn, en route to defeating Andoverlov and Regal Attire by a comfortable margin. Fitter for the outing, and suitably drawn in four, the 6yo son of Wishing Stone will be looking to win his first race under mobile conditions, with his 17 races to date from behind the machine resulting in eight placings. Another former Kiwi in REGAL ATTIRE (8) has also impressed since joining the Jarrod Alchin team. Runner-up on debut, Regal Attire then posted two impressive wins from behind the tapes, then the mobile, before a grinding 8.3m 3rd to Phoebe Onyx in the G2 Trotters Cup when off a 10m handicap. Back to the mobile, and although the son of Muscle Hill has drawn wide, that won’t prevent him from being a major contender for the top spot. WATTS UP MAJESTIC (7) was never a threat when a 10.9m 5th to Phoebe Onyx in the Trotters Cup, but he will enjoy going back to the mobile conditions, and he certainly has the talent to be a threat once again. The consistent PRINCESS FAITH (1) has drawn perfectly in gate one and that will ensure that the mare again produces a productive effort while BACARDI BARMAID (3), SUNNY GEE (5), VAN SANK (6) and SIR FAHRENHEIT (10) stay under notice as exotic contenders.

PHOEBE ONYX 1, Regal attire 2, Watts Up Majestic 3, Princess Faith 4.

  – MIKE KO’CASS